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If you’re researching the benefits of raising NAD levels, you probably have a working understanding of this abundant and critical molecule and more importantly, its role in cellular metabolism. If not, suffice it to say that NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, has a direct hand in helping the body stave off disease and aging. But what does that actually mean, and what does the research say about the benefits of raising NAD levels? Let’s dive in.
What studies tell us about NAD
Fun fact—as we age, NAD levels in our body begin declining. By the time we hit 50, we have about half the NAD level we did when we were 20. And that’s an issue. Science has linked this decline with any number of age-related diseases, from metabolic disorders and heart disease to neurodegeneration and plain old accelerated aging itself. Luckily, the science is also clear that certain NAD precursors, including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), can efficiently increase NAD levels and may actually prevent these very diseases for longer, healthier lifespans.
According to WebMD, “NADH [which is NAD plus hydrogen, or the reduced form of NAD] is used for improving mental clarity, alertness, concentration, and memory; as well as for treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia … NADH is also used for improving athletic performance and treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Some people use NADH for treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, jet lag, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. It can also oppose alcohol’s effects on the liver, reducing signs of aging, and protecting against the side effects of an AIDS drug called zidovudine.”
Sounds impressive, right? These benefits are reflected in all kinds of exciting reports from people taking NMN to boost NAD levels. Think increased energy, clearer thinking, improved skin elasticity, noticeable relief from aches and pains, rapid recovery from hangovers and jet lag, and the list goes on. In our own experience here at Wonderfeel, we can also report dramatically improved sleep quality. But from a purely scientific standpoint, let’s review.
The positive benefits of increasing NAD levels.
- Aging. Peer-reviewed science finds that “taken orally, NMN is rapidly absorbed and converted to NAD. In numerous studies, supplementation with NMN has increased NAD biosynthesis, suppressed age-related adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced insulin secretion and insulin action, improved mitochondrial function, improved neuronal function in the brain, and more.”
- Muscle function. Researchers from a recent trial conducted on amateur runners concluded that NMN increased human aerobic capacity during exercise, likely as the result of enhanced oxygen utilization in skeletal muscle.
- Metabolic disorders. Obesity is an epidemic and one of the most common diseases in our modern world. Both aging and diets high in fat reduce NAD levels, and animal studies have made promising discoveries about the role of NAD boosters in countering the effects of high-fat diets, reducing body weight, and increasing energy levels. Recent results of a small clinical trial looking at women with prediabetes also showed that taking nicotinamide mononucleotide for 10 weeks improved the muscles’ ability to process sugar.
- Increased lifespan. This is certainly true if you’re a mouse, and researchers are highly motivated to see if the same benefit applies to humans.
What’s even more exciting is that the idea of NAD-related treatment for serious diseases is gaining momentum. Current research efforts are underway to understand the specific benefits of increased NAD levels on high blood pressure and liver health, as well as illnesses like diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia.
In the meantime, Wonderfeel is making it easy to benefit from the science-backed benefits of NMN for increased NAD levels. Our patented Youngr™ formula includes ergothioneine, hydroxytyrosol, and resveratrol, all powerful antioxidants and sirtuin activators that complement and enhance the effects of NMN. If you’re considering a supplement to benefit from increased NAD levels, here’s where to begin.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.