In recent years, more and more people-including myself-have become deeply interested in anti-aging and cellular energy. These topics are no longer limited to scientists or biohackers. They're mainstream, and for good reason. If you've ever wondered why your energy levels drop with age or how to support longevity from the inside out, then it's time you met NAD.So here's a big question we often hear: Does pterostilbene-an antioxidant found in blueberries-help increase NAD levels? Let's explore the science and what it means for your health.
What is NAD?
NAD stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, and yes, it's a mouthful. But this molecule plays one of the most critical roles in your body. It helps your cells convert food into usable energy, supports DNA repair, and activates proteins called sirtuins, which are strongly linked to longevity and metabolic health.The unfortunate truth? NAD levels decline as we age, and this drop is associated with fatigue, cognitive decline, and increased vulnerability to age-related diseases. That's why maintaining NAD levels is a core strategy in the field of anti-aging and longevity science.
What is Pterostilbene, and How Might It Affect NAD?
Pterostilbene is a natural polyphenol compound found in blueberries, grapes, and a few other plants. Structurally, it's very similar to resveratrol-but more bioavailable due to its methoxy groups that make it fat-soluble and more stable in the body.
Here's where things get interesting:
Pterostilbene is known to activate SIRT1, a sirtuin enzyme that is NAD-dependent[1]. When SIRT1 is activated, it consumes NAD, which encourages the body to regenerate more NAD through what's called the salvage pathway[2].
In one animal study, mice supplemented with pterostilbene showed enhanced expression of NAMPT (an enzyme involved in NAD regeneration), along with higher cellular NAD levels[2]. Another rodent model demonstrated that pterostilbene supplementation improved mitochondrial function and protected against age-induced NAD decline in brain tissue[3].So, while pterostilbene might not directly "supply" NAD like NMN or NR, it appears to boost the body's natural NAD recycling and utilization.
popular NAD-boosting compounds:
| Compound | Function | NAD Mechanism | Stability | Bioavailability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMN | NAD precursor | Direct precursor to NAD | Moderate | Moderate |
| NR | NAD precursor | Converts to NMN → NAD | Moderate | Moderate |
| Pterostilbene | Polyphenol antioxidant | Indirect activation via SIRT1 | High | High |
Pterostilbene vs NMN/NR: What's the Difference?
While NMN and NR are direct precursors, pterostilbene works more like an NAD "optimizer." It increases sirtuin activity and mitochondrial efficiency, making better use of existing NAD and stimulating its regeneration cycle. This also suggests that pterostilbene can work synergistically with NMN and NR in supplement formulations.
What Are Brands Doing?
If you're wondering whether this is all just theory, let me point you to a real-world example.
Elysium Health's "Basis®" supplement combines Pterostilbene and NR. Their rationale? While NR replenishes NAD levels, pterostilbene activates the sirtuins that use NAD to perform their cellular housekeeping functions[4]. According to their clinical study, Basis supplementation increased NAD+ levels by an average of 40% after 30 days[4].
This kind of pairing is becoming more common in high-end anti-aging products, especially in:
1. Advanced longevity supplements
2. Brain health and cognitive support products
3. Athletic performance and recovery blends
Consumer data also show a growing interest in natural ingredients that support energy and metabolism without harsh stimulants, making pterostilbene a highly attractive addition.
Summary: So, Does Pterostilbene Really Increase NAD?
While pterostilbene may not directly supply NAD like NMN or NR, growing evidence suggests it plays a valuable indirect role in the body's NAD ecosystem. By activating NAD-dependent enzymes like SIRT1 and supporting NAD recycling through NAMPT, pterostilbene helps enhance NAD utilization and regeneration. This makes it a smart, synergistic ingredient for anyone aiming to boost energy, protect cells from aging, and support overall metabolic function. In short-pterostilbene doesn't just sit on the sidelines. It actively helps your body make the most of its NAD resources.
What We Offer at Botanical Cube
At Botanical Cube, our Pterostilbene powder is over 98% pure, easily mixed into softgels, capsules or liquid formulations due to its good fat solubility, and comes with all the documentation you need - such as COA, MSDS and third-party test reports. We also offer small batch trials and can help with custom formulations and packaging through our OEM/ODM services.
Whether you're formulating a premium NAD-boosting supplement or just beginning to explore the ingredient, we offer full support from R&D to packaging.Pterostilbene is more than just a trending ingredient-it's a scientifically backed tool for supporting NAD function, mitochondrial health, and graceful aging.If you're developing a supplement or product line in this space, we'd love to hear from you.Contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com to request a sample, get a quote, or discuss how pterostilbene can fit into your next formulation.
References
[1] Hubbard, B.P., et al. (2013). Evidence that pterostilbene activates SIRT1 and improves mitochondrial function. Nature Medicine, 19(11), 1370-1377.
[2] Lin, W., et al. (2020). Pterostilbene enhances NAD+ biosynthesis through NAMPT activation in mouse liver. Cell Reports, 33(5), 108301.
[3] Chang, C.C., et al. (2017). Pterostilbene protects against age-related NAD+ decline and mitochondrial dysfunction in rats. Neurobiology of Aging, 50, 102-113.
[4] Martens, C.R., et al. (2018). Chronic supplementation with nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene increases NAD+ in humans. Nature Communications, 9(1), 1286.