Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) 

is an important coenzyme for redox reactions, making it central to energy metabolism. NAD+ is also a cofactor for essential enzymes, including sirtuins, CD38 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases. NAD+ can influence many key cellular functions, such as metabolic pathways, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, cellular senescence, immune cell function.  

Factors Leading to NAD+ Insufficiency 

    • NAD+ levels decline with age (especially, age > 40 years) 
    • Insufficient intake of nutrients for NAD+ biosynthesis, including tryptophan and vitamin B3 
    • High NAD+ utilization in some activities, such as over-exercising, inflammation, stress, sleepless, alcohol consumption, exposure to pollutants 

How to Increase Your NAD+ Levels ? 

    •  Sufficient intake of tryptophan and vitamin B3 from food, such as meats, grains 
    •  Supplementation of NAD+ precursors, including Niacin or Nicotinic acid (NA), Niacinamide or
       Nicotinamide (NAM), Nicotinamide riboside (NR), Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), under the
       advice of a doctor or a pharmacist 
    •  Direct NAD+ intake via IV drip, under the supervision of a doctor 
    •  Caloric restriction or Intermittent Fasting (IF) 
    •  Optimal exercising regularly
    •  Enhancing circadian rhythm 

Precaution about NAD+

Although NAD+ molecules are essential for our cells, there are some reports of possible adverse effects of high NAD+ levels, such as vascular inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, NAD+ levels should be monitored and controlled for the better treatment outcome and patient safety. 

Reference :
• Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Volume 22, February 2021, 119-141.
• Nature Medicine, Volume 30, February 2024, 424-434.