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NAD+ supplements have been in the spotlight in recent years, thanks to claims of their ability to reverse the aging process and maintain youthful-looking skin. While NAD+ is a naturally occurring enzyme produced in the body, and its levels decline as we age, are these supplements a reliable alternative? Are they magical like Wellness influencers Does he want us to believe?
To find out exactly what NAD+ is and whether NAD+ supplements can reverse the aging process, we spoke with doctors to find out everything there is to know about this popular health trend.
What is NAD+ and how is it different from NADH?
NAD+ — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — is a coenzyme found in all living cells that keeps “everything running smoothly,” he explains. Dr. Konstantin Vasyukevicha New York-based facial plastic surgeon who often discusses aging with patients. It “creates energy, repairs DNA” and also regulates your circadian rhythm.
“It is also involved in the function of sirtuins, which are proteins that help regulate cell survival and aging processes,” said Nayan Patel, PharmD and founder of the company. Oro wellness. Coenzyme is slightly different from NADH, which you may also see while searching for NAD+ supplements. NAD+ is oxidized, while NADH is reduced, which means NAD+ has an extra electron; When it is lost, it becomes NADH.
Is NAD+ just vitamin B3?
NAD+ is naturally present in the body, but as you age, its levels decline, which can lead to fatigue and aging skin, Vasiukevich says. An NAD+ supplement can help combat this, as can a vitamin B3 supplement. Although vitamin B3 is not the same as NAD+, your body converts vitamin B3 into NAD+, so these additional supplements can also help with your NAD+ levels.
Benefits of NAD+
The primary benefit of NAD+, and therefore an NAD+ supplement, is that it enhances energy. Studies – incl This study is 2023 — Coenzyme has been shown to support weight management and balance metabolism, notes Vasiukevich.
“NAD+ can do some amazing things,” Vasiukevich says. “It can help with skin health by promoting DNA repair and fighting oxidative stress, which is a big cause of skin aging. It can also give you more energy by helping your cells produce more (adenosine triphosphate, or ATP) — that’s the energy your body runs on.”
NAD+ can boost energy, promote healthy skin, and much more.
NAD+ side effects
Dr. Jonathan Jenningsa board-certified internist with medical offices in Manhattan and a contributor to Laboratory finderCNET says NAD+ supplements are mostly viewed as safe — but as with any change in your health care routine, you always want to tread carefully. Especially since the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements.
“Most data suggests that all versions are safe in most populations, and the side-effect profiles depend on the method of supplementation,” Jennings says, noting that side effects of a supplement in pill form can differ from those that occur when taken intravenously, for example. “Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and flushing.”
Another common side effect is disruption to your sleep pattern, Vasiukevich says. This can happen if you take the supplement too late in the day, which can generally be corrected by changing the time you take it, he says.
Both doctors, as well as Patel, recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before starting to take an NAD+ supplement and if you experience any side effects. If you experience any side effects, you should stop taking the supplements immediately. It may interact with another medication you take, or you may have an allergy or intolerance to it. This will be up to you and your doctor to discuss.
Who should avoid NAD+ supplements?
While NAD+ supplements are generally considered safe, Jennings cautions that they’re not right for everyone. “It is important to consult your health professional before taking supplements because the safety has not been established for certain populations such as pregnant women and children,” he says.
Patel also recommends that people who are breastfeeding avoid NAD+ supplements, as there is not enough research on these products. He also advises anyone interested in taking the supplement to discuss it with their doctor, as he does not recommend it for people taking certain medications or who suffer from certain medical conditions. He did not specify which ones, which should be left to each patient and his or her health care provider.
A Study 2020 However, it has been shown that NAD+ supplements can have harmful effects on those with liver or kidney problems due to how the supplement is metabolized. “Factors such as age, genetic makeup, diet and health conditions can affect the body’s response to nutritional supplements,” Patel said.
Always consult your doctor before taking a new supplement.
Do NAD+ supplements really slow aging?
Experts and studies say that these nutritional supplements can benefit people when used correctly and at the dosage recommended by a medical professional. However, Vasiukevich warns that it is not a “magic bullet” to reverse the aging process.
“NAD+ supplements can help by boosting the body’s repair systems, which may reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging over time,” he says. “It won’t stop aging completely, but it can help your cells stay healthier and function better, which may slow things down a little.”
Patel tells CNET that these supplements are still being actively studied. While some research shows it can help improve the appearance of skin or give people more energy, he believes more clinical trials are “necessary” to prove full effectiveness in “preventing ageing”.
He also emphasizes that these supplements should never be used as a substitute for healthy habits, as they are one of the best ways to maintain a youthful body as one ages. “Exercise, good nutrition, Adequate sleep and Stress management “They’re essential for overall health,” he says, adding that if you’re going to try supplements, make sure you choose them. They are not all equally effective, and it is important to choose a high-quality product.
NAD+ supplement dosage
“There are different methods of supplementation, which include oral, nasal, intramuscular and intravenous versions,” Jennings said. Studies have examined how these supplements work in the body, although results are limited.
Nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide supplements have been studied and shown to improve the aging process, but should be taken “with caution,” Patel tells CNET. Both types of supplements, also known as NAD+ precursors, are naturally capable compounds Boost body production From club +.
A Study 2023 of oral nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide supplements reported some improvement in “cardiovascular, metabolic, and physical function” in those who participated. This study examined several groups of people who received different doses of the supplement for different periods to evaluate effectiveness and safety.
However, the right dose for you depends largely on what you discuss with your healthcare provider. It also depends on how you choose to supplement. Most supplements can be taken in tablet or nasal form daily, but your doctor can advise you on what is best and adjust it as needed.
There are also some foods you can eat to boost your NAD+ levels.
Other ways to increase NAD+ levels
Taking an NAD+ supplement is not the only way to boost NAD+ levels in your body. In fact, medical professionals recommend looking for other ways to improve your health in addition to taking nutritional supplements because they will enhance the effectiveness of the supplements themselves.
“You don’t have to rely solely on supplements to boost your NAD+ levels. Things like regular exercise, Intermittent fasting “Or even reducing calories can naturally increase NAD+ in your body,” says Vasiukevich. Do not make any changes to your diet without consulting your doctor first.
Patel supported this Exercise and a healthy lifestyle in general Highly recommended throughout your life, but especially as you age. “Regular exercise has been shown to boost NAD+ levels by stimulating the production of NAD+ precursors,” he says. “In addition, lifestyle choices such as adequate sleep hygiene and stress management can positively impact NAD+ levels.”
What you eat can also affect your NAD+ levels, especially if you eat foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin, which are precursors of NAD+ (meaning the body converts them into NAD+). Foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin include:
- meat
- broccoli
- cabbage
- Dairy
- fish
- Fruit
- Nuts
- peanut
- Seeds
- turkey
- Whole grains
Bottom line
As we age, the naturally occurring NAD+ coenzyme in the body decreases, leading to fatigue and aging skin. However, this can be counteracted by following a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a diet rich in vitamin B3 and niacin. weight lifting It’s also a great way to stay healthy as you age. Adding an NAD+ supplement to your daily routine under the supervision of a medical professional can also help boost NAD+ levels.
Research on NAD+ supplements is limited, so medical professionals urge people to use them with caution and under a doctor’s care. However, these supplements can help address signs of aging caused by low NAD+ levels.