From the Guidelines
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a crucial coenzyme in cellular metabolism and energy production, and its levels decline with age, potentially contributing to various aspects of aging, making supplementation with precursors like NMN and NR a topic of interest for their potential benefits on mitochondrial function, cellular energy, and anti-aging effects. NAD itself is not typically taken as a supplement, but precursors like NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) are available as supplements that aim to boost NAD+ levels in the body 1. These supplements have gained significant attention in recent years due to research suggesting that NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, potentially contributing to various aspects of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased cellular energy production.
The benefits of NAD+ supplementation are thought to include:
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Enhanced cellular energy production
- Possible anti-aging effects
- Support for DNA repair mechanisms
- Neurological benefits Some research suggests these supplements might help with conditions related to metabolic health, cardiovascular function, and cognitive performance. However, it's essential to note that while laboratory and animal studies show promise, human clinical evidence remains limited 1.
Key points to consider when thinking about NAD+ supplementation include:
- Typical supplement dosages range from 250-1000mg daily for NR and similar amounts for NMN
- Optimal dosing isn't firmly established
- These supplements are generally considered safe with minimal side effects
- They can be expensive and the long-term effects aren't fully understood yet
- Anyone considering NAD-boosting supplements should consult with a healthcare provider, especially those with existing health conditions or taking medications. As noted in the study by Aytekin et al. 1, maintaining cellular NAD+ levels seems warranted due to its role in energy metabolism and the potential consequences of its depletion, including mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
From the Research
What is NAD?
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme for redox reactions, making it central to energy metabolism 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- NAD+ is also an essential cofactor for non-redox NAD+-dependent enzymes, including sirtuins, CD38 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases 2
Is it a supplement?
- NAD+ can be supplemented using intermediates such as nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside 3
- Dietary supplementation with NAD+ precursors is being investigated to counteract the decline in NAD+ levels with age 4, 5
Why has it caused conversation especially the last few years?
- The decline in NAD+ levels with age is linked causally to numerous ageing-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia and frailty 2, 3
- Restoring NAD+ levels has been shown to slow down and even reverse some of these ageing-associated diseases 2, 3