Exploring NAD+ and NMN Supplements: Unveiling and simplifying the Science

I wanted to share some intriguing research findings that might pique your interest, especially if you're in the frame for NAD+  supplements. In the quest for that elusive "unfair advantage," there's been a surge of discussion around NAD+ and NMN (a precursor building block of NAD+)  supplements and a lot of new NAD+ brands, pills, injections and IV infusions. Only this week, I’ve seen it’s now working its way into skincare (hmmm)

What are NAD’s?

Understanding NAD+ and why do we all suddenly need it?

First things first, NAD+ stands for (wait for it) Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. NAD+ is a vital molecule present in every cell of your body. It plays a critical role in maintaining cellular health and overall vitality. Unfortunately, as we age, our NAD+ levels take a nosedive. With declining levels of NAD+, cells cannot function like they used to. Lower levels cannot produce the right levels of energy and they cannot maintain critical cellular processes and so we begin to see and feel the signs of ageing. Excitingly, studies have uncovered the precise causes of NAD+ decline during ageing. 

The Decline of NAD+: What's Driving It?

Well, research has pinpointed a few key factors driving this decline. Essentially, it comes down to simple maths: decreased NAD+ production coupled with increased inflammation that hampers NAD+ recycling, leaving a deficit. Simple.

Here’s the science part:

NAM → NMN → NAD+

When cells use up NAD+, they produce a waste product called nicotinamide (NAM). To keep a healthy pool of NAD+ this nicotinamide can be recycled back into fresh NAD+ through a salvage pathway that requires ATP (cell energy) and an enzyme called NAMPT. Impressive hey? When we're young, this recycling process hums along efficiently.

Here’s the spoiler alert: 

Cells consume far more more NAD+ than our diet can supply.Recycling is how the body keeps pace with this mismatch. As we get older, NAD+ levels decline because of the loss of NAMPT - the enzyme that triggers the recycling pathway.  The way we remake NAD+ after it gets used is through the salvage pathway. So a “sluggish” recycling pathway means NAM that builds up in the cells and not recycled is then processed by the liver and excreted rather than re-used. 

The Real Solution: Addressing the Root Cause

Now, most companies attempt to address this decline by flooding cells with NMN or providing NAD+ injections. From my research these approaches are like putting a “sticking plaster”  on the problem—they don’t tackle the root cause, which is the declining efficiency of the NAMPT enzyme recycling pathway. Ingested NMN supplements are reported to raise NAD+ levels but once the NAD+ is used the wasted NAM is left behind and cannot be recycled. The body needs to remove it, inadvertently causing more inflammation. Also NAD+ is a large molecule, and to access the cells it requires a specific transporter channel and the only cells which have been shown to possess this channel are heart and brain cells.

Join the Conversation

Curious about this NAD supplement? I’ve come across a combination that shows promise in restoring NAD+ levels effectively. If you're keen to learn more or even give it a try, let me know HERE — I might consider stocking it if there’s enough interest.

The unfair advantage seems to me to supplement with a combination of ingredients designed to restore the cells’ natural ability to make and recycle NAD+, in the same manner youthful cells do. Fixing the reason why it declines which is not possible with NMN and NAD+ supplements. Research also points to the benefits of exercise on NAMPT activity. Resveratrol too.

Further Reading

To delve deeper into the science behind NAD+ and the salvage pathway, check out this informative resource HERE.

What are Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on this? Have you explored NAD+ supplements  before, or are you intrigued by these new insights? Let’s keep the conversation going!