You have recently heard of NAD supplements on social media. They are currently seeing an increase in popularity due to claims that they can “reversal” the aging process. But how real is that?
NAD Plus is naturally found in your body and is one of the molecules that help make your skin look younger. As you age, your NAD plus levels drop, so it is understandable that supplements can help offset this.
However, no anti-aging method is foolproof, which is why we consult doctors and experts to understand what NAD Plus is, how supplements can help the body’s anti-aging process and whether these supplements are safe.
What is NAD Plus and what does it do in the body?
NAD Plus-Niacinamide adenine dinucleotide- is a coenzyme found in all living cells that keeps “everything going smoothly.” It “creates energy and repairs DNA” and can also regulate your circadian rhythm.
“It is also involved in the function of Sirtuins, proteins that help regulate cell survival and aging processes,” said Nayan Patel, PhD, PhD, founder of Auro Wellness. “Coenzymes are slightly different from NADH, and you may also see when looking for NAD supplements. NAD Plus is oxidized, and NADH is reduced, which basically means that NAD Plus has extra electrons and when it is lost, it becomes NADH.
Nad Plus is naturally present in the body, but as you age, your levels drop, which can lead to fatigue and aging of the skin. NAD Plus supplements can help solve this problem just as well as vitamin B3 supplements. Although vitamin B3 is different from NAD Plus, your body converts vitamin B3 to NAD Plus, so these extra supplements can also help your NAD Plus levels.
NAD plus benefits
The main benefit of NAD Plus, in turn, is that it is an energy booster. As Vasyukevich noted, studies (including this study in 2023) show that coenzymes help in weight management and balance metabolism.
“[NAD plus] “Some cool things can be done. It can help your skin be healthy by promoting DNA repair and fighting oxidative stress, which is a big reason for skin aging. It can also add more energy by helping cells [adenosine triphosphate or ATP] – This is the energy your body exerts. ”
NAD plus side effects
Dr. Jonathan Jennings, a board-certified physician at the Manhattan Medical Office, told CNET that CNET mostly treats NAD Plus supplements as safe — but as with any changes to your healthcare routine, you always want to practise caution. Especially considering that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements.
“Most data suggest that all versions are safe in most populations, and the side effect curve depends on how the supplement is supplemented,” he said. “Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and flushing.”
Another common side effect, Vasyukevich said, is the interruption of your sleep style. This can happen if you take supplements too late in the day, and it can usually be corrected by changes, he said.
Both doctors, as well as Patel, recommend that you talk to your healthcare provider before starting NAD Plus supplements, and any side effects you experience. If you experience any side effects, you should stop taking supplements immediately. It may be interacting with another medication for you, or you may even be allergic to it. You may also not tolerate this. This will be discussed by you and your doctor.
Who should avoid NAD supplements?
While NAD Plus supplements are largely considered safe, Jennings warns that they are not for everyone.
“It is important to consult your health professional before replenishing, as certain populations (such as pregnancy) have not been identified yet, as [people] and the kids,” he said.
Patel also advises caregivers to avoid NAD supplements because there is insufficient research on these products. He also advises anyone interested in taking supplements to discuss with a doctor because he does not recommend using certain medications or specific medical conditions, although he does not specify which one, as this should be reserved for each patient and his healthcare provider.
However, a 2020 study showed that NAD Plus supplements may adversely affect patients with existing liver or kidney problems due to how supplements are metabolized. “Factors like age, genetic makeup, diet and health can affect how the body responds to supplements,” Patel said.
Can NAD Plus Supplements In fact slow down aging?
Experts and research believe that these supplements can have a positive impact on people if used correctly and in doses recommended by medical experts. However, Vasyukevich warns that they are not “magical repairs” that reverse the aging process.
“NAD Plus supplements can help you by enhancing the body’s repair system, which may reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging over time,” he said. “They won’t stop aging completely, but can help your cells maintain healthier and better function, which may slow down a little.”
Patel told CNET that these supplements are still under active research. Although some studies have shown that they can help improve the appearance of the skin or provide more energy to people, he believes more clinical trials are “necessary” to fully establish the efficacy of “preventing aging.”
He also stressed that these supplements should never be used as alternatives to healthy habits, as these supplements are some of the best ways to keep your body young as you continue to age. “Exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep and stress management are crucial for overall well-being,” he said, adding that if you are trying these supplements, be careful to choose them. They are not equally effective for everyone, so choosing high-quality results is important.
NAD plus supplement dosage, can you take it every day?
“There are different methods for supplementation, including oral, intranasal and intravenous versions,” Jennings said. Despite the limited discovery, research has been conducted on the work of supplements working in vivo.
Patel told CNET that nicotinamide ribosides and nicotinamide single nucleotide supplements have been studied and have been shown to improve the aging process, but should be “cautious”. Both types of supplements, also known as NAD and precursors, are natural compounds that enhance NAD Plus production in the body.
A 2023 study on oral supplementation of nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide single nucleotides reported improvements in the “cardiovascular, metabolic and physical functions” of those involved. This study examined several groups of people who were given different doses of supplements over different times to analyze efficacy and safety.
That being said, the dose that suits you depends to a lot on what you are discussing with your healthcare provider. It also depends on the supplementary method you choose. Most supplements in pills or nasal form can be taken daily, but your doctor can adjust the best advice and as needed.
Other ways to increase NAD levels
Taking NAD Plus supplements is not the only way to improve your body’s NAD plus levels. In fact, medical professionals recommend that you seek other ways to improve your health, besides taking supplements, it will enhance the efficacy of the supplement itself.
“You don’t have to rely on supplements alone to increase your NAD plus levels. Things like regular exercise, intermittent fasting and even reducing calories will naturally increase NAD and NAD in the body,” Vasyukevich said. Do not consult your doctor first and do not make any changes to your diet.
Patel strongly recommends you throughout your life, especially as you age, and exercise and a generally healthy lifestyle. “It has been shown that regular exercise can improve NAD plus levels by stimulating NAD and precursor production,” he said. “In addition, lifestyle choices such as adequate sleep hygiene and stress management have a positive impact on NAD plus levels.”
What you eat can also affect your NAD plus levels, especially when you get foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin, which is the precursor to NAD Plus (which means the body becomes NAD Plus). Foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin include:
- beef
- broccoli
- cabbage
- dairy
- fish
- fruit
- nut
- peanut
- seed
- turkey
- Whole grain
Bottom line
As we age, the body’s naturally occurring coenzyme NAD plus decreases, resulting in fatigue and skin aging. However, this can be offset by a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a diet rich in vitamin B3 and niacin. As you get older, weightlifting is also a great way to stay healthy. Adding NAD plus supplements to daily work can also help improve NAD plus levels under the supervision of medical professionals.
Research on NAD Plus supplements is limited, so medical professionals urge people to be cautious and under the care of their own doctors. However, these supplements can help address signs of aging with decreased NAD plus levels.
