Discover the potential benefits of NAD+

We are conditioned to think of health in terms of systems – cardiovascular, cognitive, and immune – to name just a few. But underlying all these is the health of our individual cells. By thinking about how our bodies work at the cellular level, we can start making impactful changes to our health and vitality.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a key player at this deep level, supporting everything from cellular energy and brain function to the vitality of our skin and the ageing of our cells. Here, we’ll explore what the latest research says about benefits of NAD+. It’ll get a little scientific at times, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Our bodies naturally produce NAD+ and use it to support many biological rhythms, including metabolism, cellular processes, and DNA repair. Mostly, that’s to do with how NAD+ is used by the mitochondria in our cells to produce energy, which our cells then use to power the many bodily processes they’re responsible for.

Let’s dive straight in.

When it comes to skin health, the role NAD+ plays in DNA repair and cell regeneration has sparked countless studies on whether it could slow (or even reverse) the signs of ageing. That’s because as we age, our NAD levels decline, which impacts how easily we can repair and regenerate our cells. Over time, this can manifest as fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin changes. That’s why increasing NAD+ may provide a benefit to the health of our skin and slow down the visible ageing of our bodies.

Evidence suggests that boosting NAD+ levels can benefit skin health, particularly in anti-ageing, DNA repair, and protection from UV damage, but most findings are from laboratory or early clinical studies. That’s down to NAD+’s role in cell regeneration. In short, the more NAD+ we have, the more energy our cells have access to, allowing them to repair and regenerate skin cells, ultimately improving the way

It is, however, important to recognise that while the emerging research suggests a positive relationship between NAD+ and skin health, there’s still some way to go.

Our NAD+ levels decrease with age, affecting cellular function and energy production. That’s because NAD+ is essential for a process called cellular respiration which gives our cells the energy they need. During cellular respiration, NAD+ is turned into NADH. NADH can then generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for our cells. However, the levels of energy we have for day-to-day activities are a little more complex, and research into whether NAD impacts this type of energy is less developed.

That said, some studies have shown that increased levels of NAD+ resulted in greater performance across physical activities such as grip strength, walking speed, and isometric muscle strength. This was mostly seen in older adults who had low baseline levels of NAD+. In healthy, younger subjects, the effects were less visible.

Additionally, our own customers regularly report increased energy as one of the main changes when they start to supplement via NAD+ injections or capsules.

A separate study struggled to show a connection between NAD+ precursors and improved fitness metrics in healthy humans, while another showed only minor improvements in those with declines in muscle mass and strength.

In summary, NAD+ is fundamental for cellular energy production, and increasing its levels can enhance energy metabolism, as shown in cellular and animal studies. But while early findings are promising, direct evidence for increased energy or performance in humans from NAD+ supplementation remains elusive.

As with its effects on energy, NAD+ is most active in cellular detoxification. It acts as a crucial coenzyme for metabolic and antioxidant enzymes and activates vital cellular repair pathways.
That’s because our bodies use NAD+ to create NADPH, which in turn regenerates glutathione – a key detoxifier in the body.

In fact, Glutathione is often called the body’s “master antioxidant”. It plays a key role in how our bodies neutralise free radicals and bind to toxins and pollutants, making them water-soluble ready to be flushed out by the liver.

While current research has not yet demonstrated that NAD directly detoxifies toxins from the body, it does identify its vital role in cellular metabolism, redox reactions, and liver function, all of which are central to detoxification.

As NAD+ levels decline with age, our natural detoxification capacity may become less efficient. This could contribute to feelings of sluggishness, brain fog, or general unwellness that some people experience as they get older. Some research suggests that supporting NAD+ levels might help maintain robust detoxification function, though it’s important to note that NAD+ works as part of a broader system that includes hydration, nutrition, and liver health.

While NAD+ supplementation isn’t a magic solution for “detoxing,” maintaining healthy levels may support your body’s natural and ongoing cleansing processes.

The connection between NAD+ and mental wellbeing is an emerging area of research that’s gaining increasing attention from scientists and mental health professionals alike.

NAD+ appears to influence mood regulation through several mechanisms. First, as we’ve discussed, it’s essential for energy production in brain cells—and adequate cellular energy is crucial for the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which directly affect our mood, motivation, and emotional resilience.

Research has also indicated that NAD+ plays a role in managing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, both of which have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. By supporting cellular repair mechanisms and reducing inflammatory processes, adequate NAD+ levels may help create a more stable neurochemical environment for positive mental health.

Early-phase human trials show that NR supplementation is safe and increases blood and neuronal NAD+ levels, and may improve some biomarkers related to neurodegeneration.

It’s worth noting that the decline in NAD+ with age coincides with increased vulnerability to mood disturbances in some individuals. While the research is still in relatively early stages, the links between cellular energy, brain health, and emotional wellbeing make NAD+ an intriguing factor in the mental health conversation.

That said, NAD+ should be viewed as one potential piece of a comprehensive approach to mental wellness, working alongside proven strategies like therapy, exercise, social connection, and when appropriate, medical treatment.

The connection between NAD+ and mental wellbeing is an emerging area of research that’s gaining increasing attention from scientists and mental health professionals alike.

NAD+ appears to influence mood regulation through several mechanisms. First, as we’ve discussed, it’s essential for energy production in brain cells—and adequate cellular energy is crucial for the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which directly affect our mood, motivation, and emotional resilience.

Research has also indicated that NAD+ plays a role in managing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, both of which have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. By supporting cellular repair mechanisms and reducing inflammatory processes, adequate NAD+ levels may help create a more stable neurochemical environment for positive mental health.

Additionally, NAD+ activates proteins involved in stress response pathways, potentially helping our bodies adapt to psychological and physiological stressors more effectively. This could explain why some people report improved mood and stress resilience when supporting their NAD+ levels, though individual experiences vary considerably.

It’s worth noting that the decline in NAD+ with age coincides with increased vulnerability to mood disturbances in some individuals. While the research is still in relatively early stages, the links between cellular energy, brain health, and emotional wellbeing make NAD+ an intriguing factor in the mental health conversation.