NAD Boosters for Anti-Aging

Many thought leaders believe that the key to making important advances in lowering diverse health risks like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease is to attack a common root cause–aging.

While aging was once thought to be inevitable, science is finding that it can be measured on a DNA level by examining methylation patterns and it turns out that aging can be reversed. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized aging as a disease.

This article discusses the molecule at the center of anti-aging research, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and the dietary supplements shown to affect NAD levels.

What Is NAD?

NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. NAD exists in two forms: NAD+ (oxidized form) and NADH (reduced form). It functions as an electron carrier in redox reactions, which involve the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another.

NAD is essential for the production of cellular energy through its involvement in various metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. In these pathways, NAD+ accepts electrons and is reduced to NADH, which then donates electrons to the electron transport chain to generate ATP, the cell’s primary source of energy.

NAD also has a role in regulating cellular processes like gene expression and DNA repair. It serves as a substrate for several enzyme families, including sirtuins and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), which are involved in processes like aging, inflammation, and stress response. Recent research has shown that maintaining healthy NAD levels may have potential benefits for aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and other age-related conditions.

In Simpler Terms

NAD+ acts like a delivery truck for electrons within our cells, essential for energy production. It’s part of the energy conversion process, shuttling electrons to the mitochondria—our cells’ power plants. Here, these electrons are critical for making ATP, the main energy currency of the cell, fueling everything from muscle contraction to brain activity. As we age, our NAD+ levels drop, which can slow down metabolism and increase susceptibility to disease. However, restoring NAD+ can improve health and even extend lifespan, as shown in animal studies. This has sparked interest in finding safe ways to boost NAD+ levels to enhance the body’s resilience against multiple diseases and possibly prolong a healthy life.

What are the Benefits of NAD?

• Cellular energy production: NAD is crucial for generating cellular energy through its involvement in metabolic pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
• DNA repair: NAD serves as a substrate for enzymes involved in DNA repair processes, which help protect cells from damage caused by environmental factors, such as radiation and toxins, and promote cellular health.
• Aging and longevity: NAD is involved in the regulation of sirtuins, a family of enzymes associated with aging and longevity. Higher NAD levels may support healthy aging and promote a longer lifespan.
• Neuroprotection: NAD has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, potentially playing a role in combating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
• Mitochondrial function: NAD supports mitochondrial health and function, which is essential for overall cellular health and energy production.
• Immune system support: NAD may help maintain a healthy immune system by supporting the function of immune cells and modulating inflammation.
• Metabolic health: NAD is involved in regulating various metabolic pathways, and maintaining healthy NAD levels may help improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity.
• Heart health: Some research suggests that NAD may help support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and protecting heart cells from damage.

The Science Behind NMN:

Two Supplements Proven to Raise NAD

There are two popular supplements that are known for boosting NAD+ levels: nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These supplements support cellular functions and potentially slow down the aging process.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) A Powerful Anti-Aging Molecule

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is precursor to NAD+. Like NR, NMN is a form of vitamin B3 and is converted into NAD+ in the body. NMN is naturally found in very small amounts in some foods, including fruits and vegetables.

NMN is a remarkable substance that can help slow down the aging process. By turning into NAD+, NMN can improve how our cells work and bring many health benefits. While studies have mostly been done on mice so far, scientists are now studying NMN in humans to see if it can make us healthier and more energetic. As more research is done, we might discover new ways to fight aging and stay healthier for longer. [PMC7238909]

How To Take It: NMN should be taken 1 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach to maximize its absorption.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR):

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 that can be converted into NAD+ in the body. It is commonly found in tiny amounts in some foods like milk and beer. Raising NAD⁺ levels using NR has been shown to provide protective effects against many diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and hearing loss. [PMC9571518]

NR may not be the best choice for people who are carrying extra weight as some studies have found that NAD levels do not increase in this population. See our article on NR for more on this.

Are NAD Boosters Safe?

Both NMN and NR have excellent safety profiles. However, there are a few cautions:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take NMN or NR.
• There may be a possibility that NMN or NR could interfere with anti-seizure medications.
• Because NR has been shown to reduce blood pressure, be sure to monitor blood pressure when taking NR. [PMC9127073]

When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.

Thank you for your support!

Order NMN or NR Online

Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary

Your health is on the line. Health professionals know that many other online and retail options set a very low bar for quality–sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:

• Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to continuously monitor the quality of each item on the platform. Other retailers operate with profit as their highest or only motive when choosing brands. Fullscript cares only about quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores, large online marketplaces, and other retailers you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable locations or companies.
• Always 20% Discount off the manufacturer’s retail price. When you follow any link from Supplement-Sciences.com, you will automatically get 20% off the retail price.
• Free shipping over $50.
• Freshness. Fullscript prioritizes freshness over bulk buying even if it means an increased risk of briefly being out of stock.
• Top quality phone and online support. When you call, knowledgeable humans at Fullscript answer your questions.
• How It Works:
  • Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click the “View Product” button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.
  • Wide variety of supplement options: Once you sign in to your account, you are not limited to the products listed below. You will see similar items listed at the bottom of each product page on Fullscript.
  • Search For What You Want: Once inside Fullscript, you can search for the exact brands and products you want from their wide selection of quality brands.

Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Supplement Sciences website seeks to provide comprehensive access to the most relevant supplement information along with convenient online ordering. We do not provide medical advice and cannot guarantee that every product suggested is completely without risk. Since each person is unique in their health history and medication use, it is important to discuss supplements with your personal physician. Specifically, pregnant women and individuals being treated for cancer or liver or kidney problems must consult their physician about every nutritional supplement they plan to take. People taking medications for the treatment of HIV or with a history of organ transplant must not take supplements without consulting with their physician.

More Science Details

[PMC6342515]