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What are the Benefits of NAD+ Supplements?

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Could boosting your body’s levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) be the key to supporting healthy aging and optimal cellular function? This essential coenzyme plays a critical role in hundreds of metabolic processes, from energy production to DNA repair, yet its levels naturally decline as we age.

With growing scientific interest in NAD+ supplementation, researchers are uncovering promising evidence for its potential benefits across multiple aspects of health. 

This comprehensive guide explores the science behind NAD+ supplements, their various benefits, proper usage guidelines, and important considerations for supplementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme that declines with age, playing vital roles in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic regulation across all living cells.
  • Scientific research suggests NAD+ supplementation may help counter age-related decline, with benefits ranging from enhanced muscle performance and cognitive function to improved cardiovascular and metabolic health.
  • The most studied NAD+ precursor supplements are nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which have shown promise in safely increasing NAD+ levels in humans.
  • While NAD+ supplements are generally well-tolerated, they can interact with certain medications like blood thinners and antihypertensives, making consultation with healthcare providers essential before starting supplementation.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It’s a crucial coenzyme found in all living cells. Think of a coenzyme as a “helper molecule” for enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body, and many enzymes require NAD+ to function properly.

Essential for hundreds of metabolic reactions, NAD+ acts primarily as an electron carrier, facilitating energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling pathways1. From energy generation within mitochondria to the activity of longevity-associated proteins like sirtuins, NAD+ is indispensable for maintaining cellular function and overall organismal health.

Age-related NAD+ decline is implicated in a range of health issues, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular dysfunction, and a general decline in physiological resilience2.

What are NAD+ Supplements?

NAD+ supplements are compounds designed to increase the levels of NAD+ in your cells. These supplements often include precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which are converted into NAD+ in the body.

Preclinical and some clinical studies suggest that NAD+ supplementation may support healthy aging, improve metabolic function, and reduce inflammation3 by addressing symptoms of NAD deficiency. It may also have therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline.

The most studied NAD+ precursors are NR and NMN. These compounds have shown potential in increasing NAD+ levels in humans, with NR being particularly well-researched for its safety and efficacy.

10 Benefits of NAD Supplements

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Scientific research continues to uncover compelling evidence for NAD+ supplementation’s wide-ranging health benefits. From supporting cellular energy production to potentially slowing aspects of biological aging, NAD+ supplements show promise in addressing multiple aspects of health and longevity.

May Enhance Muscle Performance

Lower NAD+ levels are associated with muscle degeneration and aging, highlighting the importance of maintaining NAD+ homeostasis for muscle health4.

Research shows that NAD+ precursors can improve muscle performance and support the creation of new mitochondria in muscle cells. Studies have found particular benefits in conditions like age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and mitochondrial myopathy, where supplementation enhanced muscle strength and reduced liver fat accumulation5.

Shows Promise for Cognitive Health

Supplementation with NAD+ precursors has been shown to improve cognitive function in animal models. These precursors were shown to enhance neurovascular function, improve spatial working memory, and restore synaptic plasticity6, which are crucial for learning and memory.

In Alzheimer’s disease models, NAD+ supplementation has shown potential to reduce brain inflammation, improve communication between neurons, and address certain protein accumulations associated with cognitive decline7.

Linked to Improved Metabolic Function

NAD+ serves as an essential component in various metabolic pathways, including those that help convert food into energy8. It acts as a helper molecule for important enzymes like sirtuins, which play key roles in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and stress response.

Studies show that increasing NAD+ levels can enhance mitochondrial function and overall metabolic health9, with particular promise for addressing metabolic disorders by improving cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress10.

Early Research Suggests Cardiovascular Benefits

NAD+ supplementation shows promise in cardiovascular health by improving heart function and vascular integrity. Studies have demonstrated that NAD+ precursors can reduce high blood pressure, ameliorate vascular dysfunction, and decrease arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients and animal models11.

NAD+ replenishment has been shown to protect against age-related arterial stiffening, improve endothelial function, and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events12.

Preliminary Evidence for Weight Management

Supplementation with NAD+ precursors has been shown to reduce body mass index (BMI) and increase adiponectin levels, a hormone involved in regulating glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown13

Nicotinamide riboside has been found to increase body fat-free mass and sleeping metabolic rate in overweight and obese individuals14. This suggests a potential role in altering body composition, although no significant effects on insulin sensitivity or other metabolic health markers were observed.

May Help Counter Age-Related Decline

Aging is associated with a systemic decline in NAD+ levels, which is linked to metabolic dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases, and other age-related conditions15.

Increasing NAD+ levels through intermediates like NMN has been shown to improve glucose tolerance, muscle function, exercise capacity, and cardiac function in aging models16. It also enhances energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial function17.

Potentially Aids DNA Repair Processes

Deregulation of NAD+ levels has been associated with reduced DNA repair capacity and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration18.

Replenishing NAD+ levels has been shown to improve DNA repair efficiency, enhance genomic stability, and potentially reverse some aging phenotypes19.

Emerging Support for Neurological Health

NAD+ supports synaptic plasticity and neuronal stress resistance, which are vital in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)20.

NAD+ helps ameliorate mitochondrial damage and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, improving cognitive function and reducing neuroinflammation in models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion21.

NR supplementation has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce biomarkers of neurodegenerative pathology22.

May Boost Energy Production

NMN has been shown to improve mitochondrial energy metabolism by increasing NAD+ levels, which enhances the activity of sirtuins, particularly SIRT3. This results in improved mitochondrial bioenergetics and energy production23.

NMN supplementation has demonstrated positive effects on insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism in both animal models and humans. It enhances glucose tolerance and insulin signaling, which are crucial for energy homeostasis24.

Could Improve Sleep Quality

A study on older Japanese adults found that NMN intake, particularly in the afternoon, significantly improved sleep quality and reduced drowsiness25. This suggests that NMN may help in enhancing sleep and reducing fatigue in older populations.

Side Effects of NAD Supplements

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NAD+ supplements are well tolerated in humans, with no serious adverse events reported in several studies. The most commonly reported side effects include muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and headaches. These adverse effects are typically mild and do not pose a serious risk to health26.

Potential Interactions

  • Blood Thinners: Nicotinamide (NAM) may slow blood clotting. When combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, it could increase the risk of bruising or bleeding
  • Antihypertensives: Nicotinamide riboside may lower blood pressure. Combining it with medications for high blood pressure could lead to hypotension
  • Carbamazepine and Primidone: NAM may reduce the breakdown of these drugs in the body, potentially altering their effectiveness, though the clinical significance is unclear
  • Statins: High doses of NAM have been associated with an increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis in patients taking statins
  • Antidepressants: Some antidepressants may interfere with NAD+ levels, potentially reducing the efficacy of NAD supplements

How to Take NAD+

A woman relaxes in a spa chair

NAD+ supplementation can be taken in various forms, including oral supplements, intravenous (IV) infusions, injections, nasal sprays, and patches. The method, dosage, and frequency depend on individual health goals, preferences, and medical guidance.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting NAD+ supplementation. They can help tailor the dosage and method based on your health status and goals. Avoid self-medicating with high doses or combining multiple forms without guidance.

General Guidelines for Dosage

  • Start with a lower dose and gradually increase it to assess tolerance and effectiveness.
  • For oral NR or NMN supplements: Common doses range from 250 mg to 1,000 mg daily. Some studies suggest starting with 100–300 mg and gradually increasing to assess tolerance.
  • For IV infusions: A typical starting point is 500 mg/day over several days.
  • For injections: Start with smaller doses (e.g., 0.1 ml) and titrate up to a target dose of 0.5 ml per injection, as recommended by a healthcare provider.

For more detailed information, see our NAD dosage guide.

Best Time to Take NAD

  • Daily Consistency: NAD precursors should be taken consistently each day to maintain stable NAD+ levels.
  • Morning vs. Evening: Many prefer taking them in the morning because they can promote energy production. If no stimulating effects are noticed, they can be taken at any convenient time.
  • With or Without Food: Most NAD precursors can be taken with or without food. However, taking them with meals may improve tolerance for those with sensitive stomachs.

Is NAD Supplementation Right for You?

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The potential benefits we’ve explored – from enhanced energy production and cognitive function to improved metabolic health and longevity support – make NAD supplementation an attractive option for many adults seeking to optimize their wellness.

Research consistently shows that NAD supplementation is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported in clinical studies. However, before starting any new supplement regimen, it’s valuable to understand your baseline levels.

Testing your intracellular NAD levels can provide clear insights into whether supplementation would be beneficial for your specific situation.

Jinfiniti’s Intracellular NAD® Test offers precise, laboratory-grade testing that measures NAD where it matters most – inside your cells. This testing can help establish your baseline levels and allow you to track your progress while supplementing, ensuring you’re achieving optimal results from your NAD support strategy.

Referenced Sources:

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7973386/ ↩︎
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7442590/ ↩︎
  3. https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article/78/12/2435/7126788 ↩︎
  4. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(16)30350-3 ↩︎
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