by Jaime Luedeman, RN, Owner, A Better You IV Bar
NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every single cell in the body and is essential for cell function and viability.
As we age, our bodies use more NAD+, but our capacity for making it diminishes. NAD+ levels are highest in newborns and steadily decline with age. After age 50, NAD+ levels are approximately half of the levels seen in younger adults.
NAD+ not only helps our bodies convert food to energy, it also plays a crucial role in maintaining DNA integrity and ensures proper cellular function to protect our bodies from aging and disease.
In recent years, low NAD+ levels have been linked to a number of age-related conditions and illnesses associated with increased oxidative and free radical damage. Some of these conditions include diabetes, heart disease, vascular disease and dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, obesity and more.
NAD+ also plays an essential role in activating natural antioxidants in our body and reducing inflammation, which both work to reduce pain.
How can I increase my NAD+ levels?
- Do mild to moderate exercise — over-exercising can have the opposite effect because of the increase in free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Eat foods high in niacin (vitamin B3), such as legumes, nuts, whole-grain cereals, meats, fish or milk.
- Fast
- Avoid too much direct sun. Direct sunlight may cause your body to use a significant amount of NAD+ to repair damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.
- Supplement with NAD+ precursors such as oral NR (nicotinamide riboside)
- Try NAD+ IV infusions
NAD+ may help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Slow the aging process
- Decrease chronic pain
- Provide neuroprotection
- Improve cognitive function (memory and mental clarity)
- Aid weight loss
- Reduce symptoms of diabetes
- Increase serotonin levels
- Help manage chronic conditions
- Increase energy levels
- Improve athletic performance
- Decrease tremors
- Support addiction recovery