NAD has recently emerged as a staple ingredient in many wellness supplements, and understandably so. The compound, which exists naturally in all living cells, has been extensively studied for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.
Many wellness enthusiasts credit NAD for a variety of other therapeutic benefits. The molecule plays an instrumental role in cell rejuvenation, aiding metabolism, and regulating circadian rhythms.
If you’re new to NAD and are still skeptical about its perceived therapeutic properties, this article might help change your viewpoint. Read on as we explore how NAD supplements could simplify your wellness journey.
What Is NAD?
NAD is the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme in all living cells and is central to numerous biological processes. The compound comprises two nucleotides joined via a phosphate group, which explains the “dinucleotide” reference.
One of the NAD nucleotides contains a nicotinamide, while the other consists of an adenine nucleobase.
NAD can exist as NAD (the oxidized form) or NADH (the reduced form). Both variants are therapeutically important, with NAD being the more valuable.
Investing in a high-quality NAD supplement can aid your wellness goals by helping to treat, manage, and even prevent specific medical issues. The below section expounds more on this;
How Does NAD Work?
When consumed, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in NAD supplements impacts the body at the cellular level. The molecule exerts its influence, particularly on the mitochondria – the cell organelles involved in energy metabolism.
The mitochondria rely on the seamless redox reactions between NAD and NADH to undertake aerobic (oxygen-dependent) and anaerobic (non-oxygen-based) metabolism.
What Are the Health and Wellness Benefits of NAD Supplements?
1. NAD Supplements May Reverse Premature Aging
NAD supplements may be far from being the mythical elixir of life. However, a growing number of studies indicate that the primary bioactive ingredient in these dietary products – nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide – may decelerate the natural aging process.
NAD reverses aging by increasing the production of sirtuins. Sirtuins are proteins involved in biological processes that reduce oxidative stress to cells while guarding against DNA damage.
NAD’s anti-aging benefits are also due to its interactions with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). PARPs are a class of enzymes responsible for DNA repair and energy transfer from cells to various target sites.
2. NAD Supplements May Boost Your Energy Levels
Are you low on energy and need a natural boost? If yes, then you’ll find NAD supplements quite useful.
Remember that NAD impacts the very cell organelles most responsible for energy metabolism. That explains their remarkable ability to supercharge your energy levels.
NAD enhances the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy-carrying molecule in the cells of all living organisms. By boosting ATP’s production, NAD supplements can provide the energy bursts required to fend off feelings of exhaustion.
3. NAD Supplements May Treat Inflammatory Conditions
Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of lifespan-shortening illnesses. However, it’s great to know that supplementing with NAD may help to combat inflammation and associated illnesses.
One study found a correlation between increased NAD intake and lower risks of age-related adverse inflammation. Researchers also demonstrated that the compound could slow down metabolic changes that begin in early childhood, particularly those triggered by poor inflammatory responses.
NAD supplements may soothe inflammation in various ways. Notably, the products diminish the production of key proinflammatory markers like cytokines.
4. NAD Supplements May Improve Your Skin Health
Vitamin B3 (niacin) is essential for healthy and radiant skin. A deficiency in this vitamin causes the skin to be supersensitive to sunlight, indicating a reduced ability to respond to ultraviolet (UV) damage. In fact, multiple animal-based studies cite niacin deficiency as a leading cause of genomic instability and increased development of skin cancers.
But where do NAD supplements come in?
NAD exists as the more bioactive version of niacin. When absorbed into the bloodstream, niacin converts into NAD, its primary metabolically active form.
Consuming NAD in dietary supplements increases the compound’s levels in the bloodstream without necessarily having it synthesized from niacin.
5. NAD Supplements May Enhance Cognitive Functions
NAD supplements can alleviate damage to the mitochondria in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). This might help to reduce neuroinflammation (nerve inflammation), thereby enhancing cognitive performance.
Consuming NAD-containing products might aid various cognitive aspects, including attention span, learning abilities, and memory consolidation.
NAD supplements may also inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by impacting Sirt1/PGC-1α pathways. This might consequently avert neurodegeneration due to oxidative damage.
6. NAD Supplements May Support Your Heart’s Health
Discussing NAD’s therapeutic properties without highlighting its role in supporting cardiovascular health is impossible.
The anti-inflammatory abilities of NAD supplements designate these products as a potential treatment for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) caused by vasodilation. These include atherosclerosis and varicose veins.
Some research has established NAD’s role in preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease. Moreover, high levels of the compound in the bloodstream might lower hypertension, another major trigger of CVDs.
Final Word
NAD supplements have proven effective at supporting various physiological functions. There’s no doubt that these products can transform your health and wellness significantly.
Just remember that while NAD is remarkably safe and efficient as a naturally occurring coenzyme, we cannot say the same about the compound in dietary formulations. Always research NAD supplements carefully and insist on those free from potentially toxic compounds.
