Small molecules are attracting attention for their potential. Promoting longevity But experts are also calling for more research.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), also known as the “fountain of youth,” is a coenzyme essential for cell survival and naturally decreases with age. In recent years, supplements designed to increase NAD+ levels have become increasingly popular.
Last month, researchers led by the University of Oslo conducted preclinical and clinical research We are investigating the relationship between NAD+ and aging.
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The review, published in the journal Nature Aging, concluded that restoring NAD+ levels can promote healthy aging and potentially slow or treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Every cell in the body contains NAD+, which plays a “vital role” in the body’s functions essential for survival.
Previous studies have shown that patients with the following symptoms alzheimer’s disease The researchers noted that they showed “significantly lower levels of NAD+,” which is consistent with the fact that NAD+ decreases with age.
“NAD+ may hold the key to healthier aging and may protect us from diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. parkinson’s disease“However, further research is needed on how to effectively utilize NAD+ to treat patients,” Evandro Fey Fanstavem, associate professor at the University of Oslo, said in a press release.
According to Dr. Amanda Kahn, a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York City, research shows that boosting NAD+ improves mitochondrial and stem cell function, improves energy metabolism, increases focus and mood, and supports tissue repair.
“From a longevity perspective, NAD+ is one of the most central molecules in maintaining youthful cellular function,” she told FOX News Digital. “It…activates longevity pathways that protect against DNA damage and inflammation.”
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Increased NAD+ also supports neuroprotection from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, repairs skin, boosts immune defenses and improves symptoms in long-term COVID-19 patients, Khan added.
Dr. Harand Chen, a double board certified physician in New York who specializes in longevity, reiterated that studies using both animals and early human models have shown that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels can improve energy metabolism, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
”NAD+ recovery “Ultimately, it’s about cellular repair and mitochondrial optimization, not just an energy boost,” he told FOX News Digital. “Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy increases energy, focus, and endurance, while also supporting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress caused by daily life, travel, and sleep deprivation.”
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NAD+ also activates sirtuins, a group of longevity-related proteins that control DNA repair and cellular regulation. stress response Chen also mentioned gene expression, although he said larger-scale human studies are still needed.
In clinical studies, patients with age-related diseases take compounds designed to boost NAD+.
Although NAD+ itself is a large molecule that cannot enter cells, experts agree that NAD+ “precursors” can enter cells and work to produce NAD+.
These precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Most people take these NAD+ precursor In tablet, capsule or powder form.
“Oral NAD precursors can moderately increase NAD+ levels and are convenient for daily maintenance,” Khan said. “In contrast, injections and IV fluids bypass the intestines and deliver NAD+ directly into the circulation, resulting in faster and more noticeable effects on energy, focus, and recovery.”
Dr. Khan also prescribes a weaker NAD+ nasal spray for patients who cannot tolerate needles, but she said the benefits are usually less pronounced.
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“In general, we find that a combination of daily oral precursors and weekly NAD+ injections provides the most comprehensive support for both intracellular and extracellular NAD stores,” she advised.
Chen said that while oral supplements are best for maintenance, IV therapy is often chosen for “quick reboot of cells, post-travel recovery, or performance enhancement.”
“Sessions typically last two to four hours and are administered as a series of three infusions within seven to 10 days, followed by monthly maintenance.”
NAD+ therapy tends to be most effective for people who: managing fatiguesuitable for people with metabolic dysfunction or decreased neurological function, as well as anyone looking to increase energy, focus and recovery, Chen said.
“In healthy adults, the effects are generally modest, but when combined with optimized nutrition, exercise and sleep, the effects can be even greater,” he added.
Although NAD+ therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, Chen says it can cause mild side effects.
“Headache, nausea, and chest tightness can occur especially when the infusion rate is high, but they usually subside when the infusion rate is slowed down,” Chen, who is also chief medical innovation officer at digital wellness platform Eden, told Fox News Digital.
“Most reactions are temporary and self-limited, and treatment is considered safe under medical supervision,” the doctor added.
He recommends that people with active liver or kidney disease, or a history of cancer in themselves or in their family, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Khan noted that common side effects include: mild rednessthere will be some itching and tenderness at the injection site, but “this is harmless and will go away quickly.”
“Some patients notice a temporary sensation of excitement within 10 minutes after NAD+ injection due to the temporary release of adrenaline and mitochondrial ATP,” she continued. “It’s not dangerous, but it can be uncomfortable if you’re not expecting it.”
According to several experts, quality is more important than quantity when choosing NAD+ products.
“Patients should look for formulations that are clinically validated and third-party tested, and start at a low dose to assess tolerance,” Chen said.
NAD+ therapy is not a shortcut health and longevity Experts say it is itself a layer of a much larger foundation.
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“NAD+ therapy will not reach its full potential unless core components such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, metabolic balance, and stress regulation are in place,” he said. “It’s like pouring premium fuel into an engine that hasn’t been maintained. The energy source is there, but the system isn’t optimized to use it.”
Experts agree that it’s important to consult your doctor before starting NAD+ therapy.
“Your doctor should know about any supplements you plan to take, including NAD+, because NAD+ has powerful biological effects,” Chen says. “Your doctor will assess your personal health risks and check your medicine Regarding potential interactions with NAD+ supplements. ”
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Professor Khan noted that because NAD+ interacts with metabolic and cellular pathways, dosing and timing need to be individualized, “particularly in patients with a history of cancer, metabolic abnormalities, or who are taking multiple medications.”
“Doctors need to help determine the appropriate delivery method, duration, and monitor response and tolerance,” she says.
