By now, you may have come across numerous claims regarding the potential benefits of supplementing with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). While it is true that NAD+ plays an essential role in cellular energy metabolism, there is little scientific evidence to support the notion that supplementing with NAD+ can provide any significant health benefits.
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS NAD+?
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells, which plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. It is involved in the transfer of electrons between metabolic pathways and acts as a cofactor for various enzymes, including sirtuins, which are involved in cellular processes such as DNA repair, apoptosis, and gene expression.
The notion that supplementing with NAD+ can provide significant health benefits is based on the fact that NAD+ levels tend to decline with age. Some studies have suggested that this decline may be linked to various age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer. However, it is important to note that these studies are largely observational, and there is little scientific evidence to suggest that supplementing with NAD+ can prevent or treat these conditions.
WHY NAD+ SUPPLEMENTATION DOESN’T WORK
One of the primary reasons why supplementing with NAD+ is unlikely to be beneficial is that NAD+ is not readily absorbed by the body. NAD+ is a large molecule, and it is broken down into its constituent parts, nicotinamide, and adenine, in the gut. As a result, very little NAD+ actually makes it into the bloodstream, and any benefits that might be obtained from supplementing with NAD+ are likely to be minimal.
Moreover, even if NAD+ could be absorbed by the body, there is little evidence to suggest that supplementing with NAD+ would increase NAD+ levels in cells. NAD+ is synthesized from tryptophan, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Therefore, a more effective way to increase NAD+ levels in cells would be to consume a diet rich in protein and other nutrients that support NAD+ synthesis.
Another issue with NAD+ supplementation is that it can interfere with the body’s natural regulation of NAD+ levels. The body tightly regulates NAD+ levels, and supplementing with NAD+ could potentially disrupt this delicate balance. Moreover, excess NAD+ can be converted to a compound called nicotinamide riboside, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in animal studies.
WHAT ABOUT NAD+ IV’s?
NAD+ IV therapy has gained popularity in recent years due to its perceived ability to boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. NAD+ IV therapy involves the infusion of high doses of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and allowing for more rapid absorption and utilization by the body.
Proponents of NAD+ IV therapy argue that it can provide a range of benefits, including increased energy, improved cognitive function, reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, and improved athletic performance. Some also claim that NAD+ IV therapy can help to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
While there is some scientific evidence to support the potential benefits of NAD+ supplementation, the efficacy of NAD+ IV therapy is largely unproven. Most of the research on NAD+ has focused on animal studies, and there have been few well-designed clinical trials in humans.
Moreover, there are some potential risks associated with NAD+ IV therapy, including the risk of infection or damage to the veins, as well as the potential for side effects such as headache, dizziness, and nausea.
The long-term effects of NAD+ IV therapy are also unknown, and that’s the scary part: we just don’t know and the data that is available doesn’t suggest favorable long-term use outcomes…
By providing something you already make in your body, then you change the demands of your cell process of making it naturally and your cells will adapt to that supplementation.
You may need more and more just to get the same benefit, and on the flip side, when you stop supplementing, you may feel the detriment of that loss.
SO, MAKING NAD+ IS THE KEY?
Yes! NAD+ plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, there is little scientific evidence to suggest that supplementing with NAD+ can provide any significant health benefits. NAD+ is not readily absorbed by the body, and even if it could be, there is little evidence to suggest that supplementing with NAD+ would increase NAD+ levels in cells. Instead, a more effective way to support NAD+ synthesis is to consume a diet rich in protein and other nutrients. Therefore, we would caution against the use of NAD+ supplements until further research has been conducted to demonstrate their safety and efficacy.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NAD+ AND ANTI-AGING
NAD+ production and longevity are areas of active research in medicine. It is an important coenzyme that plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, including energy production and DNA repair. As we age, NAD+ levels tend to decline, which has been implicated in a variety of age-related diseases and processes.
One proposed mechanism by which NAD+ supplementation may help promote longevity is through its role in sirtuin activation. Sirtuins are a family of proteins that are involved in a variety of cellular processes, including DNA repair, inflammation, and metabolism. Sirtuins require NAD+ as a cofactor to function, and there is evidence to suggest that increasing NAD+ levels can enhance sirtuin activity.
Sirtuins have been shown to play a role in regulating lifespan in several model organisms, including yeast, worms, and mice. In these organisms, increased sirtuin activity has been associated with increased lifespan and improved healthspan (the period of life in which an organism remains healthy and free from disease).
The relationship between NAD+ and sirtuin activation is mediated through the NAD++/NAD+H ratio. As mentioned above, NAD+H is generated from the TCA cycle and is used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP and regenerate NAD++. This cycle maintains the NAD++/NAD+H ratio, which is critical for cellular metabolism.
ALL OF THIS is Dr. Seeds’ talk for: you have to make your own NAD+, it has to go through the cellular mechanisms and pathways for it to continue to be efficient for the long haul.
THE REDOX WAY TO IMPROVE NAD+ PRODUCTION
There are several ways to naturally improve NAD+ synthesis:
- Exercise: As Dr. Seeds says: Exercise is one of the best medicines. Exercise has been shown to increase NAD+ levels and promote NAD+ synthesis. Aerobic and resistance training have both been shown to have beneficial effects on NAD+ levels.
- Dietary factors: Certain dietary factors may help improve NAD+ levels. For example, vitamin B3, which includes nicotinamide and nicotinic acid are the precursor to NAD+ and can be found in foods like meat, fish, and dairy. Additionally, tryptophan, an essential amino acid, can also be converted to NAD+.
- Sun exposure: The Circadian clock is SO important to your health and it starts with morning sun exposure! Exposure to sunlight can stimulate the production of vitamin D, which has been shown to improve NAD+ levels.
- Caloric restriction: Caloric restriction has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in various model organisms.
- Fasting: Fasting has been shown to increase NAD+ levels and promote NAD+ synthesis. Intermittent fasting, in which individuals alternate between periods of fasting and non-fasting, may also have similar benefits.
- Peptides: but with the expertise of a licensed physician trained in cellular medicine.
- Ketone Esters: pure cellular energy, that assists in the natural production of energy levels that help produce NAD+.
There are so many ways you can improve your own NAD+ production naturally without supraphysiological levels of potentially detrimental and dependency-growing supplementation without a single prescription. Call us at Redox Medical Group to get expert guidance today.
