You heard it growing up from your parents, grandparents, and extended family members during reunions and the holidays, “just wait, the older you get, the faster time goes.” And it never truly hit you in the moment, but now looking back you can see quite clearly they were all right. You’ve blinked and now you're their age, telling the exact same thing to younger generations.
Getting older and feeling time move faster is something that affects us all and when we get to this realization, we want to look into ways to slow things down, or lengthen our lifespan because it feels like we’re just getting started.
In recent years there have been many advertisements for products promoting longevity, from Collagen protein powder, to anti-aging vitamins, there’s a lot out there. And one word that’s been linked to longevity, as well as multiple other supplements like NMN, has been NAD+, but what do we know about it? Is it all that it’s cracked up to be? Can NAD+ be harmful? We’re going to take a look at what it is and the risks + benefits so you can go into your next appointment with your doctor with a plan for continued healthy living.
- Looking at NAD+ and How it Helps Us
- Can NAD+ Be Harmful? Risks and Benefits to Discuss with Your Doctor
- What’s the Recommended Way to Take NAD+ and Where to Buy it
Dr. Emil knows that everyone’s body is different, what works for some, may not work for others. It’s all about finding the right balance for you. So keep that in mind as you read on about NAD+ supplements, its risks, benefits, and how it can affect your body.
Looking at NAD+ and How it Helps Us
Before we talk about the supplements themselves, we should go over what NAD+ is and how it affects our bodies. First brought into the zeitgeist back in 2018 when TIME Magazine did a spotlight on it, NAD+ has been making waves in longevity circles and that’s all because it plays a very important role in our cellular health.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a cellular coenzyme that is essential for cell production, growth, DNA repair, and metabolism, and as we age our NAD+ levels decrease, dropping by 40-50% by the age of 50. Along with a high-sugar and high-fat diet, an overconsumption of alcohol frequently, and not-so healthy lifestyle choices; there are also some diseases like Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, cardiovascular conditions, and others that can cause even further NAD+ depletion.
Some researchers have taken NAD+ and broken it down to how it’s made and have created compounds that increase NAD+ levels that way. NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are the two most studied (and readily available) supplements that each are precursors to NAD+ and help produce the cellular coenzyme in their own right. The research that has been done has actually pointed to NMN supplements being the preferred method to increasing NAD+ levels instead of taking NAD+ supplements or what have you directly because when you take NAD+ there’s a bit more of a “delivery” problem and may not have quite the reach NMN does.
Can NAD+ Be Harmful? Risks and Benefits to Discuss with Your Doctor
So you might now be thinking that if we can take NAD+ supplements, injections, and/or add a scoop of it as a powder to our morning smoothies it can continue to “refill” us even as we begin to lose it, right?
Well, there has not been any real conclusive research done to determine whether taking NAD+, NMN, or NR supplements will guarantee improved longevity. Studies have shown that taking the precursor agents, NMN and NR have shown to increase NAD+ levels which has “improved energy, cognitive function, and sense of well-being” with minimal side-effects.
There have been some trials done on animals early on in testing NAD+ that showed to have increased the lifespan but other studies like the one done by the National Institute on Aging's Interventions Testing Program found that NR supplementation specifically didn't extend lifespan in mice.
Can NAD+ be harmful?
The short answer: If you have cancer, a familiar history with cancer, liver or kidney issues, are pregnant, or breast-feeding it can potentially be harmful and should be avoided.
The longer answer you’re looking for: Right off the bat we want to say there is no evidence linking NAD+ supplements (as well as NMN and NR) to causing cancer. The reason those with, had, or have a familial connection to cancer should avoid taking NAD+ related supplements is because “cancer cells have high energy demands and are greedy for NAD+ to fuel their rapid growth.” Which means if you take these supplements to boost your NAD+ levels, you could be essentially “feeding” your cancer.
Those with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases might also experience negative effects should you increase in NAD+ levels, because of “stimulation of inflammatory cytokine secretion by leukocytes.”
Short-term use hasn’t shown to cause any serious side-effects from current research studies. The side-effects that have been reported from users have been headaches, dizziness, nervousness, and nausea-induced vomiting. However when it comes to long-term usage there hasn’t been enough research to determine if there are lasting harmful effects.
So to sum up: Yes, taking NAD+ supplements including precursor agents like NMN and/or NR can be harmful if you have or are predisposed to certain diseases, conditions, and illnesses.
NAD+ Benefits
Maintaining and (increasing if needed) your NAD+ levels prove to be beneficial to your body’s ecosystem.
It is shown that through taking these supplements you will absolutely increase your levels of NAD+, whether that proves to increase your lifespan remains to be discovered and proven fact.
But what can NAD+, NMN, and NR potentially do for you?
Muscle Amelioration and Inflammation
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide has been seen to help mitochondrial dysfunction and muscular ameliorating, which is one of the biggest factors of aging, from taking the supplements over a course of 6-12 weeks. Also found through taking NMN supplements “has increased NAD+ biosynthesis, suppressed age-related adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced insulin secretion and insulin action, improved mitochondrial function, improved neuronal function in the brain, and more.”
One of the most recommended ways to continue strengthening your body as you age and keeping your NAD+ levels from decreasing naturally is through weight-lifting, specifically strength training. And one thing NAD+ and NAD+ precursor supplements do is help with muscle strength, so pairing these two things together can be most beneficial in the long run.
Skin Health
There’s also been some evidence regarding rejuvenating your skin’s health and giving you back that “youthful glow” and although there isn’t a wide amount of studies done for this particular boone, what has been done shows promising remarks regarding preserve collagen structure and skin elasticity leading to a "better" overall look.
Metabolic Help
Increased NAD+ levels have shown to respond positively to those with slow-moving digestive systems and can even help with maintaining a weight loss. This would tie in directly with its “muscle strengthening” abilities.
With all this being said it seems that increasing your depleting NAD+ through supplementation can help mitigate some age-relating ailments, but when it comes to expanding one’s life-span, as we’ve said, there isn’t enough conclusive evidence.
It is important for anyone who’s considering taking any kind of supplement or vitamin, not just NAD+, NMN, or NR, to talk to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional. Even more so if you are already taking a medication that could directly influence said supplement. By consulting a professional they can take in account current or future blood tests and give you the best advice on dosages tailored to your specific needs.
What’s the Recommended Way to Take NAD+ and Where to Buy it
When you’ve talked to your doctor/health-care professional about adding a NAD+ supplement to your routine and have gotten the green light then we can point you right to our store page which has NAD+ Boost:
Dr. Emil Nutrition has NAD+ Boost which has 30 capsules for a 30-day supply. This cutting edge formula contains:
- Berberine which aids in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and supports a well-functioning metabolism.
- L-Theanine which contributes to enhanced cognitive function, helping you stay focused and mentally sharp.
- Niacin and Copper support radiant skin by promoting collagen formation and providing antioxidant protection.
This powerful formula takes what already makes NAD+ great and boosts its natural properties to support your body's natural vitality and longevity.
What’s the recommended way to take NAD+ supplements?
As for the dosage, well, the "dosing for NAD supplements has not been officially established. Studies have examined taking NAD supplements ranging from 250-1,000 milligrams daily.”
They can be taken at any time of the day with or without a meal, it’s known in the supplement community that for the majority of time taking something thirty minutes before a meal on an empty stomach can lead to said supplement absorbing faster throughout the body, thus leading to its max-benefits. But if stomach issues like aches, pains, or bathroom troubles occur taking your supplement with a meal is the next best step.
Why Us: Dr. Emil Nutrition has been featured in acclaimed news and health publications organizations like CNN, The Guardian, and Men’s Health, and has had countless testimonials backing the quality of his products. Using his both medicine and Sports + Exercise Science degrees, his knowledge has led him to create a space that makes holistic health and happiness accessible for not just select persons, but everyone. With a range of supplements covering anything from a good night's sleep, to energy and cognitive boosts, and immune support, you’ll be able to rely on his online stores and major retailers like CVS to get you what you need.
Conclusion and Recap: Can NAD+ Be Harmful? Risks + Benefits to Discuss with Your Doctor
Although increasing your NAD+ levels through supplementation is like filling up a bucket with a hole at the bottom with water to maintain the water-level for a short amount of time, the hole will still stay there. You unfortunately can’t do anything to permanently stave off your NAD+ levels from decreasing as you grow older, but the best ways to maintain healthy levels besides taking a supplement is adding/increasing exercise in your routine- (particularly strength training via lifting weights), eating healthier- (less high sugar and fatty foods), and avoid excess smoking and drinking.
