From the Research
NAD+ supplements are generally considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses, but they can potentially cause liver injury in some cases, as evidenced by a systematic review published in 2024 1. When considering NAD+ supplementation, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, particularly for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking certain medications.
- The risk of liver injury appears to be low for healthy individuals taking moderate doses of NAD+ supplements.
- However, high doses of NAD+ supplements may stress the liver, particularly in individuals with specific genetic variations that affect NAD+ metabolism.
- A study published in 2022 in The Journal of Physiology found that NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), can increase hepatic NAD+ levels and prevent hepatic lipid accumulation in pre-clinical models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 2.
- Another study published in 2024 in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism found that NADH supplementation is safe and has a low incidence of side effects, with some studies showing improvements in quality of life and health parameters 1.
- To minimize the risk of liver injury, it is recommended to start with lower doses of NAD+ supplements (typically 250-500 mg daily) and gradually increase if needed, while monitoring for any adverse effects like nausea, fatigue, or abdominal discomfort.
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before taking NAD+ supplements is especially important for individuals with liver disease, those taking medications processed by the liver, or those with a history of liver problems.
- The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing supplements, and while NAD+ is naturally present in the body and involved in many cellular processes, excessive supplementation can potentially disrupt normal liver function by altering metabolic pathways or creating oxidative stress, as discussed in a review published in 2024 in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences 3.