Benefits of NAD and Nicotinamide Riboside

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a powerhouse molecule at the core of longevity science. NAD is an essential coenzyme involved in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and the regulation of gene expression. [ 1 ] As we age, NAD levels naturally decline, which can contribute to metabolic dysfunction, fatigue, and cellular aging [ 1 ] Fortunately, nicotinamide riboside (NR), a direct precursor to NAD, offers a solution. Available in supplement and intravenous (IV) form, Niagen is a well-tolerated product that boosts NAD levels efficiently, providing numerous health benefits.

The Role of NAD in Sirtuin Metabolism and Mitochondrial Health

NAD plays a critical role in activating sirtuins, a family of proteins responsible for regulating cellular health. Sirtuins are key players in mitochondrial function, stress resistance, and inflammation modulation. By enhancing sirtuin activity, NAD helps maintain mitochondrial health, which is essential for energy production and reducing oxidative stress—two factors that decline with age and contribute to chronic diseases. [ 2 ]

Sirtuins also influence cellular senescence, a state where cells stop dividing but remain metabolically active, often releasing inflammatory signals. By promoting sirtuin activity, NAD helps delay cellular senescence, reducing inflammation and improving tissue health. This mechanism is crucial for longevity and overall vitality.

NAD and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), NAD can be a game-changer. CFS is characterized by persistent exhaustion and mitochondrial dysfunction. By replenishing NAD levels, NR supports mitochondrial energy production, helping alleviate fatigue and enhance cellular repair mechanisms [ 3 ]. Improved mitochondrial function also supports mental clarity and physical endurance, often impaired in CFS sufferers [ 4 ].

NAD for Mild – to – Moderate COVID Recovery

COVID, a condition marked by symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and muscle weakness, has been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. NAD’s ability to enhance mitochondrial efficiency and reduce oxidative stress makes it a promising therapy accelerated recovery for those with COVID [ 5 ]. Regular supplementation or IV infusions of NR may help restore energy levels, improve cognitive function, and accelerate recovery by supporting the body’s natural repair processes [ 5 ].

Why Choose Niagen?

Niagen, a clinically studied form of NR, offers a reliable way to boost NAD levels [ 6 ] Administered orally or through IV therapy, Niagen is well-tolerated and rapidly absorbed, making it an effective tool for enhancing longevity and addressing specific health challenges.

IV Administration Protocol

The IV administration of NAD is typically done in a loading dose fashion, involving: 

• 3-5 consecutive days of IV therapy.
• Followed by maintenance doses every 2-4 weeks.

Between IV sessions, patients are given oral nicotinamide riboside to sustain NAD levels and prevent declines.

Important Considerations

The direct contraindications for NAD therapy include:

• An active cancer diagnosis
• Pregnancy
• Lactation

For individuals with chronic kidney disease, treatment is subject to provider discretion [ 7 ]

Incorporating NAD-boosting strategies like NR supplementation into your health routine can provide profound benefits, from combating fatigue to supporting mitochondrial and cellular health. As research continues, NAD and NR are solidifying their roles as essential components of modern longevity medicine.

( 1 ) Braidy, N., & Liu, Y. (2020). NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis. Experimental Gerontology, 132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.110831.

( 2 ) Elhassan, Y., Kľučková, K., Fletcher, R., Schmidt, M., Garten, A., Doig, C., Cartwright, D., Oakey, L., Burley, C., Jenkinson, N., Wilson, M., Lucas, S., Akerman, I., Seabright, A., Lai, Y., Tennant, D., Nightingale, P., Wallis, G., Manolopoulos, K., Brenner, C., Philp, A., & Lavery, G. (2019). Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-inflammatory Signatures. Cell Reports, 28, 1717 – 1728.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.043.

( 3 ) Castro-Marrero, J., Segundo, M., Lacasa, M., Martínez-Martínez, A., Sentañes, R., & Alegre-Martín, J. (2021). Effect of Dietary Coenzyme Q10 Plus NADH Supplementation on Fatigue Perception and Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082658.

( 4 ) Castro-Marrero, J., Sáez-Francàs, N., Segundo, M., Calvo, N., Faro, M., Aliste, L., De Sevilla, F., & Alegre, J. (2016). Effect of coenzyme Q10 plus nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide supplementation on maximum heart rate after exercise testing in chronic fatigue syndrome – A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.. Clinical nutrition, 35 4, 826-34 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2015.07.010.

( 5 ) Altay, O., Arif, M., Li, X., Yang, H., Aydın, M., Alkurt, G., Kim, W., Akyol, D., Zhang, C., Dinler-Doğanay, G., Turkez, H., Shoaie, S., Nielsen, J., Borén, J., Olmuşçelik, O., Doğanay, L., Uhlén, M., & Mardinoğlu, A. (2021). Combined Metabolic Activators Accelerates Recovery in Mild‐to‐Moderate COVID‐19. Advanced Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202101222.

( 6 ) Conze, D., Brenner, C., & Kruger, C. (2019). Safety and Metabolism of Long-term Administration of NIAGEN (Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride) in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of Healthy Overweight Adults. Scientific Reports, 9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-46120-z

( 7 ) Hwang ES, Song SB. Possible Adverse Effects of High-Dose Nicotinamide: Mechanisms and Safety Assessment. Biomolecules. 2020 Apr 29;10(5):687. doi: 10.3390/biom10050687. PMID: 32365524; PMCID: PMC7277745.