From the Guidelines
NAD supplements do not have sufficient evidence to conclusively slow down human aging, and their use should be approached with caution. While NAD+ supplements show promise in laboratory studies, particularly in maintaining cellular NAD+ levels and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction 1, human clinical trials remain limited and have shown mixed results. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels naturally decline with age, and supplements like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) aim to boost these levels. Typical dosages range from 250-1000mg daily for NR and 250-500mg daily for NMN, taken orally. However, the administration of 'supraphysiological' doses of vitamin B3 (≥500 mg/kg) has been demonstrated to prevent specific events and the subsequent loss of cellular NAD+ levels in experimental studies 1.
Despite encouraging animal research showing improvements in cellular health, DNA repair, and metabolic function, the supplements appear generally safe for most people but can be expensive (ranging from $30-$100 monthly) and may interact with certain medications. Additionally, their bioavailability (how much actually reaches your cells) remains questionable. For those interested in potential anti-aging benefits, established approaches like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, and stress management currently have stronger scientific support than NAD+ supplementation. It is essential to prioritize these evidence-based methods for promoting healthy aging and maintaining quality of life.
Some key points to consider when evaluating NAD supplements include:
- The potential mechanisms for neuromuscular damage can be discerned from experimental depletion of cellular NAD+, which induces oxidative damage and mitochondrial instability 1
- Maintaining cellular nicotinamide and NAD+ concentrations is crucial to prevent SIRT2-mediated apoptosis 1
- The variable and non-specific nature of associated symptoms in sub-acute NAD deficiency states makes diagnosis and treatment challenging 1
- More research is needed to fully understand the effects of NAD supplements on human aging and to determine their safety and efficacy in various populations.
From the Research
NAD Supplements and Aging
- The current evidence on NAD supplements and their effect on aging is largely based on animal studies and limited human clinical trials 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies suggest that NAD+ levels decline with age and that raising intracellular NAD+ levels may have a beneficial effect on age-related degenerative diseases 3, 5, 6.
- NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and nicotinamide have been shown to increase NAD+ levels and improve physiological function in animal models of aging and disease 2, 3, 5, 6.
Clinical Evidence
- A systematic review of human clinical trials found that NAD+ supplementation was safe and well-tolerated, but the evidence for its effectiveness in improving physiological function and extending health span was limited 3, 4.
- Studies have reported improvements in anxiety, maximum heart rate, and muscle insulin sensitivity with NAD+ supplementation, but the sample sizes were small and the study durations were variable 4.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosing regimens, study durations, and target conditions for NAD+ supplementation 2, 3, 4.
Potential Benefits and Risks
- The potential benefits of NAD+ supplementation include improved physiological function, extended health span, and reduced risk of age-related diseases 3, 5, 6.
- The potential risks of NAD+ supplementation include the accumulation of toxic metabolites, tumorigenesis, and promotion of cellular senescence 6.
- More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of NAD+ supplementation and to determine its potential as a therapeutic strategy for age-related degenerative diseases 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.