From the Research
NAD+ supplementation does not improve exercise performance in healthy individuals, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The use of NAD+ supplements has been explored for its potential to enhance exercise performance and recovery. However, the current evidence suggests that NAD+ therapeutics do not alter skeletal muscle metabolism or improve athletic performance in healthy humans 1. Some key points to consider:
- NAD+ is a vital energy intermediate in skeletal muscle, and its levels decline with age 1.
- Nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide have been reported to display health benefits in humans under clinical scenarios of NAD+ deficiency, but their effectiveness in healthy individuals is unclear 1.
- A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that NADH supplementation is safe and has a low incidence of side effects, but its effectiveness in improving exercise performance is not established 2.
- Another study suggested that NAD+ supplementation may have benefits in specific clinical conditions, such as psoriasis and enhancement of skeletal muscle activity, but further trials are required to determine its effectiveness 3.
- A review of the literature on NAD+ homeostasis and its role in exercise adaptation found that strategies such as supplementing NAD+ precursors or modulating NAD+ synthesis enzymes may help restore NAD+ balance and improve exercise performance, but more research is needed to confirm this 4. It is essential to note that the evidence for NAD+ supplementation in exercise performance is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects. In terms of practical applications, individuals interested in trying NAD+ boosters should be aware that:
- The supplements can be expensive, and similar benefits may be achieved through established exercise nutrition strategies like proper protein intake, creatine supplementation, and adequate hydration.
- Lifestyle factors like quality sleep and stress management also support natural NAD+ production.
- The most effective dose and duration of NAD+ supplementation for exercise performance are not established, and more research is needed to determine the optimal regimen.