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Top 5 Benefits of NAD, According to a Genomic Scientist

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When Dr. Jin-Xiong She first discovered how nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide decline affects human health, he knew this molecule held the key to extending our healthy years. “After studying hundreds of research papers and working with thousands of patients, I’ve seen firsthand how restoring NAD levels can transform someone’s vitality,” says Dr. She, founder of Jinfiniti Precision Medicine.

NAD operates as a coenzyme in all living cells. This molecule powers hundreds of cellular actions, from energy production to mending DNA. Yet, the majority of people encounter a steep drop in their NAD levels around age 60.

The promising news? Clinical studies confirm that bringing NAD levels back to a healthy range can have beneficial outcomes.

What Makes NAD So Important for Your Health?

NAD functions as the charger for your cells. If levels of this vital molecule are too low, your mitochondria become inefficient at making energy. Your cells also have trouble fixing wear and tear, and the hallmarks of aging appear more quickly.

“NAD is like the power source that keeps your cells running properly,” explains Dr. She. “When you don’t have enough, everything starts breaking down.”

Experts now acknowledge that diminishing NAD levels are a major sign of aging. This finding has initiated considerable investigation into using NAD supplements as a way to slow the aging process.

Top 5 Benefits of NAD Explained by Dr. Jin-Xiong She

Recent clinical trials have identified five areas where NAD supplementation shows the most potential benefits for human health.

Graphic showing the top 5 benefits of NAD according to Dr. Jin-Xiong She

1. Better Metabolism and Blood Sugar Control

Some of the strongest evidence for NAD supplementation comes from metabolic research. Clinical studies show remarkable improvements in how the body processes sugar and fat1.

Key Research Findings:

  • 25% improvement in muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women
  • Better glucose disposal and metabolic flexibility
  • Enhanced cellular signaling pathways

One study gave nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to overweight postmenopausal women for 10 weeks2. The results were striking. Participants showed notable improvements in how their muscles responded to insulin.

“What excites me most about this research is that NAD optimization isn’t just masking symptoms,” notes Dr. She. “It’s addressing the root cellular hurdle that leads to metabolic problems.”

The benefits appear strongest in people who already have metabolic issues. If you’re dealing with blood sugar concerns or weight management challenges, NAD supplementation might offer real support.

A collection of smooth, rounded red 3D shapes clustered together on a matching background.

2. Improved Muscle Function and Physical Performance

NAD is crucial for keeping our muscles strong and resilient as we get older. A number of studies have shown clear gains in how well people perform physically3.

Research Highlights:

  • Improved walking speed and grip strength in older adults
  • 8% increase in muscle power output
  • Enhanced exercise tolerance and recovery

One study followed healthy older men taking nicotinamide mononucleotide for 12 weeks. Participants experienced measurable improvements in gait speed and overall physical function4.

The mechanism involves mitochondrial function restoration in muscle tissue. NAD helps your cellular powerhouses work more efficiently. This translates to better strength, endurance, and recovery.

“I’ve seen 70-year-old patients regain energy levels they hadn’t felt in decades,” observes Dr. She. “The difference NAD makes in muscle function can be life-changing.”

3. Anti-Aging and Cellular Repair

The most interesting research involves NAD’s role in slowing cellular aging. This coenzyme activates enzymes responsible for DNA repair and cellular maintenance.

Anti-Aging Mechanisms:

  • Enhanced DNA repair through PARP enzyme activation
  • Reduced cellular senescence and inflammation
  • Improved stress resistance and cellular resilience

Studies show NAD supplementation can reverse several molecular markers of aging5. Cells begin functioning more like younger versions of themselves.

The longevity benefits work through multiple pathways. NAD activates sirtuins, often called “longevity proteins.” These enzymes help protect against age-related damage and support healthy cellular function.

Dr. She explains, “We’re giving cells the tools they need to maintain themselves properly. It’s like restringing your tennis racket when the strings get loose and worn out.”

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4. Heart Health and Cardiovascular Support

NAD supplementation shows promising benefits for cardiovascular health, particularly for blood pressure and arterial function. Research indicates meaningful improvements in several heart health markers6.

Cardiovascular Benefits:

  • Reduced blood pressure in people with elevated levels
  • Improved arterial flexibility and function
  • Enhanced heart muscle energy metabolism

The cardiovascular benefits appear most pronounced in people with existing risk factors. If you have concerns about blood pressure or heart health, NAD supplementation might provide real support.

Quality matters when choosing an NAD supplement. Jinfiniti’s Vitality↑® NAD+ Booster combines NMN with creatine, D-ribose, and niacinamide in a clinically validated formula designed to work across multiple metabolic pathways for cellular energy support.

“The combination approach often works better than any single intervention,” notes Dr. She. “Supporting multiple pathways gives us the best chance for meaningful health improvement.”

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5. Brain Protection and Cognitive Function

Recent research reveals NAD’s powerful neuroprotective effects. Clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases show promising results for brain health.

Brain Health Benefits:

  • Increased brain NAD levels and improved metabolism
  • Enhanced mitochondrial function in neurons
  • Reduced neuroinflammation and improved cognitive performance

The NADPARK study demonstrated that NAD supplementation could raise brain NAD levels in Parkinson’s patients7. This research opens doors for addressing various neurodegenerative conditions.

NAD supports brain health through several pathways. It enhances mitochondrial function in neurons. It supports DNA repair in brain cells. It activates pathways that protect against neurodegeneration.

“The brain is very energy-hungry,” explains Dr. She. “When NAD levels drop, cognitive function often follows. Restoring those levels can make a real difference.”

Potential Risks and Side Effects of NAD Supplements

A woman performs a plank exercise on white Pilates reformer equipment in a studio.

NAD supplementation has a strong safety record based on clinical research. Studies involving over 1,000 participants report minimal side effects8.

Safety Profile:

  • Well-tolerated across doses from 100mg to 3,000mg daily
  • No serious adverse events in major clinical trials
  • Mild digestive discomfort in rare cases

The most common NAD precursor supplements include nicotinamide riboside (NR), NMN, and standard nicotinamide. Each has slightly different absorption and effectiveness profiles.

“Safety is always my priority when recommending any supplement,” emphasizes Dr. She. “The research shows NAD supplementation is well-tolerated.”

The Importance of Testing Your NAD Levels

Here’s where most people get NAD supplementation wrong. They guess at dosage instead of measuring their actual levels.

“You wouldn’t take blood pressure medication without checking your numbers first,” says Dr. She. “Why would you supplement without knowing where you stand?”

NAD+ LevelTypical Age RangeRecommended Action
Low40+ yearsBegin supplementation
Moderate30-50 yearsMonitor and consider supplementation
OptimalUnder 30 yearsMaintain through lifestyle

Jinfiniti’s Intracellular NAD+ Test measures your actual cellular NAD levels. This takes the guesswork out of supplementation. You can see exactly where you stand and track your progress.

Our Test, Act, Optimize philosophy means starting with data. Test your baseline levels. Act with targeted supplementation. Optimize by retesting and adjusting.

“Precision medicine isn’t just a buzzword for us,” notes Dr. She. “It’s how we help people achieve real, measurable improvements in their health.”

Intracellular NAD Test promotional image

Taking NAD Supplements: What You Need to Know

The research shows effective dosage ranges from 250mg to 1,000mg daily, depending on your specific goals and baseline levels. Studies suggest taking NAD precursors consistently for at least 8-12 weeks to see meaningful benefits3.

Dosage Considerations:

  • Start with lower doses and gradually increase
  • Take with food to minimize digestive effects
  • Consistency matters more than timing
  • Monitor your response through testing

Different NAD precursors work through slightly different pathways. Some people respond better to one form than another. Testing helps identify what works best for your unique biochemistry.

“The goal isn’t just raising NAD levels,” explains Dr. She. “It’s raising them to the optimal range for your individual health goals and maintaining them there.”

Your Path to Healthy Aging Starts Here

A smiling young Asian woman in a white shirt poses with hands near her face in a park setting.

The question: Is NAD truly worth it? The science points to clear upsides.

Boosting NAD with supplements provides tangible benefits for your body’s energy use, how muscles perform, fixing cells, heart vitality, and shielding the brain. It’s remarkably safe. The chance to lengthen your vibrant years is substantial.

Still, success requires the right approach. Start with testing your current NAD levels. Choose high-quality supplements based on your specific needs. Keep tabs on your progress with follow-up testing.

“After decades of research, I’m convinced that maintaining optimal NAD levels is one of the most important things you can do for healthy aging,” concludes Dr. She. “The question isn’t whether NAD matters. It’s if you’re ready to take control of your cellular health.”

Eager to find out your NAD levels and kickstart your path to improvement? Your future self will thank you for acting now.

Referenced Sources

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8318105/ ↩︎
  2. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe9985 ↩︎
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10692436/ ↩︎
  4. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-024-01204-1 ↩︎
  5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9917998/ ↩︎
  6. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.3c00312 ↩︎
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35235774/ ↩︎
  8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7558103/ ↩︎
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