In the wellness industry, the quest for the next big thing is unending. Enter NAD boosters, a family of supplements that has been making waves in the health and wellness sector. But are they as good as they are touted to be, or could they be potentially harmful? This blog post aims to unravel the truth about NAD boosters, their pros and cons, their potential health risks and benefits, and their impact on anti-aging, energy levels, and metabolism.

NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, plays a vital role in our cells’ health. It’s a coenzyme found in all living cells and is essential for energy metabolism, maintaining cell health, and regulating our circadian rhythms. As we age, the levels of NAD in our bodies decrease, leading to various health issues such as chronic fatigue, weakened immune system, and cognitive decline, among others. This has led to the rise of NAD boosters — supplements purported to increase the levels of NAD in your body.

One of the most popular NAD boosters on the market is NR, or Nicotinamide Riboside. This supplement is believed to enhance NAD levels, thereby promoting cellular repair, improving energy metabolism, and potentially slowing the aging process. However, are these claims backed by science?

According to a study published in the journal Nature Communications, NR supplementation increased NAD levels in mice and enhanced their exercise performance and energy expenditure. These results suggest that NR could potentially improve metabolic health and longevity (1).

Similarly, a pilot study on humans published in the journal NPJ Aging and Mechanisms of Disease found that a daily dose of NR led to significant increases in NAD levels. The supplement was well-tolerated and did not cause any serious adverse effects (2).

Despite these promising findings, it’s important to note that more extensive human studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of NAD boosters.

On the downside, there are potential health risks associated with NAD boosters. For instance, an animal study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that long-term use of NAD boosters could potentially promote tumor growth in certain types of cancer by enhancing their DNA repair capacity (3). Again, this highlights the need for more research in this area.

Another potential downside is the lack of regulation in the supplement industry. This means that the quality, purity, and safety of NAD boosters can vary from one brand to another. Therefore, it’s crucial for consumers to choose their supplements wisely and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

As for the impact of NAD boosters on anti-aging, energy levels, and metabolism, the scientific evidence is mixed. While some studies suggest that boosting NAD levels can enhance mitochondrial function, improve energy metabolism, and slow down the aging process, others have produced conflicting results.

For instance, a study published in the journal Nature found that while NAD boosters improved mitochondrial function in aged mice, they did not extend their lifespan (4). This suggests that while NAD boosters may improve aspects of health, they may not necessarily extend lifespan.

In conclusion, NAD boosters offer exciting potential in terms of boosting cellular health, energy metabolism, and possibly slowing down the aging process. However, they are not without their risks and should be used with caution. More extensive human studies are needed to fully understand their safety and efficacy. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Sources:
1. https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms13103
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-017-0016-9
3. https://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(19)30266-3
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0345-3