NAD+ the Spark of Life
If you’re on a quest to rejuvenate your appearance and vitality, you’re certainly not alone in this pursuit. Many individuals share a keen interest in exploring supplements that can assist them in gracefully navigating the aging process. Fortunately, there exist several anti-aging supplements that have demonstrated their effectiveness.
One such supplement is the recently introduced Liposomal NAD+ & NR from Naturopathic Care International, which is designed to replenish NAD+ levels in cells. Studies have shown that bolstering these levels can help preserve youthful function and even reverse some of the age-induced deterioration.
Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a variant of vitamin B3, stands out for its anti-aging properties. NR serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a critical player in cellular metabolism. As we age, NAD levels tend to decline, potentially contributing to age-related conditions like frailty and Alzheimer’s disease. NR supplements have demonstrated their ability to elevate NAD levels. Early human studies suggest that NR supplementation can enhance cognitive function and physical performance in older adults. When combined with NAD+ in the supplement, these results hold promise for slowing down the aging process.
NAD, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in every living cell and plays an integral role in numerous vital biochemical processes necessary for sustaining cellular health. Although researchers are enthusiastic about the prospects of NAD precursor supplementation, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), it’s vital to recognize that while the research is promising, further investigations are essential to comprehensively comprehend the effects of NAD supplementation.
Benefits of NAD:
- Energy Production: NAD is a pivotal contributor to cellular energy production, especially in the mitochondria, where it aids in converting nutrients into energy via processes like glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Augmenting NAD levels could potentially enhance overall cellular energy production, positively impacting physical and mental energy levels.
- Aging and Longevity: Animal studies have hinted at NAD level augmentation having anti-aging effects by improving mitochondrial function and supporting cellular repair mechanisms. Researchers are optimistic that NAD supplementation could counteract age-related declines in cellular function, potentially extending lifespan and promoting healthier aging.
- Metabolic Health: NAD is implicated in various metabolic processes, including those related to glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage. Some studies suggest that raising NAD levels could improve metabolic health, potentially aiding in conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- DNA Repair: NAD is also involved in DNA repair mechanisms, which are crucial for preserving genetic material integrity within cells. Increasing NAD levels might enhance the efficiency of DNA repair, reducing the risk of mutations and cellular damage.
- Neuroprotection: NAD is essential for maintaining neuronal health and supporting brain function. Some research indicates that NAD supplementation might offer neuroprotective effects and could potentially assist in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
- Cardiovascular Health: NAD has connections to various cardiovascular processes, including maintaining blood vessel health and supporting cardiac function. Some studies suggest that NAD supplementation could improve cardiovascular health by enhancing blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.
- Exercise Performance: NAD’s role in energy production and metabolism may have beneficial effects on exercise performance. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are exploring NAD supplementation to potentially enhance endurance and recovery.
Research on NAD underscores the importance of conducting more human studies to validate these potential benefits, establish appropriate dosages, and ensure the long-term safety of NAD supplementation. If you’re considering NAD supplementation, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks, benefits, and any interactions with existing medications or health conditions.
In the realm of preclinical studies, NR has shown remarkable potential for addressing various metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Clinical trials investigating NR effects encompass a wide array of health concerns, including cardiovascular diseases, neural and cognitive functions, metabolic disturbances, muscular and kidney injuries, aging, and chemotherapy. NR, with its advantages in terms of safety and efficiency, holds the promise of becoming a widespread supplement in the near future.
Moreover, the initial discovery of NR-mediated lifespan extension in yeast has ignited substantial interest in exploring vitamin B3 for age-related studies. NR supplementation has garnered recognition as an effective means to elevate intracellular NAD+ levels for the benefit of human health. Various methods have been developed to produce NR efficiently and effectively. NR has exhibited the potential to prevent or alleviate multiple pathophysiological conditions in diverse model organisms, and its clinical significance is being explored in trials for metabolic disorders, aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and even COVID-19. Accumulating evidence underscores NR’s superior position among NAD+ precursors in enhancing human well-being, and future developments will determine if preclinical findings can be translated into clinical applications.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9571518/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352172/
3. Quijano C, Trujillo M, Castro L, Trostchansky A. Interplay between oxidant species and energy metabolism. Redox Biol. 2016 Aug;8:28-42. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.11.010. Epub 2015 Nov 30. PMID: 26741399; PMCID: PMC4710798.
4. C, Trujillo M, Castro L, Trostchansky A. Interplay between oxidant species and energy metabolism. Redox Biol. 2016 Aug;8:28-42. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.11.010. Epub 2015 Nov 30. PMID: 26741399; PMCID: PMC4710798.