NAD+ Supplements for Longevity

In a nutshell

NAD+, a key coenzyme responsible for energy production, DNA repair, and cell health, plays an essential role in numerous biological processes.
As we age, our NAD+ levels naturally decline, which might contribute to various age-associated diseases and conditions, including cognitive decline and reduced muscular strength.
Lifestyle changes, like regular exercise, balanced diet, and caloric restriction, can naturally boost NAD+ levels, contributing to healthier aging.
Two compounds, NMN and NR, are promising NAD boosters that could potentially help reverse this decline, with NMN being no longer classified as a dietary supplement. This is due to the fact that it’s currently under investigation as a potential new drug. This change in status has implications for how it is marketed and used by consumers.
While research into these compounds is promising, it’s still ongoing to confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness.

For those of us aiming for vitality and longevity, the subject of NAD+ supplements is of utmost relevance. These compounds, particularly Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), are being studied for their potential effects on aging and health. ¹ This article provides an accessible understanding of these important compounds, their health and longevity benefits, and potential risks.

Your Body’s Essential Element: NAD+ and Its Role

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme present in all living cells, plays a crucial role in numerous cellular functions, including metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. Think of NAD+ as a highly-skilled conductor orchestrating the symphony of cellular processes that keep us alive and healthy.

NAD+ is an essential cog in cellular metabolism and energy production

Found in every cell we have, this crucial coenzyme is involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions. It’s involved in metabolism, where it helps convert the food we eat into the energy our cells need to perform their countless functions.² So, whether you’re running a marathon or just reading these lines, NAD+ is working tirelessly behind the scenes.

NAD+ is a crucial player in DNA repair

But that’s not all. NAD+ also plays a vital role in repairing our DNA, the blueprint of life.³ Every day, our DNA sustains countless breaks and damage, much of it caused by normal cellular processes and exposure to environmental factors like sunlight and toxins. NAD+ helps fix this damage, ensuring our DNA remains intact and functional.

NAD+ facilitates cell signaling

NAD+ also plays a role in helping cells communicate with each other. In simpler terms, it helps our cells communicate with each other and respond to changes in their environment.⁴ This communication is vital for coordinating cellular activities and maintaining overall bodily functions.

NAD+ is needed for sirtuins to work

Lastly, NAD+ has a direct relationship with a group of proteins known as sirtuins, often associated with aging and longevity.

Sirtuins are a family of proteins that play a key role in regulating cellular health. They’re involved in various cellular processes, including DNA repair, inflammation control, metabolic regulation, and possibly even lifespan extension.⁵

However, sirtuins require NAD+ to work. They use NAD+ as a co-substrate, meaning they need NAD+ to carry out their enzymatic activities. Essentially, without enough NAD+, sirtuins can’t do their job effectively. This is another reason why maintaining NAD+ levels is crucial for promoting health and longevity.

In short, NAD+ is a cornerstone of our health and well-being. Its role in energy production, DNA repair, and cell signaling makes it a key player in our journey towards health and longevity. As shown in the image below, boosting NAD+ levels can yield numerous health benefits for different parts of our body, including our brain, heart, and muscles.

Taken from Therapeutic Potential of NAD+-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence. Cell Metabolism. Luis Rajman, etc al. ⁶

The Dilemma of Aging: NAD+ Depletion

As we advance in age, a subtle but significant shift occurs in our bodies. Our levels of NAD+, a critical coenzyme that powers many of our bodily processes, start to decline.⁷ Studies indicate that by the time you reach 50, your NAD levels might be roughly half of what they were when you were 20.⁸ This isn’t just a trivial change; it’s a shift that can disrupt the harmonious operations of our cells, contributing to various signs of aging and potentially impacting our health and longevity.

Imagine a city (your body) powered by several power stations (NAD+). Now, as the city expands and grows older, some of these power stations begin to falter and fade, unable to keep up with the city’s demands. The result? Blackouts and power shortages disrupt the city’s daily operations. That’s a simplified version of what occurs in our bodies when NAD+ levels decline.

A decline in NAD+ affects many aspects of our health. For instance, reduced NAD+ levels can lead to a decrease in energy since it’s NAD+ that helps convert the food we eat into the energy our cells need.⁹ Consequently, cells may struggle to carry out their functions optimally.

Moreover, NAD+ is a crucial participant in the repair of DNA. As levels of NAD+ decrease, our cells’ capacity to repair DNA damage may also diminish. This can lead to the accumulation of DNA damage, a key factor implicated in aging and age-related diseases.

In a nutshell, the decline in NAD+ is a critical aspect of the aging process. It affects cellular functions, influences energy levels, and impacts DNA repair mechanisms – all essential for maintaining health and promoting longevity. The question now arises: Can we do anything to address this decline?

Boosting Your NAD+ Levels: Natural Methods

Fortunately, there are several ways, both natural and supplemental, to support and increase NAD+ levels in our bodies. Let’s focus first on natural approaches to boosting NAD.

Exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity can help boost NAD+ levels.¹⁰ Exercise stimulates the production of an enzyme called NAMPT, which plays a role in the synthesis of NAD+. In other words, breaking a sweat not only keeps you fit but also helps keep your cells energized.

Diet. What you eat can influence your NAD+ levels. Consuming foods rich in niacin, a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to NAD+, can help boost its levels. Good sources include chicken, tuna, peanuts, and avocados. A diet low in sugar and alcohol is also beneficial as both can deplete NAD+ levels.

Caloric restriction. Intermittent fasting or reducing your calorie intake can stimulate NAD+ production and activate enzymes that utilize it effectively.¹¹

Common Questions & Answers about CoQ10

Q: What is NAD+?

A: NAD+ is a vital coenzyme found in all living cells. It’s involved in various cellular processes, including metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling

Q: Why is NAD+ important for our health?

A: NAD+ helps convert the food we eat into energy, repairs DNA damage, and facilitates cell communication. Its diverse roles make it essential for our overall health and wellbeing

A: NAD+ levels naturally decrease with age, disrupting various cellular processes. This decline has been associated with signs of aging and age-related conditions

Q: Can we increase NAD+ levels in our body?

A: Absolutely! NAD+ levels can be increased with the use of NAD boosters, such as NMN and NR. These compounds are converted into NAD+ in the body, helping to replenish its levels

Q: Are NAD+ supplements safe?

A: Current research suggests that NMN and NR have a favorable safety profile, but further studies are required for a comprehensive assessment. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen

Q: Can NAD+ supplements promote longevity?

Preclinical studies (in lab animals) show promising results of NMN and NR supplementation in promoting cellular health and potentially extending lifespan. However, more research in humans is needed to confirm these findings.

NAD+ supplements

While our natural means of boosting NAD+ are beneficial, the science of longevity suggests that we can go a step further. Enter Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), two compounds that are making waves in the field of health and longevity for their potential to boost NAD+ levels.

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

NMN is a precursor to NAD+, which essentially means it’s a compound that our bodies can convert into NAD+. Supplementation with NMN can help increase the levels of NAD+ in our bodies.

In studies on mice, NMN supplementation has been found to have several benefits that may promote longevity. It improved age-associated physiological decline, enhanced mitochondrial function (the powerhouses of our cells), and mitigated age-associated weight gain.¹²

Moreover, NMN has the potential to preserve cognitive function during aging. The ability of NMN to safeguard the tiny blood vessels in the brain underscores its potential as a helpful tool. It could be used preventively or as a treatment in people who are at risk for problems with brain function related to issues with these blood vessels.¹³

While more research is required to establish these effects in humans, these findings are promising for NMN’s potential role in promoting health and longevity.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

NR is another NAD+ precursor that can effectively increase NAD+ levels when supplemented. Studies in mice have shown that NR supplementation can improve mitochondrial function and exercise capacity, both important factors in promoting health and longevity.¹⁴

Furthermore, a clinical study in humans found that taking 1000 mg of NR supplement daily for six weeks in healthy overweight or obese men and women led to an increase in NAD+ levels in muscle tissue and slight change in body composition.¹⁵

In essence, NMN and NR provide a direct way to replenish our bodies’ NAD+ levels, potentially counteracting the natural decline associated with aging and contributing to our quest for health and longevity.

NMN vs. NR: what is better?

It’s not conclusively established whether NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) or NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is superior for NAD+ supplementation. Both compounds are precursors to NAD+, meaning they’re converted into NAD+ in the body, and both have been shown to effectively raise NAD+ levels.

NMN has shown promise in preclinical studies, demonstrating various health benefits in animals. Similarly, NR has also demonstrated beneficial effects, with some human studies indicating that it’s safe and effectively raises NAD+ levels.

Some experts argue that NMN is one step closer than NR in the process of making NAD+.The steps to creating NAD+ follow this sequence: NR gets changed into NMN first, and then NMN is used to produce NAD+.

Research in mice indicates that NMN may have a broader impact than NR on symptoms and diseases associated with aging. As an example, in an Alzheimer’s disease model in mice, NMN was shown to decrease the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins – a major contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.¹⁶ On the other hand, while NR was unable to reduce the formation of these proteins, it was able to improve cognitive function.¹⁷

The debate over which supplement, NR or NMN, is better for humans is ongoing. Several studies have proven the effectiveness and safety of NR in enhancing NAD+ levels.¹⁸ ¹⁹ However, while NMN trials are still in progress, only one study has affirmed its safety so far.²⁰

Harvard University’s Professor David Sinclair, a leading expert on NMN, NR, and NAD+ metabolism, suggests in an interview several reasons why NMN might be superior to NR.²¹ However, it’s essential to consider that more comprehensive research is needed to definitively establish the comparative benefits of these two supplements.

Many individuals report feeling better subjectively after using NMN compared to NR, but more research is needed to validate the safety and effectiveness of NMN. Moreover, further studies are crucial to understand the safety of raising NAD+ levels through supplementation in humans.

NAD+ Boosters Among Longevity Experts

Dr. David Sinclair, a world-renowned scientist in the field of aging, frequently discusses the potential benefits of NAD+ boosters. He’s a strong advocate for the use of NMN. In his view, NMN, as a direct NAD+ precursor, could prove vital in battling the detrimental effects of aging.²²

On the other side of the spectrum, Dr. Charles Brenner, a discoverer of NR as a vitamin and a distinguished biochemist, strongly advocates for the use of NR. He founded ChromaDex producing Tru Niagen supplement, which is based on NR. He points out its effectiveness in boosting NAD+ levels and the potential health benefits it could deliver.²³

While these longevity experts each have their preferences between NMN and NR, they all underline one key theme – the significance of maintaining robust NAD+ levels. This shared belief suggests that NAD+ could potentially be the golden key that unlocks the door to healthier, more extended lives.

Safety of NAD+ Supplements

As the popularity of NAD+ boosting supplements like NMN and NR grows, concerns about their safety rightfully come into play.

Starting with NR, studies so far have shown that it’s generally well-tolerated in humans. For instance, a study involving healthy middle-aged and older adults found that chronic supplementation with NR is safe and can effectively raise NAD+ levels.²⁴

Likewise, preliminary studies on NMN suggest it to be safe as well. In animal studies, NMN has demonstrated health benefits without significant side effects.²⁵

However, in the end of 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that NMN is currently being investigated as a potential new drug. As a result, it’s no longer permitted to be marketed as a dietary supplement. This development has stirred apprehensions among NMN users and the supplement industry.

Recap and final thoughts

NAD+, a vital coenzyme found in all our cells, is crucial for many biological processes, including energy production and DNA repair. Its levels decline naturally with age, potentially impacting overall health and longevity. NAD boosters, like NMN and NR, are promising supplements being extensively studied for their potential to raise NAD+ levels.

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