NAD supplementation, is it really the fountain of youth?

What is NAD and what does it do to our body?

NAD is short of Nicotaniamie Adenine Dinucleotide, and it has many crucial roles in our bodies that simply keep us a live an well.

NAD plays a major role in the mitochondria (the power house of the cell), where it acts as an electron carrier, converting to NADH, that delivers electrons to a surface pump on the mitochondrial surface, which in turns creates  ATP- the energy units.

The other important NAD function is being a cofactor for certain crucial enzymes like sitruins, often nicknamed  the longevity enzymes, which are responsible for functions like: gene expression, metabolic flexibility stress resilience and mitochondria regeneration.

Another enzyme that uses NAD as a cofactor is called PARP, which is responsible for DNA repair.

When we talk about NAD function, we have to mention a very important enzyme called CD38, that is present on certain cell, and assists in regulating cell functions. Though, it is important to note, that overactivity of this enzyme, drives excessive inflammation, cell damage, insulin resistance, and eventually Inflammaging ( Inflammation and Aging). CD38 is a major consumer of NAD.

Does NAD levels drop as we age?

Yes, but that is not the main or the only reason for NAD depletion . Many other factors result in NAD consumption, like inflammation, metabolic syndrome, toxic exposure, certain diseases and illnesses as well.

Is NAD supplementation the answer?

The basic physiology matters. NAD is a large molecule,  and it can not readily cross over the cell. Majority of NAD gets cleared and expelled by the body within a few hours, and some gets broken down into smaller particles for uptake by the cell. The excess NAD in the blood, can create a cascade of events that can lead to inflammation, and fueling of certain diseases.

NAD supplementation whether its liposomal NAD, or NAD infusion, can backfire.

This space has seen significant overuse, lead mainly by social media and influencers.

The decision to get an NAD infusion should not be solely based on how you feel, or symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. Always talk to a trusted knowledgeable doctor who can provide you more insight on what might work.

NAD supplementation may show some benefit in conditions like alcohol use disorders, and certain neurological disorders, but this should always be supervised, and done with caution.

If it is not NAD infusion, how can we replete NAD?

NAD precursor supplementation like NR and NMN, are under investigation, they are certainly not inflammatory, as could NAD be, but at the same time, this is a temporary fix.

Fixing issues like inflammation and insulin resistance, will lead to down regulation of enzymes like CD38, which leads to less NAD consumption.

Reducing toxin exposure, which leads to DAN damage, will lead to less activation of the enzyme PARP which leads to less NAD consumption.

Using certain interventions, like CD38 suppressors, like Apigenin, showed promise in reducing CD38 activity, which leads to less NAD consumption as well. Apigenin can be found in parsley, chamomile, celery, thyme and basil. But it also can be obtain from specialized pharmacies as a supplement.

What is 1 MNA?

It is a naturally occurring substance that is a direct result of NAD metabolism, but supplementing it has shown a potential in reducing NAD consumption through certain enzymatic pathways, in addition It has showed to have significant vascular health benefit.

So the goal is not to give you NAD, the goal is to transform the body into more NAD efficiency, preserving and recycling its own NAD.

So if you are feeling tired, with low energy, the answer should not be NAD. You could have other issues that need to be looked at in details, like hormonal disturbances, insulin resistance, over training, poor sleep quality, or simply a nutritional deficiencies.

Longevity is simple, it comes down to improving sleep, food and stress.