We're always looking for ways to maximize the most out of our health habits, and we geek out about getting the best possible results from the supplements we take. While no research explicitly examines the best time to take NAD supplements for an energy boost, we like to take ours as part of a morning routine.
The main reason is that this timing aligns with the body's circadian rhythms, which is when we naturally have higher levels of NAD, which makes sense as our cells prepare for higher energy demands for the day.
The Best Time to Take NAD+
One of the key influences in the longevity supplements field, Dr. David Sinclair, suggests that NAD boosters should be taken in the morning to align with the body's natural circadian clock.
While most of the research centers around NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) as precursors to the NAD+ coenzyme, some people prefer to take NAD+ supplements directly to elevate NAD levels in the bloodstream.
Although NAD+ is a large molecule and may be more challenging for cells to absorb, there's something to be said for boosting NAD levels directly, which could potentially benefit other metabolic pathways.
Although research specifically on the timing of NAD+ supplementation is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that taking it too late in the day may interfere with sleep. Thus, the ideal time is typically in the morning as part of your daily supplement stack.
In the Morning
Taking NAD+ boosters like NMN or NR in the morning is widely recommended for optimal results, as this is when the body naturally has higher levels of NAD.
The doses can depend on your health goals and can range between 100 mg - 800 mg per serving.
Since NAD is important for cellular repair and metabolic processes, a morning dose can ensure your body has what it needs to support these activities throughout the day.
Dr. David Sinclair is known to take his NAD support supplements with resveratrol in the morning for this very reason.
Another recommended thing to do with NAD supplements is to take them with your food intake, as they may help reduce the chances of an upset stomach that people tend to get when taking capsules in a fasted state. A light meal with healthy fats should do the trick.
In the Afternoon
The afternoon slumps can often coincide with a heavy lunch, making it difficult to focus. Taking NAD supplements in the afternoon isn't as common, but it can still benefit those who forget to take their dose in the morning or prefer a mid-day energy boost.
Remember that taking your NAD boosters too late in the afternoon may elevate your NAD_+ levels later in the day, interfering with the body's natural preparation for rest.
In the Evenings
While there isn't any concrete proof that you shouldn't take NAD+ supplements at night, there are many personal accounts of people reporting interrupted sleep quality if they take their NAD boosters too late in the day.
Some users reported feeling more tired or restless when taking NAD in the evenings, making it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Given the risk of disturbing a good night's sleep, we'd avoid taking NAD in the evenings unless you're specifically trying to stay away or boost your energy late in the day.
So, when should you Supplement NAD?
The best time to take NAD+ supplements is typically in the morning to align with your body's circadian clock, allowing you to take advantage of the naturally higher NAD+ levels when your cells are most active.
While some people might take NAD+ capsules in the afternoon, avoiding evening or nighttime doses is generally advisable as it could interfere with your sleep schedule.
