Why I take NAD+
In the realm of longevity research, NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) has garnered attention for its pivotal role in cellular processes crucial for aging and metabolic health. Research findings over the years underscore the multifaceted benefits of NAD injections and oral supplements, painting a promising picture for aging intervention strategies.
Cellular Energy and Metabolism Enhancement: A study published in Nature Communications highlighted that oral supplementation of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+, not only increases NAD+ levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by about 60% but also significantly elevates levels of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAAD), a reliable biomarker for NAD+ metabolism. This enhancement in NAD+ and related metabolites suggests improved regulation of energy production and metabolism, hinting at a broader implication for healthy aging .
Impact on Cardiovascular Health: The same study reported a tendency for NR supplementation to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among participants, though these findings did not reach statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. This observation hints at potential cardiovascular benefits, particularly in the context of aging-related increases in blood pressure and associated cardiovascular risks .
Potential for Disease Management: The interest in NAD+ extends to its potential therapeutic applications in disease management. For example, research has considered the role of NAD+ supplementation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, suggesting that maintaining adequate NAD+ levels might offer therapeutic benefits. Although detailed findings on this aspect were not readily accessible, the ongoing research into NAD+ supplementation in the context of disease management underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent .
Broad Spectrum of Aging-related Benefits: Beyond these specific findings, the broader body of research on NAD+ and its precursors like NR and NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) touches on various aspects of aging and longevity. This includes but is not limited to, improvements in cellular repair mechanisms, mitigation of age-associated genetic changes, enhancement of cognitive function, and potential reductions in the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain forms of cancer.
Current Research and Future Directions: The current landscape of research on NAD+ is vibrant, with studies ranging from clinical trials to laboratory research elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which NAD+ and its precursors exert their effects. Future research aims to further delineate the optimal dosing, long-term safety, and efficacy of NAD+ supplementation strategies, as well as to understand the differential impacts across various populations and health conditions.
For anyone interested in the science of aging and potential interventions to promote healthspan, the exploration of NAD+ and its supplements represents an exciting and rapidly evolving field. Detailed insights into the efficacy and benefits of NAD supplementation can be found in scientific literature and journals like Nature Communications and Nature Aging, which host a wealth of research findings on this topic.
