Anti-aging biohacking is the latest health trend rapidly gaining popularity among America’s wellness fraternity. The promise to reverse age-related conditions indeed looks magical and groundbreaking. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) supplements, a coenzyme form of niacin (Vitamin B3), have shown promise with their remarkable properties in DNA repair and slowing down the aging process.
It’s no surprise that Hollywood’s elite are embracing this trend to look younger, more vivacious, and fitter, while also enhancing their overall well-being. NAD is a compound found naturally in the body, regulating metabolic and inflammatory responses. As we age, the body’s concentration of this important compound in the skin, blood, liver, muscle, and brain decreases. Restoring its levels can have a significant effect on reversing the aging process. There are also options to externally take this compound via NAD boosters, drips, powders, and supplements.
Potential Health Benefits of NAD Supplements
While early research has demonstrated many health benefits of NAD supplementation, these are still being tested clinically. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has technically banned many of these supplements from being sold.
Prevents Premature Aging
According to the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, animal studies have found that NAD can help extend the number of years subjects were in good health and reduce signs of premature aging. In ongoing human clinical trials, researchers have noted that supplementation of NAD precursors like NMN and NR may improve signs of aging.
Improves Heart Health
NAD supplementation also holds the secret to a healthy heart, according to research studies. According to Nature Medicine, the supplements can aid in improving cardiovascular health and other signs of aging. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that the supplements also boost mitochondrial function in people with heart failure.
Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Conditions
With age, the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s increases. A high dose of NAD precursor (1500 milligrams of NR twice a day) can effectively help reduce the chances by reducing nerve cell inflammation, which can contribute to age-related cognitive issues such as Parkinson’s disease, according to the journal Nutrients.
Are There Any Side Effects of NAD Supplements?
While there aren’t enough clinical trials on humans, no serious side effects of NAD supplementation have been found so far. It is assumed that, like many forms of vitamin B3 (NAD precursors), they will be well-tolerated. However, some mild short-term side effects of NAD supplements, usually seen with the consumption of high doses of niacin, may include skin flushing, headache, dizziness, and liver toxicity.
“NAD boosters can have side effects, including nausea, fatigue, headache, digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety, and allergic reactions. In animal studies, it was found that NAD+ may also increase cancer cell growth. Many NAD+ boosters have not been approved by the FDA for therapeutic use and are still undergoing clinical trials. As a result, the FDA has restricted the sale of some of these supplements due to concerns about their safety and efficacy,” says Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.
“Patients interested in NAD+ boosters should also understand the uncertain risks associated with them. Ongoing research and regulatory oversight will be crucial in determining the appropriate clinical use of NAD+ boosters,” adds Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.
