NAD+ is an abbreviation for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and it is a universal cellular electron transporter, coenzyme and signaling molecule present in all cells of the body and is essential for cell function and viability. NAD+ is hard at work in the cells of humans and other mammals, yeast and bacteria, even plants.
Nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, is a water-soluble amuse form of niacin or vitamin B3. It can be found in foods such as fish, tuna, salmon and sardines. It’s also in foods like poultry, eggs, mushrooms and cereal grains.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide comes in two forms. It’s known as NAD+ in its active form, and NADH in its inactive form.
Scientists first discovered NAD+ and started studying its benefits in the early 1900’s and up until recently its full potential is now understood and practiced.
NAD+ is a critical coenzyme which produces energy and regulates key bodily functions. It also serves as a critical coenzyme for enzymes that fuel reduction-oxidation reactions and environmental stress.
NAD+ levels decline with age. Our levels are at their highest when we are newborns and steadily decline with increasing chronological age. After 50 years of age they are approximately half the levels which are seen in younger adults. This is because NAD+ is not consumed as much but is continuously recycled throughout the years.
NAD+ converts nutrients into energy and maintains DNA health. By improving, increasing and sustaining NAD+ levels, you can decelerate the aging process.
Other benefits from NAD+ include the following:
- improved energy levels, mental clarity and mood
- improved alertness
- boost memory
- can help improve symptoms of anxiety
- boosts neurological function
- reduces symptoms of depression
- reduced cravings and fatigue
- helps with weight management
- can aid in the recovery process by reducing withdrawal symptoms
- improved workout recovery
- can improve athletic endurance
- reduces inflammation which helps reduce pain
- help ease redness from eczema, acne and other inflammatory skin conditions
- delay or prevent the onset of certain diseases
Recent studies have also been starting to see the link between NAD+ and fertility as increasing NAD levels in mice improved the quality of eggs with defects that are due to aging.
Tips for increasing NAD+ levels naturally include:
- exercise
- limiting sun exposure
- seeking heat – Although time in direct sunlight isn’t good for your overall health or NAD+ levels, spending time in natural or artificial heat can boost those levels. Hot tubes, sauna and heated pools cause your heart to pump faster, requiring more energy from your body to keep cool. This triggers the increased production of NAD+ to supply needed energy.
Low NAD+ levels have been linked to a number of age-related conditions and illnesses associated with increased oxidative and free radical damage including diabetes, heart disease, vascular dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease and Vision loss.
NAD+ replacement therapy may promote mitochondrial health and homeostasis, genome stability, neuroprotection and healthy aging.
You may wonder why intramuscular (IM) injection offered at skinBe vs. taking an oral supplement? It’s because you only absorb approximately 20-30% of oral supplements and with an IM injection you absorb up to 100% of the nutrient. You can stop in up to twice a week and get this injection or get a double dose at one appointment!