Elevate Your Health with NAD Vitamins
NAD+ is a fundamental molecule in human life and health as it participates in energy metabolism, cell signalling, mitochondrial homeostasis, and in dictating cell survival or death. Emerging evidence from preclinical and human studies indicates an age-dependent reduction of cellular NAD+, possibly due to reduced synthesis and increased consumption. In preclinical models, NAD+ repletion extends healthspan and / or lifespan and mitigates several conditions, such as premature ageing diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. These findings suggest that NAD+ replenishment through NAD+ precursors has great potential as a therapeutic target for ageing and age-predisposed diseases.
(Covarrubias et al., 2021 | Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol.) Therapeutic approaches to restore NAD⁺ levels and their impact on health. Aging is linked to decreased NAD⁺ levels that promote or exacerbate aging-related diseases. Thus, restoring NAD⁺ levels has emerged as a therapeutic approach to prevent and treat aging-related diseases and to restore health and vigor during the aging process. Some potential strategies that boost NAD⁺ levels include lifestyle changes, the use of small-molecule inhibitors or activators to boost NAD⁺ biosynthesis, and the use of dietary supplements, including NAD⁺ precursors, such as NMN and NR.
NAD+ Functions as a Coenzyme in Mitochondria
NAD+ plays an especially active role in metabolic processes, such as glycolysis, the TCA Cycle (AKA Krebs Cycle or Citric Acid cycle), and the electron transport chain, which occurs in our mitochondria and is how we obtain cellular energy.
In its role as a ligand, NAD+ binds to enzymes and transfers electrons between molecules. Electrons are the atomic basis for cellular energy and by transferring them from one molecule to the next, NAD+ acts through a cellular mechanism similar to recharging a battery. A battery is depleted when electrons are expended to provide energy. Those electrons can’t return to their starting point without a boost. In cells, NAD+ serves as that booster. In this way, NAD+ can decrease or increase enzyme activity, gene expression, and cell signaling.
NAD+ Helps Control DNA Damage
As organisms grow older, they accrue DNA damage due to environmental factors such as radiation, pollution, and imprecise DNA replication. According to the current aging theory, the accumulation of DNA damage is the main cause of aging. Almost all cells contain the ‘molecular machinery’ to repair this damage. This machinery consumes NAD+ and energy molecules. Therefore, excessive DNA damage can drain valuable cellular resources.
One important DNA repair protein, PARP (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase), depends on NAD+ to function. Older individuals experience decreased levels of NAD+. The accumulation of DNA damage as a result of the normal aging process leads to increased PARP, which causes decreased NAD+ concentration. This depletion is exacerbated by any further DNA damage in the mitochondria.
NADH, or reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a chemical made in your body from niacin, a type of B vitamin. NADH helps your body make energy. Some people take it in supplement form to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME/CFS).
Alternative practitioners believe that NADH can boost energy levels and improve mental clarity, alertness, concentration, and memory. Some athletes even take NADH to enhance performance and endurance. Although there are some promising findings, the evidence supporting NADH's use is often mixed or contradictory.
Lets takes a closer look at the health benefits of NADH supplements along with the side effects that may come with taking them. It is also good to discusses what you should look for when choosing a dietary supplement.
Health Benefits
Those in favor of NADH supplements believe that they can boost the natural effects of NADH in the brain. Some even go so far as to suggest they can restore memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease.
There are even ongoing investigations as to whether NADH, delivered by injection or intravenously (into a vein), can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Here is what some of the current research says:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
The bulk of the current research has been focused on NADH's use in treating ME/CFS. Much of the evidence is anecdotal (based on personal accounts), or based on hypotheses rather than clinical fact.
Among some of the theories as to why NADH may be beneficial:
NADH helps enzymes in your body convert food into energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Studies suggest that some people with ME/CFS have low levels of ATP.
Research shows that NADH can stimulate brain function, which may help alleviate the cognitive dysfunction associated with ME/CFS.
NADH may reduce fatigue by restoring the function of the mitochondria (tiny structures that power your cells). ME/CFS is believed to involve mitochondrial dysfunction.
NADH may help your brain create neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that influence mood and cognitive function (including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine).
A few studies have looked at the combined use of NADH plus coenzyme Q10 (coQ-10) in people with ME/CFS.
A 2015 study reported that among 73 women with ME/CFS, the combined use NADH and CoQ-10 provided greater subjective increases in physical and cognitive function compared to a placebo.
Moreover, the combined use of NADH and CoQ-10 supplements increased ATP levels in the bloodstream.
Similar results were seen in a 2016 study from Spain in which NADH and CoQ-10 reduced post-exertional malaise (PEM), a defining symptom of ME/CFS.6 The CDC defines PEM as the worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion.
A 2011 review of studies named NADH and magnesium as the only two supplements shown to improve ME/CFS symptoms.
NADH supplements are thought by many to have several health benefits—from boosting energy to keeping the brain sharp. Although theories in support of these benefits are strong, there is a lot of scientific proof in favor of NADH supplementation.
While NADH supplements are considered safe in moderation, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any kind of dietary supplement.
