Health, wellness, and antiaging have come a long way and don’t only involve anticipating the visible signs like grey hair and wrinkles. Prevention is better than cure, and the best place to start is from within.
What is the precursor of NAD+?
NMN or nicotinamide mononucleotide is a naturally occurring molecule in all life forms. It is the direct predecessor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential molecule needed for existence and cellular functions [1]. NMN is needed to form NAD+ since the latter is not as bioavailable.
A fair share of attention has been given to NAD+, specifically for its ability to slow down aging effects. NAD+ is used as a coenzyme in many molecular procedures that maintains your cells and keeps your body flourishing. A coenzyme is regarded as an enzyme helper or assistant and must be available for the reaction to take place.
Optimized intracellular NAD+ levels don’t just prevent the hastening of cellular aging. In fact, the NAD+ molecule is seen in every cell in the body, allowing the transformation of food we consume into energy and chemical products that the body requires to support itself. This is important since the health and function of every cell rely on this tiny molecule.
NAD+ also plays a crucial role with enzymes that handle gene expression in repairing damaged DNA. Through these pathways, NAD+ impacts a variety of processes involved in every cell in your body:
- Activating SIRT1, a sirtuin enzyme that takes part in longevity
- Growing the antioxidant power of cells and tissues
- Down-regulating inflammation
- Enhancing mitochondrial efficiency
- Improving cell viability
Why is it important to have high NAD levels?
NAD+ plays a prominent role in every one of the body’s functions. We can’t do without it.
In addition, if we increase its levels, we can also optimize cell functions and energy outcomes. Regrettably, as we age, levels of NAD+ decline, leading to signs and symptoms of aging.
Low levels of NAD+ are associated with:
- Accelerated aging
- Decreased metabolism along with thyroid hormones
- Harmed immune function
- Hypoxia or low levels of oxygen intracellularly
- Impaired brain function
- Increased inflammation
- Increased sunburn and skin cancer
- Reduced cellular antioxidants
11 Health benefits of increased NAD+
Here are some advantages of improving your NAD+ levels:
- Augmented immunity, with NAD+ stimulating CD38 that’s present on T-cell immune cells, effectively boosting the immune response
- Better exercise performance
- Boosted cellular metabolism and energy production
- Enhanced mitochondrial health
- Improved insulin sensitivity, decreasing the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome
- Improved production of sirtuins
- Increased autophagy or cellular recycling
- Rejuvenated skin health by boosting levels of collagen, keratin, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, a compound found in many skin creams
- Stimulation of CD38 activity increases oxytocin (a hormone linked to social intimacy and bonding)
- Strengthened DNA repair and recovery
- Upgraded protection of brain cells from oxidative stress, reducing neuronal loss and improving myelination (neuron insulation)
Raising NAD+ levels naturally
Calorie restriction, exercise, fasting, and NAD boosters raise the intracellular levels of NAD+, activate SIRT1, and have other physiological benefits. There are several ways to boost your NAD+ levels naturally through diet, lifestyle change, and supplementation.
When we work out, we use NAD+ and replenish it rapidly. As a result, exercise can enable us to augment our reserves.
When we burn fat for energy (instead of carbohydrates), we conserve sufficient levels of NAD+ and boost levels of NAD+ in the brain. This lowers DNA damage in the hippocampus, the location of memory storage.
Additionally, ketosis is achieved by observing a ketogenic diet (keto). Furthermore, ketosis might be enhanced for part of the day through fasting-mimicking, periodic longer fasts, or intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting and calorie restriction will also increase NAD+ levels.
Vitamin B3 or niacin supplements, together with foods rich in vitamin B3 (green vegetables, chicken, portabella mushrooms, rice, nuts, tuna, – although you need to be careful of mercury), will help the body’s NAD+ production.
Niacin is said to serve as a building block for NAD+ levels. Lycopene-rich foods, like tomatoes, also help to avert NAD+ depletion.
You can take an NAD+ supplement orally or apply it to your skin. When taking an oral preparation, you must take a precursor molecule, as NAD+ will break down in your gut without being absorbed.
IV infusion may be an option for individuals with conditions like addiction who have access to this kind of therapy. NAD+ bypasses the gut and is delivered directly to the bloodstream, where it can enter cells.
NAD+ repletion strategies, such as those outlined above, have shown a therapeutic potential to restore a healthy metabolism and physiological function. Numerous health conditions are multifactorial and require a root cause technique. It is also noteworthy to keep in mind the robust and developing research on NAD+.
How much NAD+ should I take?
The suitable dosage of NAD+ relies on your present health condition and needs, like the type of precursor the supplement is using. It is reasonable to consult a healthcare professional about developing the proper treatment plan.
Most supplements will come with a suggested dosage of around 250 to 300 mg every day, generally equating to one or two tablets. Yet, some dosages have been used between 100mg and 1,200 mg per day [3]. There have been some substantial side effects for larger dosages of above 6,000mg.
Some supplements will contain just the precursor itself, like nicotinamide riboside. However, some manufacturers may also mix it with additional ingredients like antioxidants, which may have diverse effects.
Whether you’re planning to increase your NAD levels through supplements or naturally, speak with your doctor before attempting anything new, especially if you have underlying conditions that may be affected by health-related modifications.
What are the risks of NAD+?
While NAD+ supplementation offers a range of potential health benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and considerations before incorporating it into your wellness routine. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Limited regulation: NAD+ supplements are not rigorously regulated by government agencies in the same way pharmaceuticals are. This means that the quality and purity of products on the market can vary widely.
- Side effects: Some individuals may experience side effects from NAD+ supplementation, including nausea, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. These side effects are typically mild but can be bothersome for some.
- Interactions with medications: NAD+ supplements may interact with certain medications. If you are taking prescription medications, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure no potential interactions could affect your health.
- Dosage and individual variations: The appropriate dosage of NAD+ can vary from person to person. Age, weight, and overall health can influence how your body responds to supplementation. It’s important not to exceed recommended dosages.
- Cost: High-quality NAD+ supplements can be relatively expensive. Consider your budget and whether the potential benefits outweigh the cost for your specific health goals.
- Long-term safety: While short-term use of NAD+ supplements appears to be safe for most individuals, the long-term safety of continuous supplementation is not yet well understood. More research is needed to assess potential risks associated with extended use.
- Health conditions: If you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before starting NAD+ supplementation.
- Individual responses: Remember that individual responses to NAD+ supplementation can vary. While some individuals may experience significant benefits, others may not notice a significant difference in their health or well-being.
In closing
Exploring the benefits of NAD+ reveals its profound impact on health, particularly in boosting metabolic functions, enhancing brain health, and possibly extending lifespan.
These findings suggest a strong link between NAD+ levels and improved physiological functions, highlighting its potential to slow aging and manage diseases.
It’s clear that maintaining optimal NAD+ levels could be key to unlocking health benefits that contribute to longevity and overall well-being, encouraging ongoing research and consideration of NAD+ supplementation as part of a holistic approach to health.
FAQs
Is NAD+ good for the heart?
NAD+ supports cellular energy production and reduces oxidative stress, potentially lowering cardiovascular disease risk.
Does NAD+ help cholesterol?
NAD+ may help regulate cholesterol levels by improving cellular metabolism and reducing inflammation, which are key factors in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels in the body.
Does NAD+ actually work?
NAD+ supplementation has shown potential in boosting cellular energy and repairing DNA, but its effectiveness varies and more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
What is the role of NAD+ in health and aging?
NAD+ is crucial for energy production and cellular metabolism. Its levels decline with age, which may affect aging processes and age-related diseases.
[1] https://nad.com/what-is-nad
[2] https://hoffmancentre.com/health-benefits-of-nad-supplements/
[3] https://www.nmn.com/news/how-much-and-for-how-long-can-i-take-an-nad-precursor
