A spotlight has been placed on NAD+ supplements in recent years, thanks to claims that they can reverse the aging process and keep the skin looking young. While NAD+ is a coenzyme that is naturally produced in the body, and its levels decrease as we age, are these supplements a reliable substitute? Are they magical? health influencers do we believe

To find out exactly what NAD+ is and if NAD+ supplements can reverse the aging process, we talked to doctors to find out everything there is to know about this popular health trend.

What is NAD+, and how is it different from NADH?

NAD+ — nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — a coenzyme found in all living cells that keeps “everything running smoothly,” explains Konstantin Vasyukevich Dris a facial plastic surgeon based in New York who often discusses aging with patients. It “generates energy and repairs DNA” and also regulates your circadian rhythm.

“It is also linked to the function of sirtuins, proteins that help control cell survival and aging processes,” said Nayan Patel, a doctor of pharmacy and founder of Auro Wellness. The coenzyme is slightly different from NADH, which you may also see while looking for NAD+ supplements. NAD+ is oxidized, while NADH is reduced, which means NAD+ has an extra electron; when it is lost, it becomes NADH.

Is NAD+ just vitamin B3?

NAD+ occurs naturally in the body, but as you age, its levels decrease, which can lead to tiredness and aging of the skin, says Vasyukevich. An NAD+ supplement can help combat this, as can a vitamin B3 supplement. Although vitamin B3 is not the same as NAD+, your body converts vitamin B3 to NAD+, so these additional supplements can also help your NAD+ levels.

Benefits of NAD+

The main benefit of NAD+ and, in turn, an NAD+ supplement, is that it is an energy booster. Studies — incl this 2023 study — shows that the coenzyme supports weight management and balances metabolism, as Vasyukevich points out.

“(NAD+) can do some cool things,” Vasyukevich said. “It helps skin health by promoting DNA repair and fighting oxidative stress, which is a big factor in skin aging. It also gives you more energy by helping your cells make more (adenosine triphosphate or ATP) – that’s the energy your body runs on.”

Effects of NAD+

Jonathan Jenningsis a board-certified internist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan and a contributor to Lab Findertells CNET that NAD+ supplements are generally viewed as safe — but as with any change in your health care routine, you always want to approach with caution. Especially considering that the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements.

“Most of the data suggests that all versions are safe in the majority of the population and the side effect profiles depend on the method of supplementation,” Jennings said, noting that the effects of the supplement in pill form can be different than if you took it intravenously, for example. “Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, dizziness and flushing.”

Another common side effect, says Vasyukevich, is disruption of your sleep. He says this happens if you take the supplement late in the day, which can usually be corrected by changing how you take it.

Both doctors, as well as Patel, recommend talking to your health care provider before starting an NAD+ supplement and if you experience any side effects. If you experience any side effects, you should stop taking the supplement immediately. It may interact with another of your medications, or you may have an allergy or intolerance to it. It is up to you and your doctor to discuss.

Who should avoid NAD+ supplements?

While NAD+ supplements are generally considered safe, Jennings cautions that they are not for everyone. “It is important to consult your health professional before supplementation because safety has not been confirmed for certain populations such as pregnant (people) and children,” he said.

Patel also recommends that people who are nursing avoid NAD+ supplements, as there is not enough research on these products. He also advises anyone interested in taking the supplement to discuss it with their doctor, as he does not recommend it for people on medications or with certain medical conditions. He didn’t specify where, because that should be left up to each patient and their health care provider.

A 2020 study It has been shown, however, that NAD+ supplements may have adverse effects on those with liver or kidney problems due to how the supplement is metabolized. “Factors such as age, genetic makeup, diet and health status can affect the body’s response to supplementation,” says Patel.

Do NAD+ supplements actually slow down aging?

Experts and studies say that these supplements can benefit people if used correctly and in the dosage recommended by a medical professional. Vasyukevich cautions, however, that they are not a “magic fix” to reverse the aging process.

“NAD+ supplements help by improving the body’s repair systems, which can reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging over time,” he says. “They don’t completely stop aging, but they help your cells stay healthy and work better, which can slow things down.”

Patel told CNET that these supplements are still being actively studied. While some research shows that it can help improve the appearance of the skin or give people more energy, he believes that more clinical trials are “necessary” to fully establish the effectiveness of “preventing aging.”

He also emphasized that these supplements should not be used as a substitute for healthy habits, as they are one of the best ways to keep your body young as you age. “Exercise, good nutrition, enough sleep and stress management important for overall well-being,” he said, adding that if you try supplements, be careful in choosing them. Not all are equally effective, and it’s important to choose one of high quality.

Dosage of NAD + supplementation

“There are different methods of supplementation, including oral, nasal, intramuscular and intravenous versions,” Jennings said. Studies have examined how these supplements work in the body, although the findings are limited.

Patel told CNET that nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide supplements have been studied and shown to improve the aging process, but should be approached “with caution.” Both types of supplements, also known as NAD+ precursors, are naturally occurring compounds improve the production of the body of NAD+.

A 2023 study of nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide oral supplementation reported some improvement in “cardiovascular, metabolic and physical function” in those who participated. This study examined several groups of people who received different doses of a supplement at different times to assess its effectiveness and safety.

That said, the right dose for you depends on what you discuss with your health care provider. It also depends on the method you choose for the supplement. Most supplements in pill or nasal form can be taken daily, but your doctor can advise you on what is best and adjust if necessary.

Other ways to increase the level of NAD +

Taking an NAD+ supplement is not the only way to increase NAD+ levels in your body. In fact, medical professionals recommend that you find other ways to improve your health in addition to taking supplements because this itself can improve the effectiveness of the supplements.

“You don’t have to rely solely on supplements to raise your NAD+ levels. Things like regular exercise, intermittent fasting or even cutting calories will naturally increase NAD + in your body,” said Vasyukevich. Do not make any changes to your diet without first consulting your doctor.

Patel supports this exercise and a generally healthy lifestyle highly recommended throughout your life, but especially at your age. “Regular exercise has been shown to increase NAD+ levels by stimulating the production of NAD+ precursors,” he said. “Additionally, lifestyle choices such as adequate sleep hygiene and stress management can positively affect NAD+ levels.”

What you eat can also affect your NAD+ levels, especially if you eat foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin, which are precursors to NAD+ (meaning the body turns it into NAD+). Foods rich in vitamin B3 and niacin include:

• Beef
• Broccoli
• cabbage
• Dairy
• fish
• FRUIT
• Nuts
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Turkey
• Whole grains

The bottom line

As we age, the body’s naturally occurring coenzyme NAD+ decreases, leading to tired and aging skin. However, this can be countered with a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a diet rich in vitamin B3 and niacin. Lifting weights is also a great way to stay healthy as you age. Adding an NAD+ supplement to your daily routine under the supervision of a medical professional can also help raise NAD+ levels.

Research on NAD+ supplements is limited, so medical professionals encourage people to use them cautiously and under the care of their doctor. However, these supplements help deal with the signs of aging from a decrease in NAD+ levels.