10 Major Health Benefits of NAD

Short for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD is an essential coenzyme naturally present in every cell of the body that has become popular for its profound effects on human health.

As we age, our NAD levels decline, which can lead to a host of age-related ailments ranging from cognitive decline to chronic fatigue. However, with the advent of NAD supplements and therapy, it’s now possible to counteract these effects, potentially reversing the signs of aging.

Recent studies show that maintaining optimal NAD+ levels in check can have a real impact on health, supporting everything from cellular repair to brain health. In fact, it could be a key player in helping you feel and function at your best.

So, how can NAD+ truly make a difference in your health? 

In this article, you’ll discover:

• 10 surprising benefits of NAD that go beyond just boosting energy

• The different benefits of NAD supplements and NAD IV therapy, and how each could support your wellness goals

• Important safety guidelines, potential side effects, and who might benefit the most from NAD therapy

What is NAD?

Every cell in your body relies on a molecule called NAD, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, to keep the lights on. This coenzyme is like a molecular power plant, essential for turning food into energy and for keeping countless biochemical reactions running smoothly.

NAD exists in two forms, NAD+ and NADH¹, which function together in redox reactions to facilitate energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling

NAD+ is the oxidized form of the molecule, capable of accepting electrons during metabolic processes², which is crucial for energy production and various biochemical reactions. In contrast, NADH is the reduced form that results when NAD+ gains electrons.³ This conversion allows NADH to act as an important electron carrier, shuttling electrons to support cellular functions. 

Unfortunately, NAD+ levels don’t remain stable throughout our lives.⁴ In fact, they naturally decline over time. By the time we hit middle age, our NAD+ levels could be nearly half of what they were in our youth. 

As we age, our bodies produce less NAD+ due to a combination of factors, including accumulated DNA damage, changes in metabolic processes, and increased activity of NAD+-consuming enzymes.⁵ This drop can lead to slower cellular functions, less efficient DNA repair, and even faster aging at the cellular level. 

Researchers have found that this decline in NAD+ can lead to various age-related issues,⁶ like fatigue, and cognitive decline, and even increase vulnerability to diseases such as cardiovascular disease and obesity. 

No wonder why NAD supplements have become popular in optimizing NAD levels and supporting healthy aging.

What are NAD Supplements?

NAD+ supplements are products developed to help increase levels of NAD+ in the body, especially as we age, when our levels significantly decline. They come in various forms — such as powders, capsules, and tablets which are convenient for daily use. 

There are also sublingual strips that dissolve under your tongue for quicker absorption. If you have trouble swallowing pills, NAD+ supplements are also available in liquid forms.

The best NAD supplements contain pure NAD+ precursors, which are building blocks your body uses to make NAD+. The most common precursors are nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

NR is a form of vitamin B3 that the body can easily convert into NAD+. Many people take NR to boost their energy levels and support healthy aging. It may even help with exercise performance⁷, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.

Like NR, NMN also helps increase NAD+ levels in the body. It’s particularly effective at supporting cellular health and promoting longevity. Research has shown that NMN can benefit heart health⁸ by protecting heart cells from age-related damage. 

It can also support healthy metabolic function, energy production, and overall cellular health, which is crucial for maintaining vitality and combating age-related declines. 

Therefore, with the right NAD supplement, you can potentially counteract the many symptoms of NAD deficiency that most people experience as they get older.

NAD Supplement Benefits

Is your NAD level optimized? It should be! Here are 10 of the major therapeutic benefits of optimal NAD levels.

NAD supports cellular health, potentially extending lifespan

NAD+ is essential for cellular health, supplying the energy cells need to function effectively and supporting DNA repair to keep our genetic material intact and healthy. Additionally, it activates sirtuins, known as “longevity proteins,”⁹ that help manage inflammation and aging. By energizing cells and promoting effective repair, optimized NAD levels may extend our lifespan and help keep our bodies healthy as we grow older.

NAD promotes heart health and circulation

NAD+ supplementation shows promise in improving cardiovascular health by improving heart function and vascular integrity. Studies have demonstrated that NAD+ precursors can reduce high blood pressure, ameliorate vascular dysfunction, and decrease arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients and animal models.¹⁰ NAD+ replenishment has been shown to protect against age-related arterial stiffening, improve endothelial function, and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.¹¹

NAD plays a role in maintaining metabolic health

NAD+ also supports fat-burning and glucose metabolism,¹² which play an essential role in maintaining a healthy weight. NAD+ boosts energy production, which helps improve overall metabolism, making it easier for the body to manage its energy levels. This leads to better energy balance and reduces the risk of metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.

NAD can help improve cognitive function

NAD+ also boosts brain health by generating the energy needed for mental clarity, focus, and sharp thinking. It supports DNA repair and healthy inflammatory responses in the brain, which is protective against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.¹³ With optimal NAD+ levels, you may notice sharper memory, better focus, and clearer thinking.

NAD boosts muscle strength and athletic endurance

If you’re an athlete, a bodybuilder, or simply just an active person, NAD+ can boost your athletic performance. Thanks to its ability to fuel your body with the energy needed for muscle contractions during exercise.¹⁴ It also supports muscle recovery by promoting repair and reducing fatigue after workouts. This means you can train harder, recover faster, and improve your overall performance in sports and any physical activities.

NAD reduces chronic inflammation in the body

NAD+ plays a consequential role in managing chronic inflammation.¹⁵ It supports your immune system and regulates inflammatory responses, significantly reducing your risk of health issues like heart disease and arthritis. Maintaining optimal NAD+ levels allows your body to promote healthy inflammation processes, ultimately helping you feel better and healthier over time.

NAD may improve sleep patterns and overall rest quality

NAD+ also supports your body’s internal clock,¹⁶ a key factor in getting quality sleep. When NAD+ levels are high, they drive up the production of melatonin, the drowsy-making hormone that tells your brain “it’s time to drift off.” With robust NAD+ levels, you’re more likely to sink into the kind of deep, restorative sleep that leaves you bouncing out of bed in the morning, sharp-minded and energized, rather than fighting with your snooze button.

NAD could alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression

Keeping your NAD+ levels in check can help your brain’s neurotransmitters—like serotonin and dopamine—work more effectively. These chemicals play a big role in how we feel, so with a better balance of them, you might notice a drop in anxiety and depression,¹⁷ along with an overall mood lift.

NAD increases cellular energy production, fighting fatigue

You can also combat fatigue effectively with the help of NAD supplements. NAD+ is a key player in mitochondrial function, converting nutrients from food into usable energy for your cells. With an optimized NAD+ level, your body can generate energy more efficiently, reducing tiredness throughout the day.¹⁸

NAD supports skin repair and slows visible signs of aging

Last but certainly not least, NAD+ contributes to skin repair and helps slow visible signs of aging. It promotes cell regeneration, keeping your skin looking healthy and youthful. When your NAD levels are optimized, your skin gains remarkable resilience against environmental assaults – from harsh UV rays to urban pollutants.¹⁹ Over time, this leads to a more even skin tone, fewer wrinkles, and a radiant complexion that truly glows.

Potential Benefits of NAD Therapy

Outside of supplementation, NAD therapy is quickly becoming a popular choice for those looking to increase NAD levels. This treatment involves infusing the body with NAD+ directly without the delays of digestion.

During the session, a healthcare provider places a small IV line in your arm, and the NAD+ solution is infused over a set time. The goal is to achieve rapid absorption and effects without going through the digestive system.

Regular NAD therapy sessions can offer several potential benefits:

• Feeling a surge of natural energy that lasts throughout your day
• Experiencing sharper focus and clearer thinking, like a mental fog has lifted
• Watching as your body repairs itself more efficiently
• Finding yourself handling stress better while enjoying a more balanced mood
• Getting extra support in managing ongoing health challenges
• Noticing a more youthful appearance and improved vitality over time

Safety and Tolerability of NAD Therapy

NAD therapy is generally considered safe for most people, but like any treatment, it comes with potential risks and safety concerns. Some people may experience mild side effects of NAD therapy during or after sessions. Common reactions include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Flushing or warmth
• Dizziness
• Mild anxiety
• Changes in heart rate

More serious side effects are rare but can also occur. Some people may experience allergic reactions, which could manifest as rashes, itching, or swelling. Therefore, it’s important to monitor how your body responds during and after the treatment, especially if you have a history of allergies.

Additionally, complications related to IV administration can arise,²⁰ such as infection at the injection site, vein irritation, or blood clots. Although these are uncommon, your NAD IV must be done by a trained professional in a sterile environment to minimize risks. 

Finding the right dose of NAD+ for therapy is also important for achieving desired results without unnecessary side effects. The optimal dosing may vary based on individual needs, age, and health status. Typically, doses can range from 250 mg to 1,000 mg per session, administered intravenously for one to three hours, or even longer. 

Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best protocol for you based on your specific circumstances and treatment goals.

Who is NAD Therapy For?

NAD therapy can be of great benefit to many people, including:

• Individuals experiencing persistent fatigue
• Those with cognitive performance concerns
• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts
• Individuals in addiction recovery
• Those focused on healthy aging

Like any treatment, NAD therapy isn’t for everyone. Although NAD therapy is generally well-tolerated, it may not be suitable for:

• People with severe kidney or liver conditions
• People with known allergies to NAD+ infusion components
• Pregnant or nursing individuals

Is NAD Supplementation Right for You?

While NAD levels naturally decline with age, supplementation provides a science-backed approach to maintaining optimal cellular health. The extensive benefits we’ve explored – from enhanced energy production and cognitive function to improved metabolic health and longevity support – make NAD supplementation an attractive option for many adults seeking to optimize their wellness.

Research consistently shows that NAD supplementation is generally well-tolerated, with minimal side effects reported in clinical studies. However, before starting any new supplement regimen, it’s valuable to understand your baseline levels. Testing your intracellular NAD levels can provide clear insights into whether supplementation would be beneficial for your specific situation.

Jinfiniti’s Intracellular NAD® Test offers precise, laboratory-grade testing that measures NAD where it matters most – inside your cells. This testing can help establish your baseline levels and allow you to track your progress while supplementing, ensuring you’re achieving optimal results from your NAD support strategy.

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