Should You Take NAD+ Supplements? Your Ultimate Guide
Do you ever experience brain fog and general fatigue? If so, these factors have likely led to your exploration of NAD supplements.
To use its full name - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - is a crucial coenzyme found in all living cells. It has an important role in various biological processes, most notably in the production of cellular energy.
Thanks to the superpowers of this little molecule and its ability to keep our cells functioning as they should, NAD supplements have entered the market claiming to help with all sorts of processes like DNA repair, immune health, ageing and metabolism.
But what's the science behind it? Lucky for you, you don't have to travel far to find out - here's our ultimate guide to all things NAD.
What is NAD?
As we briefly mentioned, NAD or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme that helps cells perform vital processes like facilitating the transfer of energy and maintaining cellular health and longevity.
There are two different types - NAD+ and NADH. In this blog, we'll specifically look at NAD+, which tends to drop as we age. NAD+ is also the molecule that kick-starts cellular energy production and aids cellular repair.
The Role of NAD+ in Cellular Health
Lower levels of NAD+ affect how tired we feel and how quickly our cells regenerate. People over the age of 30 may notice the effects of this more than the younger population. That's because this is typically the age when levels of NAD+ start to decrease significantly.
It may present in feelings of sluggishness, more brain fog than usual, diminished immunity to illness, and poorer metabolic health.
If you're suddenly 'feeling your age', you've likely been abandoned by your NAD+ inhabitants. The good news is that you can increase the population of your NAD+ friends simply by taking NAD+ supplements.
The Science Behind NAD+
NAD+ is a key player in many biochemical reactions essential for life, particularly energy metabolism and cellular energy production.
How NAD+ Works at the Cellular Level
With regards to energy metabolism, without NAD, your body would find it hard to create energy. In turn, your cells would have a hard time trying to perform their everyday duties.
Impact of NAD+ on Anti-Ageing
NAD+ also has an important role in DNA repair which can have anti-ageing benefits alongside its ability to regulate gene expression. This could help combat age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Benefits of NAD+ Supplements
Initial clinical studies have shown that taking NAD+ supplements has promising indications and the potential for numerous health benefits in supporting overall health and cognitive function.
Replenishing the levels of NAD in our bodies could enhance our cellular health and energy production and could help to reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
Taking supplements correctly can also result in better sleep, improved metabolism, increased energy levels and better stress management.
Choosing the Right NAD+ Supplement
Before taking any supplements, it's crucial to seek the guidance of your GP. Supplements are designed to be taken by people in good health and not experiencing certain health conditions or taking certain medications.
Always check the ingredients list on your supplement packaging before taking a product. It's impossible to create NAD+, so what you need to look out for are ingredients which help the body to increase levels of NAD+ naturally.
Ingredients like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (sometimes referred to as NAD NMN supplements) can help the body to produce NAD+.
Can You Boost NAD+ Levels Naturally?
There are a few things you can do to help boost your energy production naturally and a few things to avoid that won't be good for your mitochondrial health.
Try to eat foods that have the power to enhance cellular health and support NAD+ production, such as broccoli and cabbage.
Maintaining a regular fitness regime and engaging in resistance training or HIIT (high-intensity interval training) can spark your body’s NAD+ production pathway and support healthy ageing.
Certain substances and habits have the potential to deplete your NAD+ levels, such as excess alcohol, smoking, and sunburn.
Innovations in NAD+ Supplements and Future Research
There are plans for more research and human clinical trials to further explore the efficacy of NAD+ supplements on various cellular processes and brain health.
Dietary supplements have long been used to aid cognitive performance and mitochondrial health. Researchers may specifically look at the benefits of NAD+ supplements on age-related diseases and cognitive function.