From the Guidelines
NAD supplementation has been shown to have potential benefits in maintaining cellular energy metabolism, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction, and reducing the risk of age-related diseases, as evidenced by a study published in 2018 1. The benefits of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) are multifaceted, with a primary role in energy metabolism and cellular repair processes. Some of the key benefits include:
- Improved energy levels through enhanced mitochondrial function
- Enhanced cellular repair processes, including DNA repair mechanisms
- Potential anti-aging effects by activating sirtuins, proteins that regulate cellular health and longevity
- Support for cognitive function, cardiovascular health, and metabolic conditions like diabetes
- Potential reduction in cancer risk through DNA repair mechanisms
As noted in the study by Aytekin et al. 1, maintenance of cellular NAD+ levels seems warranted, particularly in older adults, as low levels of NAD+ have been shown to result in a 'cellular energy crisis' caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. This dysfunction can lead to mitochondrial depolarization and the release of mitochondrial apoptosis-inducing factor, contributing to cell death. The administration of 'supraphysiological' doses of vitamin B3 (≥500 mg/kg) has been demonstrated to prevent these specific events and the subsequent loss of cellular NAD+ levels, as shown in a study on Wistar rats 1. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation, especially for those with existing health conditions or taking medications, as side effects can include flushing, nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
From the Research
Benefits of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
- NAD is an essential coenzyme that mediates various redox reactions, playing a critical role in energy production pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation 2, 3.
- NAD regulates energy metabolism, DNA damage repair, gene expression, and stress response, and its metabolism is involved in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and retinal degenerative diseases 2, 4.
- Maintaining appropriate NAD levels is important for mitochondrial function, and decreased NAD levels are observed in neurodegenerative diseases, while supplementation of NAD precursors can ameliorate disease phenotypes by activating mitochondrial functions 2, 3.
- NAD metabolism also plays an important role in axonal degeneration, a characteristic feature of peripheral neuropathy and neurodegenerative diseases, and dysregulated NAD metabolism is implicated in retinal degenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Leber congenital amaurosis 2.
- Increasing cellular NAD+ content by inducing its biosynthesis or inhibiting the activity of PARP and cADP-ribose synthases can lead to sirtuins activation, which modulates distinct metabolic, energetic, and stress response pathways 3, 5.
- NAD+ levels decline with mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced NAD+/NADH ratio is implicated in mitochondrial disorders, various age-related pathologies, as well as during aging, and supplementation with NAD+ precursors may represent a new therapeutic opportunity for aging and its associated disorders 3, 4.