7 Common NAD Deficiency Symptoms

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, better known as NAD, is one of the most important molecules in your body. It’s responsible for energy production, supports metabolism and helps to repair DNA. In fact, every cell in your body relies on NAD to function properly and without it, the body’s systems begin to slow down.

Unfortunately, NAD levels naturally decline with age, stress, poor diet and illness. When this happens, energy production drops, cells struggle to regenerate and you might start to notice symptoms that can affect your body and mind. 
Here, we look at seven common symptoms of NAD deficiency, explain why they happen and how NAD+ therapy could help to restore balance in your body.

1. Persistent Fatigue and Low Energy

One of the most common signs of NAD deficiency is constant tiredness, no matter how much sleep you get. You might find it difficult to get through the day and rely heavily on caffeine for energy boosts. Low levels of NAD can make even the smallest of tasks feel draining. 

This is because NAD is essential for mitochondrial energy production. In short, this is the process that turns food into usable energy. When NAD levels drop, your mitochondria doesn’t function properly, leading to slower metabolism and lower energy output. Supporting your body’s NAD levels and production can restore your underlying energy and resilience.

2. Brain Fog and Difficulty Concentrating

If you feel mentally sluggish, forgetful or find it hard to focus, you could be suffering from NAD deficiency.

NAD helps maintain healthy neuronal function and supports the production of key neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin – both of which are key for mental clarity and focus. When NAD is low, your brain cells aren’t able to communicate as effectively. But restoring NAD in your brain can improve cognitive function and lead to sharper thinking.

3. Muscle Weakness and Slower Recovery

Whenever you exercise, NAD helps your cells to produce energy and supports recovery by aiding tissue repair and reducing oxidative stress. With low levels of NAD, you might have reduced strength and stamina, increased soreness and inflammation and also find it hard to recover quickly after workouts. 

If you’re training the same way and not seeing any results, NAD deficiency could be the issue. That’s where NAD+ comes in, helping to support cellular recovery and energy, at a deeper level, meaning your body can bounce back faster. 

4. Mood Changes and Irritability

Mood swings, irritability and low motivation – these can all be linked to NAD deficiency. This is because NAD plays a role in the production and regulation of neurotransmitters. These are the brain’s chemical messengers and are responsible for mood balance.

When NAD is depleted, the brain’s ability to manage serotonin and dopamine can be affected, which is why some people experience stress, anxiety and mild depressive symptoms. 

While mood changes can be caused by many factors, supporting cellular energy and neurotransmitter function through NAD+ supplementation can help to promote balance and resilience.

5. Poor Sleep and Disrupted Circadian Rhythm

If you suffer from irregular sleep patterns – such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings or feeling tired despite a full night’s rest – NAD could be a factor.

NAD helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which is the internal clock that governs sleep and wake cycles. NAD works with the signals that control when we feel alert or sleep so when levels drop, these signals can become dysregulated.

However, by supporting NAD function, your body will be able to maintain its natural rhythms and you will likely experience better sleep and improved daytime energy.

6. Premature Signs of Ageing

NAD supports DNA repair and activates proteins called sirtuins which help protect our cells from age-related damage. When NAD declines, so does our body’s ability to repair and regenerate. This can manifest as fine lines, wrinkles and skin changes as well as slower metabolism, weight gain and reduced physical energy. 

In other words, low levels of NAD can make you feel and appear older than you are. This is why replenishing NAD has become popular in anti-ageing and wellness medicine all around the world.

7. Weakened Immunity

Your immune system also requires NAD for proper function. NAD supports immune cell metabolism and repair, allowing your body to respond effectively to inflammation and pathogens. 

When NAD levels are low, your immune cells might not work as well, making you more prone to colds and infections, slower recovery times and chronic fatigue and inflammation. Supporting NAD levels can help to maintain a healthy body and immune response.

What to Do if You Suspect NAD Deficiency

If you recognise any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional guidance before starting any therapy. They will be able to assess your symptoms, order relevant tests and discuss NAD level indicators and also recommend a personalised treatment plan.

In some cases, NAD+ supplements can be used to restore NAD levels safely by allowing it to be delivered directly to your cells to support overall well-being. For more information, head to our FAQs.  

Support Your Health With NAD+

NAD is vital for almost every process in your body, from energy production to brain function, mood and immunity.

So, when your levels drop, it can affect how you feel, think, act and age. Recognising the symptoms of NAD deficiency early can help you take proactive steps, and by replenishing your NAD+ levels through safe and professional therapy, you can regain a sense of strength and balance. 

It’s important to note that NAD+ supplementation and any other supplementation should not be seen as a fix-all solution, and it should never replace advice from your GP, exercise and healthy eating. Instead, supplements should be seen as a powerful complementary tool that can elevate your health and wellness and make you feel better from the inside out. 

Discover how NAD+ At Home can support your energy and wellbeing.