If you’ve been browsing NAD+ supplements, you’ve probably noticed something strange: most capsules or powders offer 300 to 500 mg (sometimes more!) per dose… so why does Sunny Within’s Longevity formula only include 15 mg?
We get this question a lot—and the answer comes down to something far more important than dose: delivery.
Let’s break it down.
First, What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a central role in making energy (ATP), repairing DNA, supporting metabolism, and regulating the aging process.
But here’s the tricky part: NAD+ is extremely hard to absorb when taken orally.
That’s because NAD+ is a large, water-soluble molecule that doesn’t easily pass through the intestinal lining. Once swallowed, it’s broken down in the digestive tract—mainly into nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that’s less effective at driving the cellular energy and longevity pathways people take NAD+ for in the first place.
In short: most NAD+ supplements lose their punch before they ever reach your bloodstream.
Why High-Dose NAD+ Supplements Aren’t Worth It
To compensate for poor absorption, many supplements pack in massive doses of NAD+—sometimes 500 mg or more. But studies show that unprotected oral NAD+ is rapidly degraded in the gut, with little of it reaching the bloodstream intact (Trammell et al., 2016).
So why the high numbers?
Because brands are banking on label appeal. That large number on the label looks impressive—but your body likely absorbs very little of it. It’s a classic case of marketing winning out over science.
What Makes Sunny Within Different? A Smarter Delivery System
Instead of inflating the dose, we focused on delivering NAD+ in a way your body can actually absorb.
Longevity uses a patented delivery system that does something no other NAD+ supplement on the market does: it binds real NAD+ to lactoferrin.
So what’s lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a protein naturally found in colostrum—the first milk produced after childbirth. It plays a powerful role in human biology, supporting immunity, gut health, iron regulation, and cellular protection. What makes it especially interesting for NAD+ delivery is its ability to escort nutrients across your intestinal lining, using special “entry points” your body already trusts.
These entry points are called LRP1 and LRP2 receptors—think of them as VIP doors built into your gut wall. They’re designed to recognize and shuttle helpful molecules like lactoferrin straight into the bloodstream.
By binding NAD+ to lactoferrin, we allow it to hitch a ride through these LRP1/2 receptors—bypassing the harsh digestive environment that would normally break it down. It’s like giving NAD+ its own first-class boarding pass, straight through security and onto the plane.
But we don’t stop there. We also encapsulate the lactoferrin-NAD+ complex in liposomes—tiny fat-based bubbles that shield it from stomach acid and enzymes, and further enhance absorption through the lymphatic system.
Together, this dual-delivery system makes even 15 mg of NAD+ incredibly effective. It’s not about how much you take—it’s about how much gets where it needs to go.
How Does This Compare to NAD+ Precursors Like NMN or NR?
Other supplements use precursors like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) or NR (nicotinamide riboside), which your body must convert into NAD+ through a multi-step enzymatic process.
The challenge? That conversion process depends on enzymes like NRK1 and NMNAT, which tend to decline with age. According to Trammell et al. (2016), this means the effectiveness of precursors can vary significantly from person to person—especially as we get older.
By delivering preformed NAD+, Longevity removes the guesswork and the variability. No conversion required.
How Does This Compare to NAD+ IV Drips?
Nothing beats an IV when it comes to delivering NAD+ directly into the bloodstream. It’s the most immediate and complete absorption method available.
But IV therapy has its drawbacks. It’s expensive, time-consuming, often uncomfortable—and to maintain results, you have to keep doing it. Most people get infusions monthly or even less often, which makes it hard to stay consistent.
Longevity was designed for daily use. Instead of flooding your system with a large dose all at once, it provides a steady, bioavailable supply of NAD+ your body can absorb and use each day. It’s needle-free, simple to take, and supports long-term results with consistency.
While it doesn’t match IVs in total absorption, Longevity offers one of the most effective oral delivery systems available today—making high-quality NAD+ support far more sustainable.
The Takeaway: It’s Not About the Dose. It’s About What Your Body Can Absorb.
The reason there’s only 15 mg of NAD+ in Longevity is because that’s all you need—when it’s delivered effectively.
Thanks to our unique lactoferrin-liposomal system, that small dose bypasses digestion, avoids degradation, and gets to work where it matters: inside your cells.
So instead of mega-dosing and hoping for the best, we chose a smarter path—rooted in science, not marketing claims.
Bonus: What Else Is in Longevity?
Each pouch of Longevity includes a synergistic stack of cellular support nutrients:
- Glutathione – Master antioxidant for detox and immune function
- Lactoferrin – Supports gut health, immunity, and NAD+ absorption
- Ubiquinol CoQ10 – For heart, mitochondrial energy, and recovery
- Vitamin B12, MCT Oil, and Organic Avocado Oil – To support energy, clarity, and absorption
It’s a true daily foundation for aging well—without the capsules, powders, or IV appointments.
References
Suzuki YA, Shin K, Lönnerdal B. (2005). Biological activities of lactoferrin and its peptides involved in iron and immune regulation. Cell Mol Life Sci, 62(22), 2560–2570.
Mozafari MR. (2005). Liposomes: an overview of manufacturing techniques. Cell Mol Biol Lett, 10(4), 711–719.
Trammell SAJ et al. (2016). Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans. Nat Commun, 7, 12948.
Sercombe L et al. (2015). Advances and challenges of liposome assisted drug delivery. Front Pharmacol, 6, 286.
