NAD NR AA

 A

Dr. Michael Greger, known for his evidence-based advocacy of whole-food, plant-based diets, doesn’t specifically promote direct plant-based sources of **NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)** or **NR (nicotinamide riboside)** in the way supplement companies might. However, his broader nutritional philosophy supports enhancing the body’s *natural* NAD⁺ production through diet and lifestyle.

Here’s how that plays out:

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### 🌿 Plant-Based Support for NAD⁺ Production

While NAD⁺ itself isn’t found in foods, your body synthesizes it from precursors like **niacin (vitamin B3)**, **tryptophan**, and **nicotinamide**—all of which can be obtained from plant-based sources.

**Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen foods** that support this include:

- **Legumes** (lentils, chickpeas, black beans): rich in tryptophan and niacin

- **Whole grains** (brown rice, oats, quinoa): contain B3 and support metabolic health

- **Nuts and seeds** (especially sunflower seeds): good sources of niacin

- **Greens** (spinach, kale): support mitochondrial health and cellular repair

He also emphasizes **caloric moderation**, **exercise**, and **intermittent fasting**—all of which are known to naturally boost NAD⁺ levels by activating sirtuins and AMPK pathways.

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### 🔬 What About NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)?

NR is a synthetic form of vitamin B3 often used in supplements to boost NAD⁺. It’s not found in meaningful amounts in whole foods, and Dr. Greger tends to be cautious about supplements unless there’s strong evidence. Instead, he focuses on **nutrient synergy** from whole foods rather than isolated compounds.

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If you're looking to support NAD⁺ naturally the Greger way, think: **beans, greens, grains, and movement**—not pills. Want help building a daily meal plan around this? Or curious how this compares to biohacker approaches like NR supplementation?