What Colour Should NAD+ Be, and Is It the Best Way To Check for NAD Purity?

NAD+ plays a crucial role in supporting energy production, cellular repair and overall vitality. As awareness of NAD+ supplementation grows, more people are beginning to notice differences in colour. Some appear clear, while others take on a faint yellow colour, raising questions about what this means for quality and purity.

The insights provided in this article are shared by Vivere’s Head of Nutrition, Yusra Serdaroglu Aydin, a registered dietitian 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. In this article, we explain what the colour of NAD+ really means, whether it affects quality and the most reliable ways to assess NAD+ purity.

The colour of NAD+ can vary naturally, and while a slight yellow tint often reflects authenticity rather than impurity, laboratory analysis and verified manufacturing standards remain the best ways to confirm NAD+ purity.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about the colour of NAD+ and whether it is a good way to check purity:

• NAD+ can appear clear or yellowish depending on its composition, storage and formulation. Vivere NAD+ contains 1000mg of NAD+, a high concentration that can deepen colour.

• A yellow tint is often due to trace amounts of NADH, a natural byproduct, rather than contamination.

• Clear solutions are not necessarily better. Purity depends on the absence of additives and proper formulation.

• The safest and most effective NAD+ products come from trusted manufacturers that meet pharmaceutical standards.

• Colour alone should never be used as a definitive indicator of NAD+ quality or safety.

The colour of NAD+ solutions can range from clear to pale yellow for several reasons. One major factor is the chemical nature of NAD+ itself. Pure NAD+ in powder form is usually white, but once dissolved in solution, it can take on a faint yellow shade. This does not indicate degradation or impurity. Instead, it often reflects small chemical changes or natural variations that occur during manufacturing or storage.

Environmental factors such as light, temperature and exposure to air can also influence colour. NAD+ is sensitive to oxidation, which can subtly change its appearance without affecting its overall effectiveness. NAD+ from Vivere is delivered cold using cool packs and should be stored in the fridge.

Another reason NAD+ colour varies is the absence of stabilising agents. Some manufacturers add stabilisers to preserve clarity and prevent oxidation. Additive-free NAD+ formulations (like the NAD+ provided by Vivere) are preferred because they avoid unnecessary chemicals. Without stabilisers, a mild yellow tint may appear naturally over time. This does not reduce the supplement’s effectiveness but instead reflects a more minimally processed form.

Trace amounts of NADH, the reduced form of NAD+, can also influence colour. NADH absorbs light at around 340 nm, giving the solution a yellowish tint. This mild discolouration indicates a formulation closer to its natural biochemical state. NADH plays a key role in redox reactions in living cells and naturally coexists with NAD+ during biological processes [1].

In short, colour variation is usually a natural occurrence rather than a sign of poor quality or contamination.

A common misconception is that clearer NAD+ solutions must be purer or more potent. In reality, colour is not a reliable measure of quality. 

A clear appearance can result from stabilisers or processing methods that remove natural components, potentially altering the product’s biochemical integrity.

NAD+ in its natural state may appear slightly yellow due to minimal processing or trace NADH. This does not mean it is degraded or unsafe. NAD exists as a colourless coenzyme in aqueous solution under normal conditions but can transiently exhibit a yellowish tint during partial reduction to NADH [2].

The real indicator of quality lies in the formulation process and adherence to pharmaceutical manufacturing standards rather than its visual characteristics.

Choosing a naturally yellowish NAD+ formulation can offer certain benefits. 

Additive-free NAD+ reflects a more authentic form that is closer to what occurs naturally in the body. This means it avoids unnecessary stabilisers or preservatives.

Yellowish NAD+ is also a sign that minimal processing has occurred, which helps preserve the molecule’s natural integrity and bioavailability. When handled correctly, these formulations maintain their potency and deliver more effective results.

A mild yellow tint is not something to be concerned about. Instead, it often indicates that the NAD+ solution retains its natural composition, without synthetic additives that might alter its chemical balance.

Yellow NAD+ is safe to use when sourced from reputable manufacturers and prepared under appropriate conditions. The colour difference arises from naturally occurring factors rather than contamination or degradation.

While colour can give some indication of natural composition, it should not be the main thing to check when assessing NAD+ quality. The most reliable methods involve examining the manufacturer’s credentials and the product’s testing.

At Vivere, our NAD+ is the only one of its type manufactured to the highest standard. Our NAD+ is:

• Made in a UK-based facility that holds MHRA licensing and GMP certification for sterile liquid manufacturing.

• Supplied through an NHS-approved, UKAS-accredited partner.

• Sealed in pre-sterilised, endotoxin-free, pharmaceutical-grade glass vials. 

• Made using drug-grade, endotoxin-free active pharmaceutical ingredients (API).

• Manufactured in a validated grade C cleanroom and filled in a grade A sterile environment, the same level found in hospitals.

• Tested for sterility, with each batch undergoing validated sterility checks and HPLC analysis, carried out by QC North West. 

The colour of NAD+ can vary from clear to light yellow, depending on its formulation, storage and natural composition. A slight yellow tint is not a sign of impurity but an indication of naturally occurring NADH or minimal processing. The most important factor when choosing NAD+ products is not how they look, but how they are made and tested. Opting for pharmaceutical-grade formulations from Vivere ensures safety, stability and effectiveness.

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] Spectrophotometric assays for measuring redox biomarkers in blood and tissues: the NADPH network - Taylor & Francis

[2] Spectrophotometric investigation of products formed following the initial one-electron electrochemical reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) - PubMed