I took NAD+ supplements for 2 weeks and these were the benefits
You may have come across NAD+ supplements in your TikTok feed; Many people claim that they delay signs of aging. They’ve been praised by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Cover star Paris Hilton and self-proclaimed biohacking geek says she takes NAD+ IV for energy and clarity. After hearing all the hype and realizing that I was becoming dependent on coffee to function, I started taking Tru Niagen, one of the most popular NAD+ supplements out there. After two weeks, I noticed that my energy levels were naturally higher, and I wasn’t dependent on my morning cup anymore.
But what exactly do they do to your body? What are the supposed benefits of NAD+ supplements? I had registered dietitians and they broke it down. First, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that serves two critical roles: fueling energy production in your cells and Cellular defense support (or the mechanisms by which cells protect and repair themselves) – all essential functions for maintaining cellular energy and health. Our bodies produce NAD+ naturally, so it makes sense that its levels decline as we age.
However, supplementing with the NAD+ molecule itself, whether through intravenous instillation or dietary supplements, is not effective in raising NAD+ levels, he says. Toby Amedor, RD, CDNregistered dietitian and partner with Tru Niagen. “As a large molecule, NAD+ cannot pass through cell membranes and must first be broken down into its components.” One of these ingredients is called nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is a unique form of vitamin B3, or niacin. In short, you’ll need to take NR, not NAD+, to help boost your NAD+. Although there are natural food sources of vitamin B3, such as milk, salmon, peanuts and avocados, you would need to consume about 87 gallons of milk per day to get 300 mg of NR, Amedor says. Here are NR supplements you can add to your wellness routine, according to registered dietitians and people who have tried them.
Quick Tip: These supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means they are not required to undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness, so always do your research before taking any. Be sure to check with your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet, especially if you are taking any medications.
All your NAD+ questions answered
What are the benefits of NAD+ supplements?
NAD+ plays a role in energy production and cell repair to support the aging process. While more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of NAD+ supplements, here are some findings from current studies on their benefits.
- Reduced inflammation: research It appears that boosting NAD with supplements like NR may help reduce inflammation, especially in older adults or people with inflammatory conditions.
- Brain health: some research It suggests that supplementation with NR can help with age-related cognitive decline, but more studies are needed to solidify these findings. research Supplementation with NR appears to increase NAD levels in the brain, by a small amount He studies He gave 30 people with Parkinson’s disease (a brain disorder) 1,000 mg of NR or a placebo for 30 days, and found that those who took NR had less inflammation in the blood and brain.
- Muscle health and recovery: Your skeletal muscles are full of mitochondria, and need NAD+ to produce the energy needed for movement. NAD+ helps your muscles generate ATP, which is the fuel for contractions. “Your cells also need to repair themselves from any damage, and cellular repair requires NAD+,” Amedor says.
- fertility: Most research on NR and fertility is preclinical, meaning that studies are done in the early stages, usually in laboratories using cells or animal models. but Data Amedor says it’s promising and suggests that raising NAD+ levels may support ovarian cell health.
What is the best form of NAD+ to take?
The most efficient and effective way to raise your NAD+ level is to use nicotinamide riboside (NR), a unique form of vitamin B3 (niacin). “Unlike the NAD+ molecule itself, NR is more efficient because it crosses the cell wall directly and requires fewer steps to convert to NAD+,” Amidor says. Finding the best dose depends on various factors such as age and general health. “People with digestive absorption challenges and inflammatory conditions typically require higher doses, as their bodies struggle to absorb while consuming more NAD,” says Dr. Singh. Because NAD is replenished in the liver, people who drink a lot of alcohol, take medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), or have liver problems often have lower levels of NAD and can benefit from higher oral NAD supplements.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with NAD?
NR is the only NAD+ booster that has no known interactions or harmful effects. Other B3 precursors, such as nicotinic acid (NA) and nicotinamide, have side effects. At high doses, unavailable It causes severe redness and Nicotinamide It may cause digestive problems.
NR supplements are well tolerated, but that does not mean they are safe for everyone. People with pre-existing heart rhythm disorders, especially atrial fibrillation or other irregular heartbeat, should see a doctor before taking NR due to possible heart palpitations. Furthermore, NR supplements have not been studied in people with cancer or in pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you fall into any of these camps, consult your doctor before starting an NR supplement.