Are Liposomal NAD+ Supplements the Best Choice for Oral NAD+?

NAD+ has become an increasingly popular area of interest in nutrition, healthy ageing and cellular health, but the way NAD+ is delivered matters when considering an oral NAD+ supplement. Liposomal NAD+ claims often focus on improved absorption and protection during digestion, yet marketing claims need to be considered alongside formulation science and peer-reviewed research. 

In this article, insights are provided by Vivere's Head of Nutrition, Yusra Serdaroglu Aydin MSc RD, a nutritionist with a background in nutrition, food engineering and culinary arts. Her approach is grounded in science and shaped by a strong understanding of personalised nutrition and the human microbiome, helping to put emerging NAD+ products into an appropriate consumer context.

Liposomal NAD+ may offer a promising delivery format, but current evidence is too limited to establish it as the best oral NAD+ option compared with better-studied NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR).

• Is liposomal NAD+ the best oral NAD+ supplement? 

Liposomal delivery has a plausible scientific rationale, but there is currently not enough high-quality human evidence to establish liposomal NAD+ as the best oral NAD+ supplement.

• Why is regular oral NAD+ poorly absorbed? 

NAD+ is a large and chemically complex coenzyme that is vulnerable to breakdown during digestion, meaning swallowing NAD+ does not necessarily result in intact NAD+ reaching cells.

• Should I take liposomal NAD+ or NR/NMN instead? 

NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside have a stronger human evidence base for raising NAD+ compared to oral pre-formed NAD+, while NMN has a different regulatory position in Great Britain.

• What raises NAD+ most reliably? 

Regular physical activity, a varied diet supplying relevant nutrients, sufficient sleep and sensible alcohol consumption provide a stronger foundation for supporting normal NAD+ production and recycling.

• Does formulation matter? 

Formulation can influence how a supplement behaves during digestion, but a liposomal label alone does not prove that more NAD+ reaches the body's cells or that a product provides superior outcomes.

Oral NAD+ absorption is challenging because NAD+ is a relatively large, charged and chemically sensitive molecule that can be dismantled during digestion before it can reach tissues in its original form.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, commonly known as NAD+, is a coenzyme found throughout the body. It has important roles in energy metabolism and is involved in processes associated with cellular maintenance and repair. NAD+ is particularly important in mitochondria, where it participates in metabolic reactions involved in producing ATP, the main energy-carrying molecule used by cells. It is also involved in the activity of enzymes such as sirtuins and other proteins associated with cellular function.

However, the fact that NAD+ is important to the body does not mean that swallowing NAD+ is equivalent to directly increasing intracellular NAD+.

NAD+ is a relatively large and highly charged molecule. These characteristics make it difficult for intact NAD+ to simply pass across biological membranes. It is also susceptible to chemical instability and enzymatic breakdown.

When an oral supplement enters the digestive system, it encounters stomach acid, digestive enzymes, bile and other components of the gastrointestinal tract. These conditions can break larger molecules down into smaller components. Rather than remaining intact throughout digestion, NAD+ and related compounds can therefore undergo molecular dismantling before absorption.

"Taking NAD+ doesn’t simply mean increasing NAD+ levels in the body, as NAD+ can be broken down during digestion, which is why the delivery format matters." 

This distinction is important when assessing an oral NAD+ supplement. The body has its own systems for cellular NAD+ synthesis and recycling. Nutrients and NAD+ precursors can be absorbed and processed before being incorporated into these pathways.

The gut wall also presents a significant biological barrier. Even if a compound survives digestion, it must still cross the intestinal lining before entering circulation. Once absorbed, compounds may also undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver, further changing their availability and biological fate.

Research into NAD+ metabolism highlights its central role in energy metabolism and the function of several important cellular enzymes [1].

More recent research has also helped clarify what happens to orally consumed NAD+ precursors. Rather than simply entering the bloodstream as intact NAD+, these compounds can be degraded to nicotinamide and processed through pathways involving the intestine and liver. This reinforces the difference between consuming a pre-formed NAD+ molecule and providing the body with a substrate that can contribute to cellular NAD+ synthesis [2].

This is why oral NAD+ supplementation needs to be considered as a question of delivery and metabolism rather than simply dose.

Liposomal delivery attempts to surround a compound within a phospholipid structure that may provide some protection during digestion and potentially alter how the compound interacts with biological membranes.

A liposome is a small vesicle made from a phospholipid bilayer. Phospholipids are naturally associated with cell membranes, which has led researchers to investigate liposomes as delivery systems for compounds that can be difficult to deliver through conventional formulations.

Liposomal formulations can contain phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine, which may be sourced from ingredients including sunflower lecithin or soy lecithin. The resulting structure can resemble aspects of the lipid environment found in cell membranes.

The proposed rationale is relatively straightforward. Instead of presenting a compound directly to the digestive environment, the liposome may act as a protective structure around its cargo. In theory, this could improve survival through digestion and influence how the compound is subsequently released or interacts with cells.

Potential mechanisms that have been investigated include endocytosis, where cells engulf material from their surroundings, and membrane fusion, where lipid structures interact with cellular membranes. However, these mechanisms should not be interpreted as proof that an oral liposomal NAD+ product delivers intact NAD+ efficiently into human cells.

Liposomes have established scientific and clinical applications as delivery systems for certain compounds, demonstrating that the broader concept of lipid-based delivery is scientifically credible [3].

There is also human research showing that liposomal delivery can improve the absorption of some other nutrients. For example, a randomised trial found that liposomal vitamin C produced significantly higher plasma and leukocyte vitamin C concentrations than standard vitamin C [4].

Similarly, research involving oral liposomal glutathione reported increases in glutathione stores and certain immune markers [5].

However, different compounds behave differently in the digestive system. A liposome itself is not indestructible. Gastric acid, bile salts and digestive enzymes can disrupt liposomal structures, potentially resulting in leakage of their cargo before the intended delivery stage [6].

This is particularly relevant to oral NAD+. Laboratory research has reported that a liposomal NAD+ formulation improved intracellular NAD+ and produced anti-senescence effects in cells. While interesting, laboratory findings cannot automatically be translated into equivalent effects in people taking an oral supplement [7].

The most important point is that evidence for oral liposomal NAD+ in humans remains preliminary, with a small non-randomised study reporting an approximately 64% increase in intracellular NAD+ over two weeks.

One study involving 14 participants examined 1,000 mg of oral liposomal NAD+ and reported an approximately 64% increase in intracellular NAD+ over a two-week period. This is an interesting finding, but the study was small, non-randomised and uncontrolled. There was no placebo group, and the study had industry links, meaning the results need to be interpreted cautiously rather than treated as definitive proof of superiority [8].

The absence of independent replication is also important. A single small study cannot establish that a formulation consistently raises NAD+ in different populations, at different doses or over longer periods.

There is another consideration: liposome disruption in digestion. Gastric acid, bile salts and pancreatic enzymes can affect liposomal structures, potentially causing cargo leakage. Consequently, the presence of a liposomal formulation does not guarantee that the entire NAD+ payload will survive digestion or reach its intended destination.

This does not make liposomal NAD+ ineffective. Instead, it means the distinction between a plausible delivery mechanism and a proven clinical outcome matters.

A useful way to view the current evidence is that liposomal NAD+ has a reasonable formulation rationale but a relatively thin human evidence base. Claims that a liposomal product is automatically superior to every other oral NAD+ supplement go beyond what the available evidence can currently demonstrate.

When comparing liposomal NAD+ versus precursors, nicotinamide riboside (NR) currently has a more established human evidence base for increasing NAD+ than pre-formed oral NAD+.

NAD+ precursors work differently from pre-formed NAD+. Rather than attempting to deliver the NAD+ molecule itself, compounds such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide can enter metabolic pathways that contribute to NAD+ production.

This distinction matters because the body's cells already have biochemical systems for making NAD+. Providing a suitable precursor may therefore fit naturally into these existing pathways.

Human research on nicotinamide riboside has demonstrated dose-dependent increases in whole-blood NAD+. In one relatively large randomised trial involving 140 participants, NR supplementation increased whole-blood NAD+ by approximately 22%, 51% and 142% depending on the dose, with increases observed within two weeks and maintained during the study period. NR was also reported to be well tolerated [9].

An earlier human study also found that a single oral dose of NR could increase blood NAD+ by up to 2.7-fold in a dose-dependent manner [10].

Additional randomised research has supported the tolerability of chronic NR supplementation and its ability to elevate NAD+ levels [11].

That does not mean that NR has been proven to provide every health benefit sometimes attributed to NAD+ supplementation. Evidence that a supplement raises a biomarker is not the same as evidence that it prevents disease, extends lifespan or produces a particular clinical outcome.

Research continues to examine what NR supplementation actually does in humans and where its clinical potential may lie [12].

NMN is another NAD+ precursor that has attracted substantial interest. Human research has reported potentially relevant metabolic effects, including improved muscle insulin sensitivity in a study involving women with prediabetes. However, findings relating to blood NAD+ and other outcomes have been less consistent across NMN research [13].

The evidence therefore does not support a simple "winner" between liposomal NAD+, NR and NMN. Different products have different formulations, mechanisms and evidence bases.

In Great Britain, the regulatory position is particularly important because nicotinamide riboside is authorised as a novel food under specified food supplement conditions, whereas NMN does not have the same authorised status for sale as a food supplement.

This means consumers should not assume that a product being widely advertised or sold online is automatically compliant with UK food regulations. Products can appear on marketplaces and websites despite questions about whether their ingredients and claims meet the relevant requirements.

The Food Standards Agency's novel food register provides an important reference point when considering the regulatory status of ingredients marketed as supplements [14].

"We cannot simply say that liposomal NAD+ is the best oral option. Although the science behind liposomal delivery is promising, more human research is needed to determine how effectively it can deliver NAD+ and whether it offers meaningful advantages over other oral forms. At the same time, liposomal delivery is a well-established area of research, particularly for delicate ingredients that may benefit from additional protection during digestion. This makes it a promising approach for delivering sensitive compounds such as NAD+."

Consumers should therefore consider the ingredient, its regulatory status, the quality of the product, the evidence behind its claims and the advice of an appropriate healthcare professional where necessary.

A sensible oral liposomal NAD+ buying guide should focus on transparency, independent testing and realistic claims rather than relying on the word "liposomal" as a guarantee of quality.

Product quality can vary considerably between supplements. Consumers should look for clear information about the amount of NAD+ supplied, the ingredients used to create the liposome and the manufacturing and testing standards applied to the finished product.

A transparent product should provide meaningful information about its liposomal formulation, including the phospholipid source where appropriate.

Ingredients such as phosphatidylcholine, sunflower lecithin or soy lecithin can be used in lipid-based delivery systems, but their presence alone does not establish that a product has superior bioavailability.

The important question is not simply whether a product contains phospholipids. It is whether the finished formulation has been appropriately characterised and whether evidence supports the manufacturer's specific absorption claims.

Independent testing can provide additional reassurance about what is actually present in a supplement.

Where available, consumers can look for evidence of testing that verifies the identity, purity and consistency of the ingredients. Testing should ideally relate to the finished product rather than relying solely on certificates associated with individual raw materials.

For NAD+ products, this means distinguishing between verification of NAD+ content and evidence that the NAD+ is delivered intact to human cells.

Claims should be proportionate to the evidence.

A product description that explains the scientific rationale behind liposomal delivery is very different from a claim that a particular formulation has been proven to deliver dramatically more NAD+ into human cells.

Consumers should be cautious of language suggesting guaranteed anti-ageing effects, disease prevention, dramatically increased energy or exceptional longevity without appropriate clinical evidence.

A sophisticated-sounding delivery system can be scientifically interesting while still requiring further research.

Vivere takes an evidence-led approach to NAD+, placing food, lifestyle and product quality within the same broader picture rather than presenting supplementation as a replacement for healthy habits.

The goal is to consider nutrition, supplement quality and delivery together. NAD+ is an interesting area of cellular biology, but responsible consumer guidance means distinguishing established science from emerging research and marketing claims.

This approach reflects the wider philosophy described by Vivere, which combines personalised health information, nutritional guidance and science-led products with an emphasis on informed decision-making.

Supporting NAD+ is not simply about taking a supplement because the body naturally produces and recycles NAD+ through several interconnected metabolic pathways.

Everyday habits can influence the processes involved in NAD+ production and recycling. Exercise, nutrition, sleep and alcohol consumption therefore remain relevant when considering cellular NAD+ alongside any supplement.

One particularly interesting pathway involves the NAMPT enzyme, which plays a central role in the NAD+ salvage pathway. This pathway helps recycle nicotinamide back into NAD+, supporting the body's ability to maintain NAD+ availability.

Research has found that training can increase NAMPT in skeletal muscle, providing evidence that regular physical activity can influence the machinery involved in NAD+ recycling [15].

Regular physical activity is one of the most useful foundations for supporting healthy metabolism and the body's natural NAD+ recycling systems.

Exercise does not need to be extreme to be worthwhile. Walking, resistance training, cycling, swimming and other forms of regular movement can contribute to an active lifestyle.

The aim should be sustainable activity that fits into everyday life rather than viewing exercise solely as a way to influence one biochemical pathway.

A varied diet supplies nutrients that the body uses in energy metabolism and NAD+ production, including vitamin B3 and the amino acid tryptophan.

Vitamin B3 includes niacin and related forms of the vitamin. Foods containing relevant nutrients include fish, poultry, eggs, wholegrains, peanuts and mushrooms. Tryptophan is also found in many protein-rich foods.

The NHS provides guidance on B vitamins, including dietary sources of niacin, supporting a food-first approach to meeting nutritional requirements [16].

A varied diet also provides protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that contribute to overall health. Looking at the whole dietary pattern is therefore more useful than focusing on a single nutrient.

Sleep and sensible alcohol consumption are important parts of a broader healthy lifestyle and should not be overlooked when discussing cellular health.

Poor sleep can affect energy, appetite, metabolic health and everyday wellbeing. Excessive alcohol consumption can also have wider effects on nutrition and metabolic function.

Rather than looking for a supplement that compensates for poor lifestyle habits, it is more realistic to protect sleep quality and follow UK recommendations around alcohol consumption.

Supplements should complement healthy habits rather than replace them.

"The foundations come first: regular exercise, a varied protein-rich and plant-rich diet, good sleep and sensible drinking habits. These support cellular energy and overall health. An NAD+ product can then be considered as an extra, rather than something expected to compensate for gaps in the foundations."

This approach also helps establish realistic expectations. A supplement may form part of a person's personal health routine, but it should not be viewed as a shortcut to improved health or longevity.

Liposomal NAD+ may offer a theoretical advantage because the liposome is designed to provide molecule protection through digestion, but it has not been firmly proven to outperform standard oral NAD+ in high-quality human research.

Standard oral NAD+ faces absorption challenges because the molecule can be broken down during digestion. Liposomal delivery attempts to address some of these challenges, but the available evidence includes only a small uncontrolled human study. This is not enough to establish a definitive advantage.

Oral liposomal NAD+ and IV NAD+ are fundamentally different delivery routes, with IV administration bypassing digestion altogether.

IV NAD+ can deliver a substance directly into the bloodstream, whereas an oral liposomal NAD+ supplement must pass through the gastrointestinal system. The two approaches should therefore not be treated as equivalent.

In the UK, IV NAD+ should also be considered within the regulatory framework for medicines and prescribing. An unlicensed medicine supplied as a "special" is subject to specific requirements by the MHRA and is not the same as a standard food supplement [17].

An oral liposomal NAD+ supplement is therefore a gentler and less certain approach rather than a direct equivalent to IV administration.

NAD+ precursors may be worth considering where the priority is choosing an oral ingredient with a stronger human evidence base for raising NAD+.

Nicotinamide riboside has been investigated in several randomised controlled trials and is authorised as a novel food for specified uses in Great Britain. NMN has also been studied in humans, but its regulatory position differs, and it is not authorised for sale as a food supplement in Great Britain.

Consumers should therefore look beyond marketing claims and check exactly what they are buying, particularly when purchasing from online marketplaces or overseas sellers.

Although some foods contain trace amounts of NAD+, the body primarily produces NAD+ through its own metabolic pathways, using precursors supplied through the diet, including vitamin B3 and the amino acid tryptophan.

Vitamin B3, including niacin, contributes to NAD+ metabolism and is available from foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, wholegrains, peanuts and mushrooms. Tryptophan can also contribute to NAD+ synthesis.

Regular exercise can support the body's natural NAD+ production and recycling systems, meaning a healthy lifestyle provides multiple ways of supporting normal NAD+ biology.

The term "NAD+ supplement" covers a loosely defined category of products with varying ingredients, formulations and regulatory considerations, so consumers should assess the specific product rather than assuming every product is treated identically.

Nicotinamide riboside is an authorised novel food under specified conditions in Great Britain. NMN does not have the same authorisation for sale as a food supplement.

This makes it particularly important to check product claims, ingredients and regulatory status before buying. Consumers should also be cautious about products that make medicinal or disease-related claims that go beyond what is permitted for food supplements.

“The evidence suggests that liposomal NAD+ has a credible formulation rationale but should not yet be presented as the definitive answer to the oral NAD+ absorption problem. A phospholipid shell may theoretically offer protection during digestion, but theory and proof are not the same thing, and the current human evidence remains thin.

The foundations remain exercise, a varied protein-rich and plant-rich diet, good sleep and moderate drinking, with an NAD+ product considered as an additional choice rather than a substitute for healthy habits. Product quality, formulation transparency and evidence-backed claims also matter, so a degree of scepticism towards dramatic promises is appropriate as research into NAD+ and healthy ageing continues.”

Vivere helps you take control of your health with personalised insights from state-of-the-art gut microbiome testing, nutritional guidance, science-backed supplements, NAD injections and expert support. Sign up today and start living better, for longer.  

[1] A major review of NAD+ metabolism

[2] Research on how oral NAD+ is broken down in digestion

[3] A review of liposome structure and clinical uses

[4] A randomised trial of liposomal vitamin C absorption

[5] A trial of oral liposomal glutathione

[6] Research on what happens to liposomes in the gut

[7] A laboratory study of a liposomal NAD+ formulation

[8] A small study of oral liposomal NAD+

[9] The largest randomised trial of nicotinamide riboside

[10] The first human study proving oral NR raises NAD+

[11] A randomised trial of chronic NR supplementation

[12] A review of what NR supplementation is actually known to do

[13] A randomised trial of NMN in prediabetic women

[14] The FSA novel food register

[15] Research showing exercise raises the NAD+ salvage enzyme NAMPT

[16] NHS guidance on B vitamins including niacin

[17] MHRA guidance on unlicensed "specials" medicines