Posted by EssenzaVital Team
on 11/05/2026
But do you really know what NAD+ is?
Athletes talk about it, aging researchers have been studying it for years, and its popularity keeps growing. But what exactly is this molecule, why might its levels change with age, and what is the relationship being investigated between NAD+, skin, cellular energy, and collagen? Take five minutes to find out.
Have you ever felt that your body no longer responds exactly as it did ten years ago? Maybe you need more rest time, notice changes in your daily energy, or see your skin differently, even if you don’t yet consider yourself an older person.
These changes can be due to numerous factors related to age, lifestyle, rest, diet, and overall health. Among the processes studied by science is the metabolism of a coenzyme little known outside the scientific field.
Its name is NAD+.
What is NAD+ and why does it generate so much interest?
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Although its name may sound like something from a chemistry exam, it is a coenzyme naturally present in cells and necessary for numerous biological reactions.
It can be imagined as an intermediary molecule involved in various cellular processes. It is not just an ingredient used in dietary supplements but a substance that the body naturally uses.
NAD+ participates in cellular energy metabolism, in certain pathways related to DNA repair, and in the activity of various enzymes. Its functions are complex and continue to be researched, especially in areas related to metabolism and biological changes associated with aging.
Scientists have known about this molecule since the early 20th century. In recent decades, interest in NAD+ has increased due to studies analyzing how its levels change with age and what factors may influence its metabolism.
🔬 Imai and Guarente (2014) – NAD+ and Sirtuins in Aging and Disease. NIH PubMed
What we know about NAD+ changes with age
Various studies have observed that NAD+ levels may progressively decrease during adulthood. This is part of complex biological processes and does not by itself mean there is a disease or a diagnosable deficiency.
| Age | General trend described in some studies |
|---|---|
| 20 years old | Generally higher levels 🟢 |
| 40 years old | Possible gradual decrease 🟡 |
| 60 years old | Potentially lower levels 🟠 |
| 80 years old | More marked decline in some tissues 🔴 |
This table represents a general trend described in the scientific literature. It does not constitute an individual measurement or personal diagnosis.
The magnitude of change can vary considerably depending on the person, the tissue analyzed, and the measurement method.
Among the studied mechanisms is the activity of the enzyme CD38, which participates in NAD+ consumption. Its use is also investigated during certain cellular repair pathways, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other metabolic processes.
Simply put, the body continues to use NAD+ in numerous reactions, while its availability may change over time.
🔬 Massudi et al. (2012) – NAD+ decline measured in human tissue. PLOS ONE
What functions does NAD+ perform?
⚡ Cellular energy metabolism Mitochondria participate in converting nutrients into cellular energy. NAD+ is involved in various reactions necessary for this process and in ATP production.
🔧 Processes related to DNA repair DNA can be damaged by ultraviolet radiation, normal metabolism, and other environmental factors. Some enzymes involved in repair pathways, such as PARPs, use NAD+ during their activity.
🧬 Sirtuin activity Sirtuins, known as SIRT1–SIRT7, are enzymes studied for their role in various metabolic and cellular processes. Their activity depends, among other factors, on the availability of NAD+.
🧠 Brain and cardiovascular health: an active area of research The relationship between NAD+ metabolism, cognitive function, and the cardiovascular system continues to be studied. Current research does not allow for attributing specific clinical benefits to a dietary supplement without evaluating each formulation and population separately.
Habits related to the natural metabolism of NAD+
🥩 Maintain a varied diet The body can produce NAD+ using nutrients such as niacin or vitamin B3. This vitamin is found in foods like chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, mushrooms, legumes, and whole grains.
🏃 Move regularly Physical activity influences numerous metabolic processes. Some studies investigate its relationship with enzymes involved in the natural pathways of NAD+ synthesis and recycling.
⏰ Maintain eating schedules that suit you Intermittent fasting and other eating patterns are studied for their possible influence on cellular metabolism. They are not suitable for everyone and should not be started without professional advice if there are illnesses, pregnancy, medication, or a history of eating disorders.
🫐 Include a variety of plant-based foods Fruits, vegetables, tea, and other plant-based foods contain polyphenols and numerous compounds that are part of a balanced diet.
😴 Prioritize adequate rest Cellular metabolism is related to circadian rhythms. Maintaining regular schedules and good sleep quality supports normal body function.
Collagen and its possible relationship with the cellular environment
NAD+ and collagen are usually studied in different scientific fields. However, there is growing interest in understanding how cellular metabolism can influence the cells that produce and organize collagen fibers.
Collagen is one of the most abundant structural proteins in the body. It is present in the skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues. Its production and organization can gradually change with age.
| Age | General trend of collagen production |
|---|---|
| 20 years old | Generally higher |
| 40 years old | Gradual decrease |
| 60 years old | More noticeable changes |
| 80 years old | Production and organization different from youth |
NAD+ levels and collagen-related processes can change with age, but this does not prove a direct causal relationship nor that consuming NAD+ increases collagen production in people.
Collagen is mainly produced by cells called fibroblasts. Like all cells, fibroblasts need energy and participate in numerous metabolic pathways. Some laboratory studies investigate how different molecules related to NAD+ metabolism can influence their activity.
In a laboratory study published in 2025, human fibroblasts treated with a NAD+ precursor showed changes in certain markers related to type I collagen. These results come from a cell model and do not demonstrate the same effect in people who consume a dietary supplement.
Prudent conclusion: the relationship between NAD+ metabolism, fibroblast activity, and collagen remains an area of scientific research.
What sets hydrolyzed collagen apart?
Not all collagen raw materials have exactly the same structure or format.
Native collagen is a large protein. Hydrolyzed collagen has undergone a process that breaks the protein into smaller peptides. During digestion, these peptides break down into amino acids and peptide fragments that the body processes and uses in various ways.
Some clinical studies have analyzed the consumption of hydrolyzed collagen peptides and certain skin-related parameters. The results depend on dose, duration, formulation, and participant characteristics, so they do not guarantee the same effects for everyone.
The liquid format mainly offers a practical advantage: the formula is already prepared and can be taken directly or mixed with a drink. It should not automatically be considered more effective or better absorbed than powder or capsules.
EssenzaVital® liquid collagen: a complete and convenient formula
EssenzaVital® liquid collagen combines hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides with NAD+, hyaluronic acid, and a carefully selected botanical extract. It comes in a concentrated liquid formula that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Each 25 ml dose contains:
- 🐄 13,000 mg of hydrolyzed bovine collagen — a source of collagen peptides containing amino acids such as glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine
- 💧 30,000 μg of hyaluronic acid — a substance naturally present in various tissues of the body
- ⚡ 20,000 μg of NAD+ — coenzyme present in the formula and studied for its role in numerous cellular processes
- 🌲 50,000 μg of French maritime pine bark extract — carefully selected botanical ingredient to complete the formula for women
Also: made according to GMP · produced under management systems certified according to ISO 9001 and ISO 22716 · BPA-free bottle · raspberry and lemon flavor · 500 ml, equivalent to 20 doses
Directions for use: take 25 ml per day, about two tablespoons, directly or mixed with still water or a cold beverage. Always follow the label instructions.
One last thought
Now you know what NAD+ is, why it attracts scientific interest, and how its levels can change with age. You also understand the difference between native collagen and hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
When choosing a dietary supplement, it is advisable to check the composition, dosage per serving, ease of use, and the manufacturer's quality documentation.
👇 Discover EssenzaVital® liquid collagen with NAD+:
Do you have any questions? Our team will be happy to help you learn more about the available formulas.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. EssenzaVital® products are dietary supplements, not medicines. They should not be used as substitutes for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are taking medication, have any illness, are pregnant, or have doubts about their suitability.
📚 Scientific references
- Imai and Guarente (2014) – NAD+ and Sirtuins in Aging and Disease – 🔗 NIH PMC
- Massudi et al. (2012) – NAD+ decline in human tissue – 🔗 PLOS ONE
- Fang et al. (2017) – NAD+ Biosynthesis, Aging, and Disease – 🔗 NIH PMC
- Auwerx et al. (2016) – Emerging Therapeutic Roles for NAD+ – 🔗 NIH PMC
- NADage Clinical Trial – ClinicalTrials.gov – 🔗 NCT06208527
- Kawashima et al. (2025) – NAD+ Precursor and Collagen in Fibroblasts – 🔗 PMC
- Proksch et al. (2014) – Oral Collagen Peptides and Skin – 🔗 PubMed
- Varani et al. (2006) – Collagen Production and Aging – 🔗 PubMed
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