NAD+ for Health and Longevity

NAD+ is a tiny molecule and may hold the key to healthy aging and longevity. Can it really be as simple as that? 

Every cell in your body requires NAD+ for energy production and metabolism, which is why supplementation can provide body-wide benefits and support longevity. 

While supplements can’t make up for poor nutrition and lifestyle behaviors, they can be an incredible tool for supporting your wellness goals and functional medicine protocols. But it’s hard to know which supplements are worth the hype and which form or product is best to choose. 

Today’s article will explore NAD+ in the body and best practices for supplementation. Continue reading as we discuss:

• What is NAD+ anyway?

• The connection between NAD+ levels and aging

• The different supplement options and their limitations

• Why liposomal NAD+ from Core Med Science is the best option for increasing NAD+ levels

What is NAD+? 

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is the active form of niacin (vitamin B3). NAD+ accepts electrons as an antioxidant, becoming the reduced, inactive form NADH. Then, cells regenerate NADH back into NAD+ and use it again. This cycle is critical for the functioning of every cell in the body. (Source 1)

NAD+ is involved in:

• Energy production (metabolism)

• DNA repair

• Circadian rhythm

• Cellular communication

• Immunity and inflammation 

• Brain function

• Aging (Source 1, 2)

In other words, NAD+ is essential for life, and you need a constant supply for optimal health.  

NAD+ and Aging

Notably, NAD+ levels and the ability to recycle NAD+ decline with age. This decline correlates with age-related diseases, including cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and frailty. (Source 1, 2) 

Sirtuins are enzymes that regulate specific genes involved in energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and cellular homeostasis, and they increase in response to higher NAD+ levels in cells. More sirtuins slow aging processes and represent yet another way that NAD+ supports longevity. (Source 3)

Evidence suggests that increasing NAD+ levels through supplementation can slow down, or in some cases even reverse, aging and disease progression. NAD+ is a key focus of emerging longevity and regenerative medicine research. (Source 2, 4)

NAD+ Supplement Options 

While you can’t stop your chronological clock, you can influence biological age, cardiometabolic health, and cognitive function through lifestyle and NAD+ supplementation. But not just any supplement will do. 

With age, NAD+ levels decline, but eating niacin-rich foods likely isn’t enough support. Over time, cells have difficulty converting niacin into NAD+. Lifestyle factors like stress, toxins, inflammation, and alcohol use can further deplete NAD+ levels inside cells. 

Multivitamins or B complexes can provide additional niacin, but there is still the conversion issue. Higher-dose niacin supplements can cause the undesirable side effect of flushing. 

Other supplement options include nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) or nicotinamide riboside (NR), which are NAD+ precursors. The downside of precursor supplements is that they are poorly absorbed. Additionally, very high doses (1000-2000 mg) are required to increase NAD+ in the body. (Source 5)

The best supplement option is liposomal NAD+. NAD+ is immediately available to cells without the need for any conversion. 

NAD+ without the liposomal component is unstable and easily turns into NADH, the inactive form. However, encapsulating NAD+ in a liposomal formula that mimics the body’s own cells solves this issue, stabilizing NAD+ for superior absorption and bioavailability. Further, enhanced absorption means you can get the benefits of increased NAD+ levels with significantly lower doses. 

Core Med Science Liposomal NAD+ is a liquid formula providing 100 mg of pure, active NAD+ per serving. Many customers report noticing immediate results in energy and focus. Over time, you may experience even more long-term benefits. 

Consider liposomal NAD+ as a tool in your toolkit, along with anti-inflammatory nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to help you reach your health, wellness, and longevity goals. 

References

1. Covarrubias, A. J., Perrone, R., Grozio, A., & Verdin, E. (2021). NAD+metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology, 22(2), 119–141. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7963035/ 

2. Lautrup, S., Hou, Y., Fang, E. F., & Bohr, V. A. (2024). Roles of NAD+ in Health and Aging. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 14(1), a041193. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10759992/ 

3. van de Ven, R. A. H., Santos, D., & Haigis, M. C. (2017). Mitochondrial Sirtuins and Molecular Mechanisms of Aging. Trends in molecular medicine, 23(4), 320–331. 

4. Conlon N. J. (2022). The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 150(4 Suppl ), 41S–48S. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9512238/ 

5. Connell, N. J., Houtkooper, R. H., & Schrauwen, P. (2019). NAD+ metabolism as a target for metabolic health: have we found the silver bullet?. Diabetologia, 62(6), 888–899. Full text: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6509089/