From the Guidelines
NAD+ supplementation is recommended for individuals with confirmed NAD+ deficiency or those at risk of deficiency, such as the elderly or individuals with certain medical conditions, as it may help improve energy levels, enhance cellular repair processes, and support metabolic health, but it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider due to potential risks and limited long-term safety data. The benefits of NAD+ supplementation may include improved energy levels, enhanced cellular repair processes, potential anti-aging effects, and support for metabolic health, as suggested by studies such as 1. Some research suggests NAD+ might help with conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related decline. However, the risks include gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea, potential interactions with medications, lack of long-term safety data, and inconsistent product quality due to limited regulation.
The most common forms of NAD+ supplements include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), typically taken in doses ranging from 250-1000mg daily. These supplements work by increasing NAD+ levels in cells, which decline naturally with age and are crucial for energy metabolism and cellular repair pathways. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established upper intake levels (ULs) for nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, which are 10 mg/d and 12.5 mg/kg body weight/d, respectively, as reported in 1 and 1.
Key considerations for NAD+ supplementation include:
- Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or those taking medications
- Monitoring for potential side effects and interactions with medications
- Ensuring high-quality supplements from reputable manufacturers
- Being aware of the limited long-term safety data and potential risks associated with NAD+ supplementation. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of NAD+ supplementation and to prioritize individual health and safety above potential benefits, as supported by studies such as 1, 1, and 1.
From the Research
Risks and Benefits of NAD Supplementation
- The potential benefits of NAD supplementation include improved cardiovascular and metabolic functions, as well as enhanced skeletal muscle activity 2.
- NAD supplementation has also been proposed as a strategy for improving healthspan and reducing the risk of age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders 3.
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has been identified as a promising NAD precursor, with studies demonstrating its ability to elevate NAD levels and improve various physiological functions 4, 5.
- Chronic NR supplementation has been shown to be well-tolerated and effective in stimulating NAD metabolism in healthy middle-aged and older adults 6.
- However, the clinical outcomes for NR supplementation strategies have not yet met the expectations generated in mouse models, and further trials are required to determine the optimal method of raising NAD levels and identifying target conditions 4, 2.
- Potential limitations and challenges associated with NAD supplementation include bioavailability and safety concerns, as well as the need for further research to fully understand its therapeutic potential 5, 2.
Key Findings
- NAD supplementation has been shown to have potential benefits for various age-related conditions, including psoriasis and skeletal muscle activity 2.
- NR supplementation has been demonstrated to be effective in elevating NAD levels and improving physiological functions in animal and human studies 5, 6.
- The use of NAD precursors, such as NR, may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for aging and its associated disorders, particularly neurodegenerative diseases 3.
Future Directions
- Further clinical trials are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of NAD supplementation and to determine the optimal method of raising NAD levels 4, 2.
- Research should focus on identifying the target conditions and comparing NAD supplementation to other therapeutic strategies, such as exercise programs and dietary interventions 2.
- The potential benefits and limitations of NAD supplementation should be further explored in order to fully realize its therapeutic potential 5, 3.