NMN and WADA: What Athletes Must Know About NAD⁺ Boosters

In the world of elite sports, athletes constantly search for legal performance and recovery edge. NAD⁺ boosters, especially NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), have drawn attention for their potential cellular benefits. But how do these supplements stand up under the scrutiny of WADA’s anti-doping rules?

WADA’s Role & the Prohibited List

WADA annually publishes the Prohibited List—substances and methods banned in sport. To qualify, a compound must typically meet at least two of three criteria: performance enhancement potential, health risk, or violation of sport’s spirit.

The Prohibited List covers both substances and methods, and athletes should carefully review both categories to ensure compliance.

Though NMN is not named on the current list, WADA’s S0 category (non-approved substances) gives them latitude to prohibit experimental or unapproved compounds. Some substances or methods may be prohibited out of competition as well as during events, so athletes must be aware of restrictions that apply at all times.

The specific form of a substance or ingredient, such as its chemical form or the form submitted in regulatory documentation, can also impact its regulatory and anti-doping status.

What This Means for Athletes

• An athlete bears strict liability: even accidental ingestion of a banned substance is their responsibility under doping regulations and TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) protocols.

• Supplements may contain unlisted substances or contaminants, so using third-party tested products is critical.

• If a substance is legitimately needed for a medical treatment, a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) can be applied—but it is rarely granted for supplements.

Practical Guidance

1. Always check a product’s ingredients via GlobalDRO or your doping agency’s database. Prefer supplements with credible third-party certifications (e.g. NSF for Sport, Informed Choice).

2. Avoid large IV infusions unrelated to clinical need—WADA bans infusions >100 mL per 12 hours unless in a medical/diagnostic setting.

3. Stay current: the Prohibited List changes yearly (new substances, updated rules).

While NMN is not currently banned by name, WADA’s broad regulatory categories and the strict liability principle mean that athletes must exercise caution. The safest path is using rigorously tested, certified supplements and remaining vigilant as future updates to the Prohibited List could shift the status of NAD⁺ boosters. There has been paused enforcement of certain NMN regulations, allowing continued market availability while legal reviews are ongoing.

Why Athletes Can Trust NMN Bio: Compliance with World Anti Doping Agency Standards

For professional and amateur athletes alike, trust in supplementation is non-negotiable. At NMN Bio, we have built our reputation on science, transparency, and quality assurance, ensuring every capsule meets the highest standards of safety and purity.

• Independently tested at every batch – All NMN Bio products undergo third-party laboratory testing before encapsulation, guaranteeing pharmaceutical-grade NMN with a purity of more than 99%. Each batch is analyzed for potency, heavy metals, microbial content, and pH stability.

• Verified by Campden BRI – We work with Campden BRI, one of the UK’s most respected independent testing organizations, to validate our raw materials and finished products.

• Manufactured in ISO-certified facilities – Our supplements are produced in an ISO 9001-certified facility in the UK, ensuring consistent quality, traceability, and strict adherence to internationally recognized quality management standards.

• Transparent UK supply chain – From sourcing and encapsulation to packaging and distribution, our entire process is UK-based. We openly share supply chain details on request, giving athletes complete peace of mind.

By combining rigorous quality testing with certified manufacturing practices, NMN Bio provides athletes and health-focused individuals with supplements they can trust—today, and as the regulatory landscape evolves.

Science of NMN Supplements Led by Dr. Elena Seranova

NMN Bio was founded by Dr. Elena Seranova, the co-founder and a scientist with a PhD in Neurodegeneration and NAD⁺ Metabolism. Her academic research has focused on cellular energy pathways, aging, and neuroprotection—precisely the areas where NMN plays a pivotal role.

• Scientific expertise – Dr. Seranova is an authority on NAD⁺ metabolism, the very mechanism through which NMN works to support energy production and healthy aging.

• Commitment to quality – Under her leadership, NMN Bio has been built on a foundation of rigorous science and uncompromising quality standards, ensuring athletes and health enthusiasts receive products they can trust.

• Thought leadership – Beyond running NMN Bio, Dr. Seranova regularly shares insights on longevity and metabolic health, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical supplementation strategies.

By having a founder who is both a scientist and a communicator, NMN Bio stands apart from many supplement brands. Dr. Seranova’s scientific background and focus on transparency give athletes confidence that the products they use are backed by credible research and expert oversight.

How NMN Works

NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, plays a vital role in the body’s energy production and cellular repair processes. As a direct precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), NMN supplementation helps replenish this essential coenzyme, which is crucial for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and healthy aging.

NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age, leading to reduced energy, slower recovery, and increased potential health risks. By boosting NAD+ through NMN supplementation, athletes can support mitochondrial function—the powerhouse of the cell—enabling more efficient conversion of nutrients into energy.

Research suggests NMN may support energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, which could play a role in endurance, fatigue reduction, and recovery. For athletes aiming to reach their full potential, NMN supports the body’s natural processes for energy, cellular repair, and overall health, Making it of interest to athletes who want to support their natural energy metabolism as part of a performance-focused lifestyle.

WADA Prohibited List and NMN

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List serves as an international standard, outlining which substances and methods are prohibited in competition for athletes worldwide. As of 2025, NMN does not appear on the WADA Prohibited List. Athletes should check the most recent version of the list to confirm its current status.

However, it is essential for athletes to ensure that any NMN supplement they use is free from prohibited substances and fully compliant with WADA’s rules. The regulatory status of supplements can change, as the WADA Prohibited List is updated annually to reflect new research and emerging substances.

Athletes should always verify the status of their supplements and stay informed about the latest regulations to avoid unintentional violations. By choosing NMN supplements that meet international standards and regulatory requirements, athletes can confidently support their performance while remaining within the rules of competition.

Safety and Efficacy of NMN

Research into NMN supplementation has shown promising results for both safety and efficacy. Numerous animal and human studies indicate that NMN can effectively increase NAD+ levels, support energy metabolism, and promote DNA repair.

Early research indicates NMN has been well tolerated in human studies at commonly used doses, though athletes should always consult a healthcare professional before supplementation. However, as with any supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting NMN supplementation, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or who are taking other medications.

The Natural Products Association has advocated for the responsible use of NMN as a dietary supplement, emphasizing the importance of quality and safety. While negative effects are rare, being mindful of proper dosing and monitoring for any adverse reactions is essential to ensure optimal health and performance benefits.

Benefits of NMN for Athletes

NMN supplementation offers a range of benefits that are particularly valuable for athletes. Research suggests NMN may support energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, which could play a role in recovery, endurance, and performance.

Increased NAD+ levels can reduce fatigue, allowing athletes to train harder and recover faster between sessions. Additionally, NMN has been studied for its potential role in supporting healthy aging processes, including cellular energy and stamina.

These combined effects make NMN a popular supplement among those looking to reach their full potential, optimize their health, and sustain high levels of sport performance throughout their careers.

Buying NMN: What to Look For

When considering NMN supplements, it’s crucial for consumers to prioritize quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Look for NMN supplements that are manufactured by reputable companies and have undergone rigorous third-party testing to ensure they are free from prohibited substances.

Always check that the supplement complies with WADA regulations and is produced according to established standards. Research the recommended dose and be aware of any potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

By choosing a high-quality NMN supplement and staying informed about regulations, consumers can safely enjoy the benefits of NMN supplementation while minimizing potential risks.

Conclusion: The Future of NMN in Athletic Performance

The future of NMN supplements in athletic performance is bright, with ongoing research and innovation driving new discoveries about its benefits. As the regulatory status of NMN continues to evolve, it is essential for athletes, consumers, and manufacturers to stay up to date with the latest guidelines from the World Anti-Doping Agency and other governing bodies.

With its promising research on energy metabolism, recovery, and healthy aging, NMN is likely to remain of interest to athletes and researchers looking to unlock their full potential. By prioritizing safety, compliance, and evidence-based use, the sports community can harness the power of NMN to promote better health, improved performance, and a more sustainable approach to athletic achievement.