From the Guidelines
NAD+ supplementation is crucial for maintaining cellular energy production, preventing age-related decline, and supporting overall health, as evidenced by the recent study published in 2018 1. NAD+ supplementation aims to increase levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production and various metabolic processes. Taking NAD+ supplements may help combat age-related decline in NAD+ levels, potentially supporting cellular health, energy metabolism, and longevity. Some key points to consider when taking NAD+ supplements include:
- Common forms include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), typically taken in doses ranging from 250-1000mg daily.
- NR supplements like Niagen or Tru Niagen are often taken at 300mg daily, while NMN supplements usually range from 250-500mg daily.
- These supplements work by providing precursors that the body can convert to NAD+, supporting mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and cellular resilience.
- The administration of ‘supraphysiological’ doses of vitamin B3 (≥500 mg/kg), to allow for a surplus of NAD+ /NADP+, has been demonstrated to prevent specific events and the subsequent loss of cellular NAD+ levels 1. While research shows promise, especially in animal studies, human clinical evidence is still developing, and it is essential to consider the potential benefits and risks of NAD+ supplementation in the context of individual patient needs and health status. Some potential benefits of NAD+ supplementation include:
- Improved cellular energy production
- Enhanced mitochondrial function
- Support for DNA repair and cellular resilience
- Potential anti-aging effects However, it is also important to consider potential side effects, such as:
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Headaches Overall, NAD+ supplementation has the potential to support overall health and well-being, particularly in the context of age-related decline, and should be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, as supported by the study published in Nutrition Research Reviews 1.
From the Research
NAD+ Supplementation Effects
- NAD+ supplementation has been shown to increase NAD+ abundance in multiple tissues, with studies suggesting that it can improve physiological function in models of aging and disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The supplementation with NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, has been found to be safe and tolerable, with some studies reporting improvements in anxiety, maximum heart rate, and inflammatory cytokines 3.
- NAD+ supplementation has also been associated with increased muscle insulin sensitivity, improved sleep quality, and enhanced quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome 3.
Potential Health Benefits
- NAD+ precursors, such as NMN and NR, have been shown to have beneficial effects on diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation 4.
- NAD+ supplementation may also have a positive impact on cardiac health, with studies suggesting that it can improve atherosclerosis, ischemic, diabetic, arrhythmogenic, hypertrophic, or dilated cardiomyopathies, as well as different modalities of heart failure 5.
- NAD+ deficiency has been identified as a common central pathological factor in a number of diseases, including cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia, and diabetes, and in models of aging, with NAD+ supplementation showing therapeutic potential in these conditions 6.
Safety and Side Effects
- NAD+ supplementation has been found to be generally safe and well-tolerated, with some studies reporting side effects such as muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and headaches 3.
- However, the incidence of these side effects is considered low, and the overall risk to health is not significant 3.