Encyclopedia · supplement
NAD+ precursors (NMN, nicotinamide riboside)
The headline anti-ageing supplements have exactly one hair paper, in DHT-treated mice and cells, and no human hair trial.
What it is
NMN and nicotinamide riboside are vitamin-B3-related molecules that cells convert to NAD+, a coenzyme that falls with age. They are sold as oral supplements and are not approved for any hair use.
How it works
In the one hair study, NMN lowered inflammatory signals in DHT-stressed human dermal papilla cells, suppressed NF-kB, the androgen receptor and DKK-1, and raised beta-catenin and VEGF. Xu 2024
What the studies show
- In a mouse model of DHT-driven thinning and in human papilla cells, NMN reversed follicle shrinkage and sparse hair, compared against minoxidil. One author was employed by a genetics company. Mice and cells only. Xu 2024
- Registered NAD-precursor trials (checked 2026-10-10) are for ageing, frailty and neurology; none targets hair.
How it's used in studies
Doses were not stated in the abstract. Mouse doses should not be extrapolated to people.
Side effects and safety
No hair-specific data. Niacin-type flushing is possible with some forms.
Bottom line
A plausible but unproven idea, and a mouse DHT model is not human baldness.
Fun facts
- An anti-ageing supplement reversed hair thinning in DHT-treated mice, compared against minoxidil, yet no human hair trial exists. Xu 2024
Studies 1
Xu C et al. Beta-nicotinamide mononucleotide promotes cell proliferation and hair growth by reducing oxidative stress. Molecules. 2024
Tested: nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Result: NMN protected cells from oxidative stress and helped DHT-treated mice; it is a related compound, not niacinamide.
Read the study ↗Related
- Urolithin AA gut-bacteria product of pomegranate and walnut compounds, sold as a mitochondria longevity supplement, protected human hair-papilla cells from oxidative damage in a brand-new 2026 company-linked paper, with no controlled human hair trial.
- SpermidineA natural compound sold as a longevity supplement lengthened human hair follicles grown in a dish at tiny concentrations, but nobody has shown it grows hair on a head.
- Senolytics (dasatinib plus quercetin, fisetin)Drugs that clear aged "zombie" cells restored the hair-making ability of old human papilla cells in a dish, and fisetin and quercetin grew hair in mice, with no human hair trial.
- NiacinamideNiacinamide is a safe, cheap vitamin B3 form found in many hair serums, but no trial shows it grows hair on its own.