Have you ever wished you had more energy, sharper focus, or additional support for healthy aging? Researchers have been studying a molecule called NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, because of the important role it plays in cellular energy production and repair.
NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age. Supplementation may help support these levels and promote overall cellular health. Below, we explore the potential benefits of NAD+ supplementation and what current research suggests.
What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body. A coenzyme is a substance that helps enzymes perform essential functions.
NAD+ helps the body:
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Convert food into cellular energy
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Support DNA repair
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Maintain healthy cellular function
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Regulate several metabolic processes
As we age, NAD+ levels decrease. This decline has been associated with fatigue, cognitive changes, and a greater risk of age-related health concerns, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Verdin, 2015).
NAD+ supplementation and NAD+-supporting compounds are being studied as potential ways to restore declining levels and support healthier cellular function (Zhang et al., 2020).
Potential Benefits of NAD+ Supplementation
1. Supports Energy and Metabolism
NAD+ is essential for converting nutrients from food into usable energy. When NAD+ levels are low, the cells may not produce energy as efficiently, which may contribute to feelings of fatigue or sluggishness.
Research suggests that supporting NAD+ levels may improve mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are structures within the cells that generate much of the body’s energy (Rajman et al., 2018).
2. Promotes Brain Health and Cognitive Function
NAD+ may help protect brain cells from damage and support healthy cognitive function. Researchers are studying its potential role in memory, focus, mental clarity, and age-related cognitive decline.
Early research also suggests that increasing NAD+ levels may help reduce inflammation and cellular aging in the brain. However, additional human studies are needed to better understand its potential role in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (Hou et al., 2018).
3. Supports Healthy Aging and Longevity
One of the most closely studied areas of NAD+ research is its relationship with aging.
NAD+ helps activate proteins called sirtuins, which are involved in cellular repair, metabolism, inflammation, and the body’s response to stress. These proteins have also been associated with healthy aging and longevity (Imai & Guarente, 2016).
Animal studies suggest that restoring NAD+ levels may improve cellular health and extend lifespan. More research is needed to determine whether these findings apply to humans.
4. Supports Muscle Function and Recovery
NAD+ may also support muscle health, endurance, and recovery.
One animal study found that increasing NAD+ levels improved muscle strength and endurance in older mice (Gomes et al., 2013). Although human research is still developing, these findings suggest that NAD+ may play a role in maintaining muscle function as the body ages.
5. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
NAD+ plays an important role in blood vessel health, circulation, and heart function.
Research suggests that supporting NAD+ levels may help maintain healthy cardiovascular function and protect against some age-related changes within the heart and blood vessels (Kane & Sinclair, 2018).
Is NAD+ Supplementation Safe?
Current studies suggest that NAD+-supporting supplements are generally well tolerated by healthy adults (Martens et al., 2018).
Some people may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, digestive discomfort, or fatigue. Individual experiences may vary depending on the type of supplementation, dosage, and delivery method.
Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement or wellness treatment. Your provider can help determine whether NAD+ supplementation is appropriate for your health needs, medications, and goals.
Supporting Energy and Healthy Aging
NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production, brain health, DNA repair, and healthy aging. Because natural NAD+ levels decline over time, supplementation may offer a way to support cellular function and overall well-being.
Early research is promising, particularly in the areas of energy, cognitive health, muscle function, cardiovascular wellness, and longevity. However, additional human studies are still needed to fully understand the long-term benefits of NAD+ supplementation.
References
Gomes, A. P., Price, N. L., Ling, A. J. Y., Moslehi, J. J., Montgomery, M. K., Rajman, L., et al. (2013). Declining NAD+ induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging. Cell, 155(7), 1624-1638.
Hou, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, Y., Lautrup, S., Cordonnier, S., Mattson, M. …