Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
Supports Healthy Weight Loss
What is NAD?
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, helping convert food into energy and supporting key biological processes like DNA repair, cell communication, and immune function. NAD exists in two forms in the body: NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced). NAD+ is involved in the processes that produce energy, while NADH carries energy within cells.
Functions of NAD
1. Energy Production: NAD+ is essential for converting carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into usable energy (ATP) within the mitochondria of cells.
2. DNA Repair and Maintenance: NAD+ helps repair damaged DNA, which is essential for maintaining healthy cells and tissues.
3. Cellular Repair and Aging: NAD+ activates proteins called sirtuins, which help regulate aging processes, inflammation, and cellular repair mechanisms.
4. Brain and Cognitive Health: NAD+ supports brain function by regulating neurotransmitter release and protecting against neurodegeneration.
Why is NAD important?
As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to decreased energy, slower repair processes, and potential increased vulnerability to age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Maintaining healthy NAD+ levels is thought to support longevity and reduce the effects of aging and chronic diseases.
Potential Side Effects
Though NAD+ supplementation is generally considered safe, the long-term effects are not yet fully understood. Some people may experience mild side effects like nausea, headaches, or digestive discomfort. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially for people with preexisting health conditions or who are taking other medications.
Sources of NAD
1. Endogenous Production: The body produces NAD+ from the amino acid tryptophan and vitamin B3 (niacin).
2. Dietary Sources: Niacin-rich foods like turkey, chicken, fish, peanuts, mushrooms, and whole grains can support NAD+ production.
3. NAD+ Supplements: Some people take NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to help boost NAD+ levels, though more research is needed to understand their full impact.
NAD+ and Health Conditions
1. Aging and Longevity: NAD+ is often studied for its potential to promote healthy aging by supporting cellular repair and preventing age-related declines in health.
2. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Research suggests that increasing NAD+ levels may help protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s.
3. Cardiovascular Health: NAD+ may improve blood vessel function and protect against heart disease by regulating inflammation and energy metabolism.
4. Metabolic Disorders: NAD+ plays a role in regulating glucose and fat metabolism, making it a potential target for treating conditions like diabetes and obesity.
How to Maintain Healthy NAD+ Levels
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to boost NAD+ levels.
• Balanced Diet: A diet rich in niacin-containing foods (e.g., turkey, salmon, and brown rice) can support NAD+ production.
• Adequate Sleep: Sleep is essential for cellular repair processes that depend on NAD+.
• Supplements: NAD+ boosters like NR and NMN are available over-the-counter, though their long-term effects and safety are still being researched.
Before taking NAD+.
Tell your healthcare team about your medical history.
Tell your provider if you have or have ever had kidney or pancreas disease, a history of diabetic retinopathy or any stomach problems such as difficulty digesting food.
Tell your provider if you become, or plan to become, pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.