Which NAD+ Supplements Could Be Right for Me?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) supplements are molecules that are constituent pieces of these molecules or NAD+ itself. There are numerous versions of precursor molecules on the market. The oldest and most available NAD+ supplement is niacin (also known as Vitamin B3). Niacin has been used by people for decades. On the plus side, niacin can effectively increase NAD+ levels. Unfortunately, the one drawback to niacin is an uncomfortable flush that occurs shortly after taking this vitamin (Kamanna et al., 2009). Intravenous (IV) NAD+ treatment can also bring about a similar discomfort if the therapy is given at too high of a rate. Slowing the rate allows for a more comfortable administration.
In a stand-alone NAD+ supplement, the only vitamin present is niacin (Vitamin B3). Vitamin B3 is a constituent of the NAD+ molecule. When taken orally, NAD+ will break apart, the pieces will be absorbed by the intestine, and they will be either used for other purposes or put back together to reform NAD+ (Canto et al., 2015). Unless other vitamins are added to the mixture, there should be sterile water and NAD+ in an IV treatment. If you are taking an oral version of NAD+ or a precursor, then the label will indicate if any other nutrients are present.
The benefits of taking NAD+ supplements include increased energy, more substrate (e.g., NAD+) available for DNA repair, and reduced risk for age-related diseases (Johnson & Imai, 2018). Without getting too detailed, NAD+ is involved in DNA repair through an enzyme named PARP1. When DNA strands break, this enzyme uses NAD+ to provide enough energy to complete the repair process. Without NAD+, the DNA remains broken, and the cell either self-destructs, is destroyed by the immune system, or could go on to mutate into a cancerous cell (Murata et al., 2019).
Another benefit of taking NAD+ supplements is an increase in energy. Our bodies use NAD+ to transport electrons from glucose (otherwise known as sugar). These molecules are catabolized (broken apart) to contribute electrons to the electron transport chain. These electrons are then moved to help create Adenine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy source for the cell (Bonora et al., 2012). If we do not have sufficient NAD+, our cells cannot make enough energy to work optimally. Our body might feel sluggish or tired because of this lack of cellular energy.
NAD+ declines with age, and because of this, our bodies become more susceptible to the diseases of aging (Fan et al., 2017). Introducing additional NAD+ might help to reduce the risk of some of these diseases or could reverse the effects if the issue is directly related to NAD+ depletion. Always consult with a trusted medical professional before beginning supplementation of any kind. There are certain instances where NAD+ supplementation should not be used.
Numerous supplements increase NAD+. The most common sources are niacin, nicotinamide, nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and NAD+ itself. Each form has strengths and weaknesses (Braidy & Liu, 2020). Some types should not be taken in high doses as they can have adverse side effects. Others are either less effective or have undesirable effects even at lower doses. Cost, comfort when taking them, and safety all play a part in which NAD+ increasing supplement might be best for you. Speak to a trusted medical professional if you want to learn more about these various options.
If you are less inclined to take NAD+ supplements that come in pill form or through an IV, then there are foods you can eat to naturally increase NAD+. One of the most common foods that contain a rich source of NAD+ increasing molecules is milk. Not everyone can drink milk comfortably, which means this option is not for everyone. Other natural supplements that increase NAD+ are certain types of fish (including salmon), other meats, peanuts (and peanut butter), and legumes. Fish appear to have some of the higher levels of NAD+ producing molecules in them compared to the rest of the list. Hopefully, you can find a supplement version that works for you.
Our bodies have regulatory systems that prohibit over-production, maintaining balance in the body. This balance is also called homeostasis. Homeostasis maintains the fluctuations in the body as we enter into different energy needs and states of consciousness. When we are younger NAD+ production should rarely need to be supplemented. Healthy young people should produce sufficient NAD+ to thrive. As a person ages, NAD+ becomes less available, and supplementation has a higher likelihood to be beneficial. Trying the more affordable methods first can give you an idea of whether or not NAD+ supplementation gives you the benefits you want before spending a significant amount of money.
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Murata, M. M., Kong, X., Moncada, E., Chen, Y., Imamura, H., Wang, P., Berns, M. W., Yokomori, K., & Digman, M. A. (2019). NAD+ consumption by PARP1 in response to DNA damage triggers metabolic shift critical for damaged cell survival. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 30(20), 2584–2597. https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.E18-10-0650
