How effective are NAD supplements?

NAD supplements have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential role in supporting energy levels, slowing signs of ageing, and improving overall health. While early studies, especially in animals, suggest potential benefits, the scientific community is still investigating how effective they are in humans. This article will explore what NAD and NAD+ are, how NAD supplements work and what current research says about their benefits.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about the effectiveness of NAD+ supplements:

• NAD and NAD+ are coenzymes that play a crucial role in energy production and cellular health.

• NAD supplements typically work by providing precursors that help the body increase NAD+ levels.

• Animal studies show promising results in areas such as energy, cognitive function, cardiovascular health and anti-ageing.

• Human studies are still limited, and more research is needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness.

• NAD supplements may support health, but they should not replace a balanced diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors.

What are NAD & NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a central role in cellular metabolism, helping convert nutrients from food into usable energy. NAD exists in two main forms: NAD+ (oxidised) and NADH (reduced). The balance between these forms is vital for energy production and maintaining healthy cellular functions.

As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline. This decrease is associated with reduced energy, slower repair processes, and a higher risk of age-related conditions. For this reason, NAD+ has become a target of scientific research into longevity and age-related diseases. Supplements are designed to support or boost NAD+ levels in the body, aiming to counteract the natural decline.

NAD Precursors: How NAD Supplements Work

NAD usually contains compounds known as precursors, which the body can convert into NAD+. These precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinic acid, and nicotinamide [1].

Once consumed, these precursors are metabolised through specific pathways to increase NAD+ levels in cells [2]. For example, NMN is converted into NAD+ through the action of enzymes known as NMN adenylyltransferases [3]. Research has also shown that NMN can be directly transported into cells through specific transporter proteins, making it a promising supplement for raising NAD+ levels efficiently [4].

The overall aim of NAD supplementation is to maintain or restore cellular energy production and support the function of enzymes linked to DNA repair, stress responses, and metabolism.

Some supplements, like Vivere NAD+ injections, provide NAD+ itself subcutaneously. This allows for direct absorption, leading to greater results and ease of use.

What Does the Evidence Say (Animal Studies and Early Human Research)?

While large-scale human trials are still limited, early research provides insights into how NAD supplementation might affect health.

Improved energy and athletic performance

Animal studies suggest that raising NAD+ levels can improve mitochondrial function, which helps produce energy at the cellular level. In older mice, NAD supplementation was shown to restore exercise capacity and improve muscle function. Some early human studies are exploring whether this could translate into better physical performance, particularly in those with age-related fatigue.

Anti-ageing

Research has highlighted NAD+ as a potential anti-ageing target. Supplementation has been shown to mitigate age-related decline in animal models by supporting DNA repair and cellular resilience [5]. Other studies suggest NAD+ precursors could play a role in delaying age-related diseases and extending healthy lifespan [6]. Recent laboratory findings also point towards NAD+ replacement therapy as a potential way to reduce cellular ageing markers [7].

Improved cognitive function

NAD supplementation has also been linked with improved brain health in early research. In studies involving vascular dementia models, NAD+ precursors were found to improve blood flow and protect against cognitive decline [8]. These findings have sparked interest in exploring whether NAD supplementation might help support memory and cognitive performance in humans.

Improving cardiovascular health

The heart requires a steady supply of energy, and NAD+ plays a role in this process. Early studies suggest that NAD supplementation may support cardiovascular health by improving mitochondrial function and blood vessel flexibility [9]. While animal studies are promising, more human trials are needed to confirm these potential benefits.

Improving metabolic health

NAD+ is closely linked to metabolism and glucose regulation. Animal research has shown that NAD precursors may improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. This has led to interest in whether NAD supplementation could play a role in managing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, although more clinical evidence is required.

Things to consider and current uncertainties

Although NAD supplements show promise, several uncertainties remain.

Human research is currently limited

Most of the positive findings come from animal studies. While these results are encouraging, more well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm how effective NAD supplements are for humans across different conditions.

The dosage of NAD+ supplements for long-term safety is still being established

There is currently no standardised dosage for NAD+ supplements. While short-term use appears to be well tolerated, the long-term safety of high doses has not yet been established. Ongoing research is needed to determine safe and effective dosing for different health goals.

NAD supplementation is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle

Supplements may provide additional support, but they cannot replace the benefits of a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress management. A healthy lifestyle remains the foundation of long-term wellbeing, with supplements serving as an addition rather than a replacement.

Despite these doubts, many people report excellent benefits when using NAD+ supplements.

Final Thoughts

NAD supplements have garnered interest for their potential role in supporting energy, brain function, cardiovascular health and longevity. While evidence from animal studies is strong, human research is still developing, and more trials are needed to fully understand their effectiveness and long-term safety. For now, NAD supplements may offer some benefits, but they should be used alongside, not instead of, healthy lifestyle choices.

If you choose to use NAD+ supplementation, the NAD injection by Vivere provides the highest standard in an easy-to-use, subcutaneous self-injection kit.

Sources

[1] Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions - PMC

[2] NAD+ Metabolism in Cardiac Health, Aging, and Disease | Circulation

[3] NAD+ intermediates: The biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR - PMC

[4] Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence - PMC

[5] NAD+ in Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Implications - PMC

[6] The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine - PMC

[7] The therapeutic perspective of NAD + precursors in age-related diseases - Science Direct

[8] Supplementation with NAD+ and Its Precursors to Prevent Cognitive Decline across Disease Contexts - PMC

[9] Nicotinamide Riboside—The Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses - PMC