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Understanding NAD and How it Works
If you’re researching what happens when you raise NAD levels in the body, you probably already have a working understanding of this abundant and critical molecule and more importantly, its role in cellular metabolism. NAD benefits are profound and intrinsic to overall health. 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 to increase NAD levels in blood, tissue, and the body at large, supplementation with NAD precursors like NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, is especially effective.
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.” Thus we see that boosting NAD is medically regarded as an important part of longevity and well-being.
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.
Health Benefits of Elevated NAD Levels
Here is a selection of the scientific benefits of boosted NAD levels.
- Age-related anti-inflammation and mitochondrial health. 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.
- Improvement and prevention of 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. The other good news is that research has not shown any lasting or serious NAD side effects, as boosting NAD levels in the body is considered natural and completely safe.
Methods to Safely Boost NAD Levels in the Body
Can you reap NAD benefits by simply changing your diet or behavior? While NAD is indeed a naturally-occurring compound and can be boosted slightly with certain behavioral and dietary changes, these changes are minimal at best, and it is always better to employ the help of a supplement for better results. Exercise, limiting sun exposure, and eating a healthy balanced diet are always good additions to any wellness routine and can have real benefits, but the truly noticeable and cumulative changes that come from boosting NAD levels come from taking NAD precursors.
Another question people ask about raising NAD levels is whether or not to take NAD supplements directly or opt for NMN supplements. The process through which one’s body is able to produce NAD is more complicated than simply taking a NAD supplement, which is why NMN, or Nicotinamide mononucleotide, is a wiser method for raising NAD levels. NAD taken as a supplement does not actually enter the cell and does not seem to have much of an effect when compared to taking a precursor. NMN supplements offer a wide range of positive outcomes such as 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. The science is also beginning to support the notion that NMN dramatically improves sleep quality. In addition to the scientific findings about the incredible potential of NMN supplementation to improve well-being, anecdotal evidence from Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN supplement subscribers is ample and extremely compelling. In a research paper on the benefits of NMN, we see that taking a precursor like NMN in supplement form is a more efficient way to boost levels of NAD in the body, since it gets absorbed quickly and easily into the bloodstream. Another exciting recent study that used a randomized, placebo-controlled group of healthy participants found that oral administration of NMN is an effective and safe method for boosting NAD levels.
NMN definitely seems like the best way to boost NAD levels in the body, and Wonderfeel is making it easy to reap the rewards of these exciting scientific breakthroughs. Our patented Youngr™ formula includes pure NMN, as well as ergothioneine, hydroxytyrosol, and resveratrol, all powerful antioxidants and sirtuin activators that complement and enhance the effects of NMN. The Wonderfeel ingredients are non-GMO and vegan friendly. If you’re considering a supplement to feel NAD benefits in your daily life, 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.