NAD+ Testing Using Dried Blood Spot (DBS): The Cellular Biomarker for Longevity

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a master regulator of cellular function, energy metabolism, and aging. It acts as a coenzyme in hundreds of biological reactions, especially redox reactions critical to mitochondrial energy production (ATP synthesis). But here's the challenge: NAD+ levels decline with age, stress, poor sleep, alcohol consumption, and chronic illness—contributing to functional decline across multiple systems.

Using a dried blood spot (DBS) test, you can now measure NAD+ and NADH from just a few drops of blood—offering a non-invasive, clinically relevant snapshot of your metabolic and mitochondrial health.

What Is NAD+ and Why Is It Essential?

NAD+ cycles between two forms:

• NAD+ (oxidised) – accepts electrons during catabolic reactions

• NADH (reduced) – donates electrons to drive ATP production

This redox cycling is vital for:

• Mitochondrial respiration (Complex I and III of the electron transport chain)

• Sirtuin activation – longevity-linked enzymes (SIRT1–SIRT7) depend on NAD+

• PARPs (poly-ADP ribose polymerases) – repair DNA damage using NAD+ as a substrate

• CD38/CD157 signaling – immune and calcium signaling pathways

• TCA cycle & beta-oxidation – fatty acid and glucose metabolism

Low NAD+ compromises all these functions, leading to:

• Impaired mitochondrial output (fatigue, poor recovery)

• Reduced DNA repair (accelerated aging, genomic instability)

• Sirtuin inactivity (loss of cellular resilience, epigenetic drift)

• Increased inflammation and oxidative stress

What Does Our NAD+ Dried Blood Spot Test Measure?

We analyze NAD metabolites directly from DBS cards, which are validated for stability and accuracy. The test provides:

• Total NAD+ – cellular availability for redox reactions and enzymatic activity

• Total NADH – reduced form, reflective of current metabolic flux

• NAD+:NADH ratio – a sensitive marker of redox balance and mitochondrial health

• Interpretation of cellular energetics and oxidative stress status

Unlike urine or plasma tests, DBS captures whole blood levels, which better reflect intracellular NAD+ pools—especially relevant for sirtuins and PARP activity.

Is Testing NAD+ Worth It?

Yes—especially for individuals concerned with:

• Fatigue, low energy, or slow recovery

• Age-related decline in performance

• Cognitive fog, memory loss, or neuroinflammation

• Poor response to NMN, NR, or NAD+ therapy

• Chronic stress, alcohol use, or high toxin exposure

Tracking NAD+ levels allows for:

• Personalized dosing of NAD+ precursors

• Optimization of redox balance

• Evidence-based longevity protocols

• Before-and-after comparisons for lifestyle changes, fasting, cold therapy, or supplementation

Why Use a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Test for NAD+?

Dried blood spot testing offers major advantages:

• Minimal sample volume – just 1–2 drops of blood

• No centrifuge or freezer required

• Home collection – no clinical visits

• Accurate intracellular reflection – whole blood ≈ tissue relevance

Our lab uses validated LC-MS/MS and enzymatic quantification techniques to ensure high precision and reproducibility from DBS samples.

Who Should Test NAD+ Levels?

• Biohackers fine-tuning their longevity stacks

• Athletes optimizing recovery and mitochondrial output

• 40+ adults looking to slow biological aging

• Individuals on NMN, NR, or NAD+ IV therapy

• People recovering from illness, burnout, or long COVID

• Clinicians seeking objective redox and mitochondrial biomarkers for patients

Key Features of Our NAD+ Test

• At-home sample collection (DBS finger-prick)

• NAD+, NADH, and NAD+:NADH ratio

• Interpretable results with reference ranges

• Lab-grade analysis using LC-MS or equivalent

• Option to repeat and track over time

How NAD+ Levels Respond to Interventions

Numerous interventions have been shown to impact NAD+ status:

Tracking your levels gives clarity—especially if you’re investing in expensive supplements or protocols.

Summary: Why Track Your NAD+?

• NAD+ is a central coenzyme in metabolism, aging, and cellular repair

• Levels drop as we age—and so does energy, recovery, and resilience

• Dried blood spot testing offers a simple, clinically valid method to measure it

• Ideal for anyone using NAD+ boosters or managing energy/fatigue

Test. Track. Optimize.
Gain insight into your true biological energy status and take control of your long-term health.