The Best Way to Boost NAD+: Supplements vs. Diet

The Best Way to Boost NAD+: Supplements vs. Diet

Dr. Michael Greger hosted an insightful webinar exploring NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an essential molecule in human health, renowned for its role in energy production and cellular repair. The presentation dissected NAD+ biology, its implications for aging, and the viability of NAD+-boosting supplements, providing a balanced view for medical professionals and the curious public.

What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a crucial role in metabolic processes, including energy extraction from food and DNA repair. The molecule is indispensable, evidenced by severe consequences like pellagra when its precursor, niacin (vitamin B3), is deficient. Historically, NAD+ research has been groundbreaking, earning multiple Nobel Prizes. Today, it is celebrated for its connection to sirtuins, enzymes that protect against age-related decline.

The Debate Around NAD+ Decline with Age

While popular belief suggests NAD+ levels universally decline with age, research presents a nuanced picture. Declines are significant in certain tissues, such as the skin, but negligible or inconsistent in others like the brain and muscle. This variability challenges the sweeping claims made by supplement companies, emphasizing the need for more robust, targeted studies.

NAD+-Boosting Supplements: Promises and Pitfalls

The market offers various NAD+ precursors, including nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Each has its strengths and limitations:

Cost-effectiveness also varies dramatically, with NR and NMN being significantly pricier than NA and NAM. Despite their high price tags, clinical benefits for humans remain elusive, as evidenced by multiple trials.

Safety Concerns and Ethical Considerations

High-dose NAD+ precursors may pose risks, including exacerbating diabetes, promoting cancer growth, or triggering neurodegenerative effects. Additionally, contaminants in supplements, particularly NMN, highlight a lack of quality control in the industry. Regulatory scrutiny and caution are warranted, especially for vulnerable populations like cancer patients or individuals with inflammatory diseases.

Natural Alternatives to Boost NAD+

Dr. Greger emphasized that lifestyle changes often outperform supplements in boosting NAD+. Exercise, for instance, significantly increases NAMPT, a critical enzyme for NAD+ synthesis. Dietary interventions, including consuming antioxidant-rich plant foods, can protect NAD+ from depletion caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Parsley, chamomile tea, and berries are among the foods linked to enhanced NAD+ levels.

The Science of CD38 and PARP-1

CD38 and PARP-1 enzymes are major NAD+ consumers. Elevated CD38 activity, linked to chronic inflammation ("inflammaging"), is a key driver of NAD+ depletion in aging. Similarly, excessive PARP-1 activation due to DNA damage drains NAD+. Addressing these underlying issues through anti-inflammatory diets and reducing oxidative stress may be more effective than supplementation.

A Cautious Conclusion

While NAD+ is undeniably crucial for health and longevity, the science behind supplementation is far from settled. The body’s intricate NAD+ regulation suggests that flooding it with precursors might not yield the desired outcomes. Natural methods like exercise and dietary adjustments remain the safest, most evidence-backed strategies. Dr. Greger’s analysis serves as a reminder to approach NAD+ supplementation with informed skepticism and a focus on holistic health.

#Nutrition #Science #Supplements

Update from Michael Greger, on 2025-01-01Source