NAD+

Your body naturally produces NAD+ in various ways, but because levels decline with age, it’s believed that supplements can boost your levels of NAD+ and potentially slow the effects of aging and extend the life span, research has shown. A decline in levels is linked to numerous aging-associated diseases, like cognitive decline, and metabolic disease, research finds—and NAD+ also plays an important role in regulating your metabolism and circadian rhythm, studies show.

NAD+ is a coenzyme that is important for many pathways in the body, including the following:

Cellular energy
DNA repair
Hormone signaling
Inflammation
It also helps maintain metabolism and circadian rhythm (the 24-hour internal clock regulating sleep cycles).2 Significantly, signaling proteins called sirtuins require NAD+ to regulate age-related changes and extend life span.3

The role of NAD+ in the body is not fully understood, however, decreased levels have been linked to aging and conditions like:

Diabetes
Inflammation
Heart disease

Support healthy aging: Because levels of NAD+ decrease with aging, it’s theorized that supplements that boost NAD+ could slow the effects of aging and extend life span.

Improve cognitive functioning: NAD+ may also protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Improve cardiovascular health: NAD+ may decrease the risk of high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and high cholesterol

NAD+ is essential for regulating metabolism and circadian rhythm. As we age, levels of NAD+ decline. Reduced levels of NAD+ are associated with conditions like mental decline, diabetes, and heart disease. Niacin, niacinamide, NMN, and NR can all boost levels of NAD+ in the body.

In theory, these supplements could slow the effects of aging and combat diseases, but more research is needed. Without strong clinical trials in humans, informed decisions cannot be made about the risks versus benefits of various NAD+ supplements. Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.