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What is NAD?
NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in all living cells that provides a number of benefits both at the cellular level and for overall health.
NAD supplements may increase the concentration of NAD+ in the blood and allow it to be absorbed by cells. This coenzyme mediates a number of physiological functions, including metabolism, energy production and utilization.
NAD supplements may help increase the level of this coenzyme in our blood and cells, helping us stay healthy even when aging sets in.
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Dietary sources of NAD
NMN, a precursor of NAD, is found in a number of foods, including:
Avocados: up to 1.60 mg of NMN per 100 g
Broccoli: up to 1.12 mg of NMN per 100 g
Cabbage: 0.9 mg of NMN per 100 g
Raw beef: 0.42 mg of NMN per 100 g
Tomatoes: 0.30 mg of NMN per 100 g
NMN can also be found in cucumbers, edamame, fish, chicken, and milk.
1. Healthy aging
One of the prominent roles of NAD is to slow down the aging process and prevent related diseases. David Sinclair, a geneticist at Harvard University, said that increasing the amount of NAD in the blood and cells may help slow down the aging process.
NAD seems to slow down aging through two mechanisms:
First, we know that as we age, our chromosome telomeres get shorter. Telomeres are repetitive DNA coding sequences located at the ends of chromosomes, similar to the plastic tip at the end of shoelaces. Preventing telomeres from shortening may help slow the aging process. Each time a cell replicates, a portion of the telomere is lost, causing the cell to age and eventually die. Other studies have shown that NAD stabilizes the ends of chromosome telomeres, which may help prevent telomere shortening.
Second, NAD appears to promote the activity of Sirtuin enzymes. This is a class III protein deacetylase that is NAD-dependent and may help regulate cell health. Once Sirtuin activity is triggered, the aging process may be delayed, according to research. Scientists are still studying this new topic to understand the underlying mechanisms in more detail.
2. Brain Health
As we age, the aging process makes our brains less sharp than they were in our prime. Memory and brain speed also decline over time. Obviously, if this can be optimized, it will be of great benefit to everyone. Therefore, active exploration in preventing Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases may bring considerable value.
Several medical trials have shown that NAD may optimize the learning curve and consolidate memory. NAD helps repair damaged DNA in the brain and other nerve cells. NAD may also activate certain specific proteins that protect the brain from oxidative damage.
It is important to note that chronic damage to DNA and nerve cells increases the risk of diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Lewy body dementia.
In addition, a 2021 study showed that supplementing with NAD may help maintain cognitive function in patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignant cell mutations. A 2023 study suggests that NAD may play a non-trivial role in brain health in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study also showed evidence that NAD may optimize blood flow to the brain, helping to maintain brain health.
3. Optimize blood sugar
Insuli-n resistance and pre-diabetes are common signs of aging, which is why diabetes is very common in the elderly. A proper diet also plays an important role. The good news is that several studies have confirmed that NAD may have a regulatory effect on insuli-n sensitivity. The sooner you consciously adjust your healthy lifestyle, the more likely you are to prevent the development of harmful diseases such as diabetes.
For example, oral NAD may have a beneficial effect on controlling blood sugar in mice with diabetes.
In addition, in one study, the benefits of taking 250 mg of NAD supplements daily for 10 days in menopausal women were analyzed. All subjects in this study were overweight and had prediabetes. The results showed that subjects who took NAD supplements may have significantly improved insuli-n sensitivity. No similar effects were observed in the control group. This finding may be significant because people with insuli-n resistance and/or prediabetes account for as much as one-third of the world's population.
4. Kidney Health
Humans are born with two kidneys, which are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and helping to keep electrolytes stable. Certain prescriptions and the aging process often have adverse effects, causing the kidney's filtering function to gradually decline over time.
Fortunately, NAD seems to protect kidney function and prevent oxidative damage to the kidneys. Researchers attribute these properties to the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of NAD and SIRT1. SIRT1 is also a NAD+-dependent protein.
5. Heart Health
Heart disease is the world's leading killer. As we age, our risk of heart disease increases. One key to extending our lifespan is finding ways to prevent heart disease.
Research shows that NAD appears to be good for the heart. Specifically, a 2018 study found that NAD may repair blood vessel elasticity and prevent damage to the endothelium (artery walls) that could otherwise trigger artery blockages. The study also found that NAD may promote the growth of new blood vessels in the skeletal muscle of older mice. Results showed that older mice given NAD had endurance comparable to that of younger mice.
In addition, NAD may help regulate blood flow and appears to play a positive role in congestive heart failure.
Researchers have found that the deacetylase enzyme sirtuin may help regulate cholesterol metabolism in the body, a process that is facilitated by taking NAD supplements.
6. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Numeric studies have investigated the effects of NAD on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sometimes also called myalgic encephalomyelitis. The syndrome is thought to be due to a decrease in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which the body uses for energy. People with the condition experience chronic exhaustion, regardless of how well they rest.
Some possible theories and suggestions to explain this phenomenon include:
NAD may help optimize the conversion of food into energy. The main form of energy used by the body is through adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
NAD may promote the production of neurotransmitters, chemicals that help the brain transmit signals. These neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
In a 2015 study, researchers recruited 73 women with chronic fatigue syndrome. To study the effects of NAD on chronic fatigue syndrome, the researchers combined the supplement with coenzyme Q10, which is also important for mitochondrial health.
Some of the women took an NAD supplement containing coenzyme Q10. Others took a placebo. In an analysis of the study results, the subjects who took NAD showed significant improvements in both physical function and cognitive ability. At the molecular level, the combination of NAD and CoQ10 may increase ATP (energy) levels.
Another report found that NAD and CoQ10 may reduce the feeling of exhaustion after strenuous activity. This symptom is a classic medical manifestation of chronic fatigue syndrome.
7. Sports Function
Athletes are always looking for a competitive advantage that can both improve their performance and improve their performance. In this case, it may be helpful to consider taking NAD. For example, one study specifically focused on the effects of NAD supplementation on recreational runners. The researchers gave 48 runners different doses of NAD (300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg) or a placebo. NAD intake lasted for six weeks. At the end of the study, runners who took NAD had higher aerobic capacity and increased muscle oxygen consumption compared to the control group. Higher doses seem to produce more significant effects. The study did not find any risk of side effects. However, the effects on NAD still need further research.
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