to put it On a lighter note, the world of supplements is a mess. If you walk through the vitamin aisle at a store, the bottles are plastered with letters, numbers, and symbols without much explanation, and you end up Googling acronyms like BCAA and CBD. Another mysterious letter combination is gaining popularity: NAD+.
NAD+ supplements shot to the top of feeds after Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner extolled its benefits while receiving NAD-infused IV drips on an upcoming episode. Kardashian family. “I plan on spending the rest of my life at NAD. I’ll never get old,” Bieber said.
Are supermodels onto something? A nutritionist will explain.
What is NAD+?
To understand what this substance is, we need to go back to high school chemistry (and physiology).
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an important coenzyme present in every cell of our body. Coenzymes are compounds that bind to large enzymes, which are bundles of proteins that carry out chemical reactions in the body (breathing, liver function, digestion, etc. can be thanked to enzymes). Converted from vitamin B3 and tryptophan.
“There are two forms of NAD. NAD+ is the oxidized version, which means it has lost an electron. This is different from the NADH form (which has an extra electron),” says Halperin. Both versions of the compound are necessary for some metabolic processes, but they act on different chemical reactions, such as energy production in cells.
What foods contain NAD+?
Although there are no foods that specifically contain NAD+, Halperin says there are foods that contain precursors to the substance. Tryptophan and vitamin B3 are converted into his NAD + by chemical reactions in the body.
Foods that contain tryptophan and vitamin B3 include turkey, beef, chicken, dairy products, fruits, vegetables such as avocado, mushrooms, green peas, bell peppers, and whole grains.
What are the health benefits of NAD+ supplements?
The most touted benefit of NAD+ is its anti-aging benefits.
Since NAD+ levels generally decrease with age, it is theorized that NAD+ supplements can slow down the effects of aging. Halperin says there is currently no scientific evidence to support this idea.
A few small studies have attempted to investigate the effects of NAD+ supplements on animals suffering from aging-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, and glaucoma, with modest success. However, there is no reason to assume that these results will be replicated in human studies.
“At this time, NAD+ is not recommended for any of these conditions,” Halperin says.
What are the risks of NAD+ supplements?
Side effects associated with NAD+ supplements include itching, liver damage, nausea, headaches, leg cramps, and low platelet levels, Halperin says.
People with liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver syndrome, cirrhosis, or liver disease should not take the supplement. There is also not enough research to show whether it is safe for people undergoing cancer treatment to consume. This substance also interacts with some medications and other supplements, such as insulin and antidepressants.
“It is also important to avoid using NAD+ supplements if you are allergic to them or any of their ingredients,” she says.
Are NAD+ supplements really necessary?
If it’s not already clear, no.
Little is known about NAD+ supplementation and its effects. We don’t even know enough about it to determine safe dosage levels.
“Due to the lack of large-scale human trials with NAD+, the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation has not yet been established,” Halperin says.
However, if for any reason you really want to try it, talk to your doctor first. There’s still a lot we don’t know about NAD+, its side effects, and safe dosages, so it’s best to take it under medical supervision.
