The world of health and wellness is constantly shifting, with new trends and products emerging to meet individual needs. Amidst this evolution, one constant remains: the reliance on dietary supplements to boost the effectiveness of our health routines. These small additions, whether in pill or powder form, aim to amplify our efforts to become healthier. While staples like protein, Vitamin C, and collagen dominate shelves, a new contender is rising rapidly. NAD supplements are now capturing significant attention for their purported benefits in combating ageing, supporting heart health, and more.
What Exactly Are NAD Supplements?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a crucial compound that occurs naturally within the human body. It is fundamental to a host of vital biological processes, including energy production, metabolism, DNA repair, regulating the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm), and managing inflammation. The body produces NAD by recycling existing NAD, using tryptophan (an amino acid), and Vitamin B3 (niacin).
However, a key challenge emerges with age. As we grow older, the body's consumption of NAD increases, leading to a natural and steady decline in its levels. This depletion is often linked to feelings of persistent fatigue and mental fogginess. For those seeking solutions, NAD supplements, available in oral or intravenous forms, have emerged as a potential answer.
NAD+ vs. NADH: Understanding the Two Types
As explained by Emma Wedgewood, an advanced nurse practitioner, to GQ, NAD exists in two primary forms that work in tandem: NAD+ and NADH. These two types serve distinct but complementary roles in the body.
NAD+ is primarily involved in creating energy by converting the food we eat into usable fuel for our cells. It also plays a critical part in cellular repair mechanisms. On the other hand, NADH acts more as a carrier and distributor of this generated energy to the parts of the body where it is most needed. Together, they ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of our body's energy systems.
Science-Backed Benefits of NAD Supplementation
The growing interest in NAD supplements is supported by several research studies highlighting their potential advantages:
Improves Sleep Quality: A 2022 study published in the journal Nutrients found that daily NAD supplementation over a period of 12 weeks led to improved sleep quality and reduced daytime drowsiness in participants.
Enhances Physical Endurance: These supplements may also support body strength, flexibility, and mobility. Research in GeroScience (2022) indicated that taking NAD supplements for 60 days improved endurance and positively impacted blood-based markers of biological age.
Reduces Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: An earlier study from 1998 in Springer journals analyzed NAD supplementation in people with Type 2 diabetes and observed a subsequent increase in insulin production.
Boosts Heart Health: Multiple studies point to positive effects on cardiovascular health. NAD supplementation has been associated with reduced arterial stiffness, lowered blood pressure, increased HDL (good) cholesterol, and decreased inflammatory markers in the blood.
Helps with Parkinson's Disease: A study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggested that NAD supplements could slow disease progression and improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD).
Potential Side Effects and Important Precautions
When taken at recommended doses, NAD supplements are generally considered safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults. However, some mild and temporary side effects can occur. Dr. Robert Peterson, medical director at Lokahi Longevity, told Forbes that these may include digestive discomfort like bloating, nausea, indigestion, or mild diarrhoea, as well as headaches, fatigue, mild flushing, or facial warmth. Taking them in the evening may cause mild insomnia for some.
He added that, rarely, users might experience temporary dizziness, palpitations, mild itching, rash, or muscle soreness. Importantly, these symptoms typically resolve on their own without requiring discontinuation of the supplement.
The most critical step before adding any new supplement, including NAD, to your regimen is to consult a qualified healthcare professional or medical expert. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health profile.
In conclusion, backed by emerging research for ageing, heart function, and sleep, NAD supplements are certainly making a strong case as a noteworthy player in the modern wellness landscape. For those navigating their health journey, they represent an option worth discussing with a doctor.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, treatment, or supplement.
