Can I take NAD and Urolithin A together for optimal cellular health?

December 25, 2025 •

3 min read

As NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, many turn to supplements like Urolithin A and NAD+ precursors for support. The question for many is, can I take NAD and Urolithin A together for a more powerful, synergistic effect on mitochondrial function and overall vitality?

Quick Summary

Taking NAD precursors and Urolithin A together is generally safe and offers complementary benefits by combining cellular energy replenishment with mitochondrial recycling for optimized cellular health.

Key Points

Synergistic Action: Combining NAD+ precursors with Urolithin A offers a powerful strategy by both fueling cellular energy and recycling old, damaged mitochondria.
Generally Safe: Taking both supplements together is considered safe based on current evidence, with many combined formulas available on the market.
Distinct Mechanisms: NAD+ precursors increase the supply of cellular fuel (NAD+), while Urolithin A acts as a cellular cleanup crew by promoting mitophagy.
Health Consultation is Advised: Always consult a healthcare professional before combining supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take other medications.
Mild Side Effects: Both supplements can have mild side effects individually, such as digestive issues or muscle aches, which are typically manageable.
Long-term Effects Unknown: The long-term effects of combining these supplements are not yet fully understood due to limited research in this area.

Understanding the Roles of NAD+ and Urolithin A

Both NAD+ and Urolithin A play key roles in cellular health, particularly concerning mitochondria. Understanding their individual functions helps clarify the benefits of combining them.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme present in all cells, crucial for energy production, DNA repair, and activating sirtuin proteins that support cellular health. Its levels decrease with age, leading to interest in precursors like NMN and NR to replenish them.

Urolithin A (UA)

Urolithin A is a postbiotic produced in the gut from dietary ellagitannins. It primarily stimulates mitophagy, a process where cells clear out and recycle damaged mitochondria. Since not everyone produces sufficient Urolithin A naturally, supplementation is an option.

The Synergistic Effect of Combining NAD+ and Urolithin A

Combining NAD+ precursors and Urolithin A offers a synergistic approach to cellular renewal. Urolithin A removes damaged mitochondria through mitophagy, while NAD+ precursors provide the necessary components for creating new, healthy mitochondria (mitochondrial biogenesis). This combined action can lead to improved energy production and help address multiple aspects of age-related decline.

Safety and Considerations for Combination Supplementation

Combining NAD+ precursors and Urolithin A is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with many combined supplements available. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Mild side effects like digestive upset or muscle aches are possible but infrequent. Current human studies are relatively short-term, so the long-term effects of daily use are still being researched.

Comparison Table: NAD+ Precursors vs. Urolithin A


Feature	NAD+ Precursors (e.g., NMN, NR)	Urolithin A (UA)
Primary Function	Boosts NAD+ levels, fueling cellular energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation.	Clears damaged mitochondria via mitophagy, optimizing cellular cleanup and recycling.
Mechanism of Action	Provides the raw material needed for the cell's energy-producing machinery.	Recycles and replaces old, inefficient mitochondria to improve cellular function.
Source	Niacin (Vitamin B3) family.	Postbiotic metabolite from ellagitannins in pomegranates and berries.
Key Benefit in Combo	Supplies the fuel for cellular regeneration.	Recycles and removes the waste for better cellular efficiency.
Complementary Impact	Powers the creation of new, healthy mitochondria (biogenesis).	Cleans out old, dysfunctional mitochondria (mitophagy).

How to Take NAD and Urolithin A Together

When combining these supplements, consider starting with standard dosages (e.g., 500mg-1000mg of Urolithin A) and follow product recommendations for NAD+ precursors to gauge tolerance. Taking Urolithin A with food can help minimize digestive issues. While timing can vary, consistency is key, and some prefer taking them in the morning for potential energy benefits. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or concerning side effects.

The Scientific Foundation for Combining the Supplements

Research supports the combination's benefits. A 2020 study showed Urolithin A enhanced energy production and increased NAD+ in aged mouse muscle. A 2024 preclinical study on human microglial cells also indicated that while both NR and UA improved mitochondrial function, they affected immune pathways differently, highlighting their distinct contributions. This combined action of clearing damaged components and providing energy resources addresses multiple aspects of aging at the cellular level.

Conclusion

Combining NAD+ precursors and Urolithin A is a generally safe and potentially beneficial strategy for cellular health. This approach supports cellular energy by removing damaged mitochondria and fueling the creation of new ones. While promising, individual results may vary, and ongoing long-term research is needed. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting this or any new supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your health needs.

Important Considerations for a Combined Regimen

Here is a list of final considerations for those interested in a combined regimen:

Prioritize Quality: Choose reputable supplement brands that provide third-party testing to ensure product purity and potency.
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal to monitor energy levels, muscle function, and any potential side effects to help gauge the supplements' effectiveness.
Lifestyle is Key: Supplements are not a magic bullet. They should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in polyphenols, regular exercise, and good sleep.

Visit this PubMed article for more information on Urolithin A's mechanism of action.

A note on the precursors

Remember that "NAD" supplements typically refer to precursors like Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) or Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). These are the compounds the body uses to increase NAD+ levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not everyone produces Urolithin A naturally from foods containing ellagitannins (like pomegranates and walnuts) because production depends on specific gut bacteria.

NAD+ precursors, such as Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), are used because they can be more efficiently absorbed and converted into NAD+ by the body than directly supplementing NAD+ itself.

Common side effects of Urolithin A are rare and generally mild, including digestive upset (bloating, diarrhea) or occasional muscle aches.

While interactions are not fully characterized, Urolithin A could potentially interact with medications that affect mitochondrial function or gut microbiota. Always consult your doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Most individuals notice improvements in muscle endurance and energy within 4-8 weeks of consistent Urolithin A use, with longer-term benefits for metabolic health emerging after 12 weeks or more.

Yes, taking NAD+ precursors and Urolithin A at the same time is generally fine. Some individuals prefer taking them with food to minimize any potential digestive discomfort.

Research suggests that NAD+ precursors and Urolithin A address different aspects of mitochondrial health, making a combined approach potentially more effective than taking either alone. One acts as fuel, the other as a cellular recycler.