From the Guidelines
Niacin supplementation is essential for maintaining adequate NAD levels in the body, and I recommend a daily dose of 40 mg/day as suggested by the ESPEN micronutrient guideline 1. When considering NAD supplements, it's crucial to understand that Niacin is a precursor to NAD, and its supplementation can help increase NAD levels in the body. The ESPEN micronutrient guideline 1 highlights the importance of Niacin in converting nutrients into energy, creating cholesterol and fats, and exerting antioxidant effects.
Key Points to Consider
- Niacin is a collective term for nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, which are converted into the coenzyme NAD in the body 1.
- More than 400 enzymes require NAD to catalyze reactions in the body, making it a crucial component of various cellular processes 1.
- Niacin can be obtained through the diet, but supplementation may be necessary to ensure adequate levels, particularly in individuals with restricted diets or increased requirements 1.
- The recommended daily dose of Niacin is 40 mg/day, which can be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan in the liver 1.
Important Considerations
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation regimen, especially for individuals taking medications or with underlying medical conditions.
- Results may vary between individuals, and benefits may take several weeks to become noticeable.
- Purchasing supplements from reputable manufacturers is crucial to ensure quality and purity.
From the FDA Drug Label
The other pathway results in the formation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Niacin supplement is related to the formation of NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), as it is one of the metabolic pathways of niacin.
- The formation of NAD from niacin is a known metabolic pathway.
- However, it is unclear whether nicotinamide is formed as a precursor to, or following the synthesis of, NAD.
- The activity of NAD and other metabolites of niacin is not fully understood, but nicotinamide does not have hypolipidemic activity 2.
From the Research
NAD Supplement Overview
- NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential pyridine nucleotide cofactor present in cells, involved in various biological processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, DNA repair, and gene expression 3.
- NAD+ supplementation has been studied for its potential benefits in various clinical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, older adults, Parkinson's disease, overweight, postmenopausal prediabetes, and Alzheimer's disease 3.
Safety and Effectiveness
- A systematic review of 10 studies with 489 participants found that NADH supplementation was well tolerated and associated with improved clinical outcomes, such as decreased anxiety, increased muscle insulin sensitivity, and improved quality of life 3.
- Common side effects associated with NAD supplementation include muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and headaches, but these adverse events were not considered serious 3.
- Another study found that NAD pharmacology has a promising side effect profile for human use, given the widespread use of NAD precursor vitamin B3 supplements 4.
Potential Benefits
- NAD+ supplementation has been suggested to have potential benefits in various conditions, including age-related cognitive decline, diabetes, stroke, and traumatic brain injury 5.
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) have been found to have beneficial physiological effects, including protection against diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation 6.
- NR and NMN have been shown to reverse gut dysbiosis and promote beneficial effects at intestinal and extraintestinal levels 6.
Future Research Directions
- Further studies are needed to determine the optimal method of raising NAD levels, identifying target conditions, and comparing NAD supplementation to standard care 4.
- More research is needed to provide definitive answers regarding the impact of NAD+ precursor supplementation on human cognitive health 5.
- The prospection of NR and NMN to find potential food sources and their dietary contribution in increasing NAD+ levels is an unexplored field of research 6.