5 Health Boosts Hidden in NAD+ Supplements

NAD+ is a tiny molecule that plays a huge role in keeping our cells - and us - healthy and energized. Think of it as the battery that powers our bodies. As we age, our NAD+ levels naturally drop, leading to less energy, more inflammation, and a greater risk of chronic diseases. But the good news is that boosting NAD+ levels can have a big impact on our overall health and wellbeing, from improving physical and mental performance to reducing the risk of age-related diseases.

5 Amazing Benefits Of NAD+

Can Improve Cognitive Function

NAD+ plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy brain function and cognitive performance. As NAD+ levels decline with age, cognitive function also declines, leading to:

1. Impaired memory: Difficulty learning new information and recalling memories.
2. Decreased focus: Trouble concentrating and paying attention.
3. Slower processing speed: Reduced ability to process information quickly.
4. Decline in neuroplasticity: Reduced ability to adapt and change neural connections.

How NAD+ Supports Cognitive Function

1. Energy production
2. Neuroprotection
3. Sirtuin activation
4. Neurotransmitter regulation

Can Help With Aging

NAD+ plays a crucial role in protecting against inflammation, aging, and their associated conditions.

NAD+ and Aging

NAD+ generates energy in cells, supporting cellular functions, and activates sirtuins, which repair DNA damage caused by normal aging processes in the body. Additionally, NAD+ may help cells cope with oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental stressors, and influences epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression and cellular behavior. (1)

Metabolic and Physiological Aging

Research has shown that NAD+ supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially preventing or managing type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, NAD+ precursors have been found to reduce weight gain and improve metabolic health in mice, suggesting a potential role in combating obesity. NAD+ supplementation has also been shown to improve cardiovascular function and reduce blood pressure, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. (2)

Neurodegenerative Aging

NAD+ supplementation may also be able to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models. NAD+ precursors have also been found to reduce neurodegeneration and improve motor function in mice with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, NAD+ supplementation has slowed disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) models. (3)

Skin Aging

NAD+ may even help with conditions of aging that are “only” skin deep! It may improve facial wrinkle depth and skin elasticity, reducing the visible signs of aging. NAD+ precursors have also been found to reduce UV-induced skin damage and improve skin texture. (4)

Musculoskeletal Aging

NAD+ may also be able to improve muscle mass and strength in older adults, potentially preventing or managing sarcopenia. NAD+ precursors have also been found to increase bone density and reduce fracture risk in mice, suggesting a potential role in combating osteoporosis. (5)

Can Reduce Inflammation

NAD+ plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, a key driver of aging and various diseases. Chronic inflammation occurs when the body's natural inflammatory response becomes imbalanced, leading to tissue damage and oxidative stress. NAD+ helps mitigate this inflammation by activating sirtuins, particularly SIRT1 and SIRT6, which regulate inflammatory pathways. SIRT1 deacetylates and inhibits pro-inflammatory transcription factors, such as NF-κB, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines.

NAD+ also reduces inflammation by modulating immune cell function and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. NAD+ supplementation has been shown to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and microglia, key immune cells involved in inflammation.

In simpler terms, NAD+ acts as a supercharger to anti-inflammatory processes already in motion in our bodies every day and prevents the more pro-inflammatory reactions from being as severe.

Can Help Boost Energy Levels

NAD+ is a coenzyme that facilitates the transfer of electrons during cellular respiration, the process by which cells generate energy from glucose. In the mitochondria, NAD+ helps convert glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy currency of cells. Increased NAD+ levels enhance mitochondrial function, allowing cells to produce more ATP and meet energy demands of busy, active people.

Elevated NAD+ levels can benefit energy and recovery in several ways:

1. Enhanced Endurance : Increased NAD+ supports mitochondrial function, delaying fatigue and improving endurance.
2. Improved Muscle Function : NAD+ boosts muscle contraction force and velocity.
3. Faster Recovery : NAD+ helps regenerate energy stores and reduce oxidative stress.
4. Increased Stamina : Enhanced NAD+ levels support aerobic and anaerobic energy production.

Can Assist With Weight Management

NAD+ may be a great tool for weight management by regulating how your body uses energy by:

• Boosting metabolism, helping your body burn fat more efficiently
• Increasing energy production, making physical activity easier
• Reducing hunger and increases feelings of fullness

Studies have shown that taking NAD+ supplements, such as NR or NMN, can lead to weight loss and improved metabolic health. Additionally, consuming NAD+-rich foods like meat, fish, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and reducing calorie intake can also increase NAD+ levels, perpetuating a helpful positive feedback cycle for anyone struggling to manage their weight. (6)

Future Potential Of NAD

NAD+ has shown promising potential in various areas, requiring further research to confirm its benefits in each:

Neurological Disorders

1. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
2. Depression and anxiety
3. Stroke and traumatic brain injury

Cancer

1. Chemotherapy resistance
2. Cancer metabolism

Cardiovascular Health

1. Heart failure
2. Atherosclerosis

Autoimmune Diseases

1. Multiple sclerosis
2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Infectious Diseases

1. NAD+ may enhance immune response for infectious diseases like Covid and Influenza.
2. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Gut Health

1. Inflammatory bowel disease
2. Gut microbiome modulation

Bone Health

1. Osteoporosis
2. Fracture healing

Supplements Are Only One Part Of Your Health Journey

While an NAD+ supplement is as close to a magic pill as you’re going to find, it’s only part of the equation in any healing journey. Supplements should be carefully vetted and are still only one part of a robust, expert-developed plan to target the root cause of illness or unwellness.

To see how a hands-on, personalized functional medicine approach could help you reach your health goals, schedule a virtual consultation today.