FAQ

 

Products

How to purchase NADMED kits and services?

Fill in the contact form and we’ll get in touch with you. We do not provide the kit or our services to individuals.

However, if NAD testing of indivdual samples is what you are looking for turn to your local clinic or laboratory. Hopefully they have NADMED method in use.

 

What equipment is needed to run NADMED assay?

This is a list of necessary items and equipment you need to perform a NADMED assay:

• Deionized water (milli-Q water from a water purification system or commercially available deionized water, e.g., Sigma cat #38796) 
• Microtubes, 1.5 mL, for sample preparation, extraction, stabilization, and assay standards preparation. Requirements for the material of the microtubes: use basic non-sterile microcentrifuge tubes made from transparent/natural color polypropylene (PP) intended for in vitro diagnostics (e.g., Sarstedt Ref 72.690.001). Do not use microtubes intended for molecular biology labeled as sterile (chemically sterilized), free of endotoxin, pyrogen, human DNA, and low retention; do not use microtubes intended for work with proteins labeled as LoBind. 
• Two plastic multichannel pipette reservoirs (from non-sterile polystyrene): one for pipetting the master mix, the other for pipetting the Stop solution. 
• Two 96-well transparent polystyrene microplates with medium protein binding affinity intended for colorimetric and absorbance assays. 
• Dry bath (heat block) with adjustable temperature (up to 80°C). 
• Table-top cooling microcentrifuge (max speed 20 000 x g). 
• Ice-water bath (packed ice with added tap water to a slush state, which firmly holds inserted microtubes, preventing them from floating). 
• Calibrated single channel pipettes (0.5–10 μL, 5–50 μL, 20–200 μL, 100–1000 μL) and multichannel pipettes (5–50 μL, 30–300 μL) and beveled pipette tips, low retention. 
• Spectrophotometric microplate reader capable of measuring absorbance at 570–573 nm. 
• Aluminum foil to protect microtubes and plates from light

 

What is the difference between NADMED and other NAD measuring kits?

The current NAD measuring kits are not accurate enough to provide results that can guide e.g. NAD boosters dosage in proper order. See more “Groundbreaking technology”.

How to prepare samples?

Whole blood (human) 

– Blood should be collected into the smallest EDTA vacutainer (2 ml)
-IMPORTANT! If possible, the blood sample should be divided into 150 – 200 μL aliquots in separate test tubes, e.g. Eppendorf tube
-Samples should be frozen at -20 °C within 4-6h after withdrawal for several days. Samples should be stored for longer time in -80 °C
IMPORTANT! Keep consistent time between withdrawal and freezing for all samples

Whole blood (animal)

-Blood should be collected into the EDTA tubes and divided into 150 – 200 μL aliquots in separate test tubes, e.g. Eppendorf tube
-Samples should be frozen at -20°C as soon as possible after withdrawal for several days.
-Samples should be stored for longer time in -80°C
IMPORTANT! Keep consistent time between withdrawal and freezing for all samples
Read more

 

How to store the kit upon arrival?

In -20°C freezer with consistent temperature.

How many samples can be measured with one kit?

40 samples measured in duplicates, each metabolite (e.g. NAD+ and NADH) are measured on separate 96 well plates.

What samples can be used for the NAD measurements?

NADMED method can utilize whole blood, tissues and cultured cell (human or animal). Most NADs are found in cells – plasma and serum contain very low levels of NADs and are not suitable for NADMED technology.

For more details, please contact us

What is the optimal sample size?

We recommend using 150 – 200μL/sample of whole blood, approx 20 mg/sample of tissue, and 0.5 – 1M/sample of cultured cells. For more details, please contact us.

Where to find instructions for use?

Instruction can be found on our website in section “documents”.

 

Can the kit be used several times?

No, the kit is for one time use. We do not recommend freezing / thawing the kit components.

How do you report the NAD levels?
  • Blood: NAD levels are normalized per volume (final concentration is in μM)
  • Tissues/cells: NAD levels are normalized per sample weight or protein amount

Method

What is the NADMED method?

The NADMED method measures all four NAD forms and both glutathione forms from a single sample.
lt uses a special extraction process that keeps these sensitive molecules stable.

This makes NADMED a reliable redox profiling method that captures a full picture of your metabolic balance.

Are there other ways to measure NAD?

Yes, but they often require specialized equipment and have low throughput. NADMED stands out because it is:

• Simple
• Scalable
• Accurate
• Suitable for many sample types, including     blood

What are the main advantages of the NADMED method?
  1. Simple: No complex instruments required
  2. Robust: Uses a validated enzymatic, colorimetric detection method
  3. Ouantitative: Results shown in clear concentration units
  4. Versatile: Works with many sample types
  5. Standardized: Suitable for diagnostic use
  6. Scalable: Can analyze many samples at once
How is NADMED used in diagnostics?

ln diagnostics, NADs and glutathione are measured from whole blood.

  • NAD+ indicates vitamin B3 status
  • NADP+, NADPH, and glutathione reflect oxidative stress

Results should always be interpreted in the context of your health, lifestyle, and medical history.

General

What does the blood NAD test show?

The blood NADtest shows your persona! levels of NAD mol ecu Ies- essential substances your cells use for energy production, metabolism, and repair.

One of these, NAD+, is the active form of vitamin B3. Measuring it helps detect vitamin B3 deficiency and guides supplementation if needed.

Why does the blood NAD test matter?

Metabolism affects everything your body does – from how you use energy to how you respond to stress.

The NADtest gives you a snapshot of your metabolic status and shows whether you may benefit from vitamin B3 supplementation. lf you’re already supplementing, the test helps you see how well it’s working.

 

What causes vitamin B3 deficiency?

Vitamin B3 deficiency can happen for two main reasons:

  1. Not getting enough vitamin B3 from food – this can cause pellagra, a serious but now very rare condition.
  2. lncreased demand for vitamin B3 due to stress, illness, or lifestyle factors – even with a normal diet.

Stress factors include:

  • Metabolic, cardiovascular, kidney, or genetic conditions
  • Digestive issues and malabsorption
  • Certain medications
  • Chronic alcohol use
  • lnfections and immune responses

When the body uses more NAD+, levels may drop, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, skin issues, or digestive problems.

What is NAD+ and how is it connected to vitamin B3?

Vitamin B3 (niacin) becomes metabolically active only after your cells convert it into NAD+.

This activated form is what your body actually uses for energy production and many essential cell processes.

Why is NAD+ important?

NAD+ is vital for life. lt helps your cells:

  • Convert food into energy (ATP)
  • Respond to stress
  • Repair damage
  • Regulate metabolism

Your body constantly uses and replenishes NAD+ to keep you functioning.

Are there other forms of NAD?

Yes. There are four forms of NAD, often called NADs:

  • NAD+ and NADP+ (oxidized forms)
  • NADH and NADPH (reduced forms)

They work as cellular “energy shuttles,” carrying electrons where they’re needed.

Do all tissues have the same levels of NAD?

No. Different tissues need different amounts depending on their functions, so NAD levels vary across the body.

What do NADP+ and NADPH do?

NADPH is particularly important. lt:

  • Helps cells grow
  • Protects them from oxidative stress
  • Supports the production of lipids and DNA building blocks
  • Keeps the antioxidant glutathione in its active form
What is glutathione?

Glutathione is ane of the body’s most important antioxidants. lt protects cells from oxidative stress – the “wear and tear” caused by normal metabolism.
Glutathione exists in two forms:

  • Reduced glutathione (GSH) – active
  • Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) – inactive
How are glutathiones connected with NADs?

NADPH helps recycle oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back into its active form (GSH). This process is essential for protecting your cells from oxidative damage.

Why measure glutathione?

lt helps reveal how well your body handles oxidative stress.

Higher levels of reduced glutathione generally indicate better antioxidant capacity.

What can cause low glutathione levels?

Common causes include:

  • Not getting enough amino acids needed for glutathione production
  • Acute stress, like infections
  • Chronic stress or long-term health conditions
What do "reduced" and "oxidized" mean?

Think of “reduced” mol ecu Ies as charged with energy and “oxidized” mol ecu Ies as used up.

NADs and glutathione constantly switch between theseforms to support metabolism and protect the body.

Interpretation

How should changes in NAD metabolites be interpreted?

Different NAD forms participate in over 400 metabolic reactions. Because of this, health conditions can create unique “redox fingerprints.”

Research continues to refine how individual changes relate to specific disorders.

Currently, blood NAD+ is the most well-established marker and reflects vitamin B3 status.

How do you know whether NAD levels are normal?

We compare your results with reference levels established from 300 healthy individuals. This helps determine whether your levels are low, normal, or high. 

What's more important - levels or ratios?

Both matter, but levels come first.
For example:

  • If NAD+ is low, many NAD-dependent processes slow down.
  • lf NAD+ is normal but NADH is high, it may inhibit some metabolic reactions.
What does low blood NAD+ mean?

Low NAD+ always has a cause – and it’s not aging. lt may indicate:

  • Poor diet or malabsorption
  • Chronic or developing health conditions
  • Higher NAD+ demand due to inflammation or disease

Blood aisa responds to tissue needs, so low blood NAD+ can reflect increased use in affected tissues.

Do NAD+ levels decrease with age?

ln blood, NAD+ levels stay stable from ages 18 to 70 in healthy individuals.

ln tissues, levels may decline slowly after age 70 – but the change is not dramatic. Exercise helps slow or prevent NAD+ decline in muscle tissue.

Supplementation

Which supplement is best: niacin, NR, NMN, or nicotinamide?

AII raise NAD+, but they differ in speed and side effects:

  • Niacin: fastest effect, may cause flushing
  • NR / NMN: slower but no flushing
  • Nicotinamide: slowest increase
Why measure NAD instead of just taking high-dose vitamin B3?

Because more isn’t always better.
High-dose vitamin B3:

  • 1s fully absorbed
  • Raises NAD+ but also raises other metabolites
  • Can increase breakdown products that may cause inflammation

Supplementation should only be used when deficiency is confirmed.

What are the benefits of NAD+ supplementation?

For individuals with very low NAD+ levels, supplementation may help restore energy and improve the body’s ability to respond to medical treatments. Research has shown potential benefits in conditions like mitochondrial disorders, where patients experience increased strength and symptom relief, as well as in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, where NAD+ may support neurological function.

While the potential benefits are vast, more human studies are necessaryto confirm the effectiveness of NAD supplementation for different conditions. Current research suggests that supplementing with NAD precursors is mostly beneficia l when NAD levels are low. Because of this, it’s best to monitor NAD levels under medical supervision before starting supplementation. Over-supplementation can lead to imbalances, as excess NAD+ may be broken down into byproducts that could have negative effects. ln summa ry, the aim is to maintain balanced NAD levels, not to artificially boost them beyond the body’s needs.

What's the best way to take NAD+?

The most well-researched method for boosting NAD+ involves oral supplementation with B3 derivatives like niacin, nicotinamide riboside (NR), or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Niacin is the fastest-acting option but can cause temporary skin flushing. NR and NMN provide a slower increase in NAD+ with fewer side effects.

Choosing high-quality, tested supplements is essential, as studies have found inconsistencies in some NMN products. While IV infusions of NAD+ have gained attention, research supporting their effectiveness remains limited. ln most cases, oral supplementation is the most reliable and accessible option.

For the best results, NAD+ levels should be monitored under medical supervision to avoid unnecessary supplementation or potential side effects.

Do NAD+ supplements actually work?

Research confirms that niacin, NR, and NMN can increase NAD+ levels, but their effectiveness depends on an individual’s baseline levels and overall health status. Simply raising NAD+ is not always beneficial. What matters most is maintaining the right balance between NAD+ and NADH.

This ratio plays a critical role in mitochondrial function and metabolic efficiency, making it important to focus on equilibrium rather than excessive supplementation.

How can NAD+ be naturally boosted?

Supplements are not the only way to support NAD+ levels. Regular exercise, especially highintensity training, stimulates natural production. Adiet rich in vitamin B3, found in foods like fish, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, and legumes, can also help. lntermittent fasting activates cellular repair processes that enhance NAD+ metabolism, while quality sleep supports its natural regulation. Reducing alcohol intake and managing stress further prevent unnecessary depletion.

A balanced lifestyle, rather than supplementation alone, provides the most sustainable way to maintain optimal NAD+ levels.