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Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide -

NAD+, short for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a coenzyme derived from vitamin B3. Found in every cell of the body, this molecule plays a critical role in many biological processes in the body, including energy production, DNA repair, and metabolism regulation.

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The aging process -

However, as we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline. By middle age, our bodies produce significantly less of this vital molecule, which has been linked to slower metabolism, reduced cellular repair, and increased susceptibility to age-related illnesses.

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The aging process -

Scientists and biohackers alike see this decline as a major contributor to the aging process, sparking widespread interest in finding ways to replenish NAD+ levels.

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Forms of NAD+ -

To meet the growing demand, NAD+ is now available in various forms, from oral supplements to IV therapy. Injectable NAD+, in particular, has gained a cult following, thanks to its rapid absorption and immediate effects.

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Celebrity endorsements -

High-profile figures like Rihanna, Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and Hailey Bieber have reportedly incorporated NAD+ into their wellness routines, adding to its appeal. Bieber said on the Kardashians TV show, "I’m going to NAD for the rest of my life and never age."

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Cost of injections -

The cost of such treatments, however, isn’t cheap. Monthly injections can range from US$250 to $400, putting them out of reach for many.

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NAD+ in supplement form -

For those seeking a more affordable option, NAD+ precursors are available in supplement form. These precursors, such as Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), are designed to boost NAD+ levels indirectly. While not as fast-acting as injections, they offer a budget-friendly alternative for individuals looking to improve their cellular health.

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The role of NAD+ in the body -

The science behind NAD+ is promising although still in its early stages. Researchers have discovered that NAD+ plays a crucial role in over 500 enzymatic reactions, regulating everything from stress responses to circadian rhythms.

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Metabolic health -

Metabolic health, which refers to your body's ability to regulate blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol levels, and more, could be improved by NAD+ in various ways. 

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Supporting better health -

Research indicates that increased levels of NAD+ in the body may support health conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. These conditions can elevate your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

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DNA repair -

NAD+ may aid in DNA repair, potentially helping fix UV-damaged skin and prevent premature aging. Applied topically, it also shows promise for psoriasis by slowing skin cell multiplication. However, more research is needed for official confirmation.

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Easing symptoms of Parkinson's disease -

Parkinson's disease is associated with low NAD+ levels. A recent study in Parkinson’s patients found that high doses of NR significantly improved NAD+ levels and alleviated some symptoms, offering hope for future applications in neurodegenerative diseases. 

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Slowing down Alzheimer’s -

Preliminary research has also suggested that NAD+ supplementation may benefit conditions like Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia, as participants in the study were discovered to also have low NAD+ levels, although more robust studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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What the experts have found -

Professor Shin-ichiro Imai, a leading expert from the Washington University School of Medicine, has spent over two decades studying NAD+. His research on geriatric mice showed that increasing NAD+ levels improved activity, metabolism, and overall health, leading him to describe NAD+ as a cornerstone of anti-aging science. 

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NAD+ and women's reproductive system -

One of the most intriguing areas of research around NAD+ involves its potential to address menopause and fertility. Studies suggest that NAD+ may play a role in slowing down the symptoms of menopause and could even help boost fertility, though again, much more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.

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Perimenopause and menopause -

As women enter perimenopause and menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can trigger a range of physical and emotional changes, including hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido.

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Mitigating effects -

This shift in hormonal balance is also associated with a decrease in the body’s ability to repair and regenerate cells. Since NAD+ is crucial for cellular repair and energy production, replenishing NAD+ levels could help mitigate some of the effects of this decline.

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Reducing symptoms -

In fact, some studies suggest that NAD+ could help alleviate certain menopause-related symptoms. A recent clinical trial found that supplementing with NAD+ precursors improved energy levels and reduced fatigue in women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms.

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Supporting ovarian health -

Additionally, NAD+ has been shown to support mitochondrial function, which may improve overall cellular health, including the cells of the ovaries. By supporting ovarian health, NAD+ could potentially help delay the onset of menopause or alleviate some of its more challenging symptoms.

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NAD+’s impact on fertility -

There is also growing interest in NAD+’s impact on fertility. Fertility naturally declines with age, particularly as a woman’s egg quality decreases. Since NAD+ is involved in DNA repair and cell regeneration, it’s theorized that boosting NAD+ levels could help maintain healthier eggs and support reproductive function.

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Improving egg quality -

Some animal studies have shown that NAD+ supplementation can improve egg quality. As eggs mature, increased levels of NAD+ help ensure they can retain the bulk of their cellular building blocks, therefore some fertility doctors are also now cautiously recommending it to their patients, although more human studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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Biohacking fertility -

The idea that NAD+ could impact fertility ties into a broader trend of biohacking and personalized wellness. For women trying to conceive later in life or those struggling with age-related fertility issues, NAD+ supplementation may represent a promising addition to their health regimen.

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Cautious optimism -

While no supplement can guarantee fertility outcomes, the potential for NAD+ to support cellular health and reproductive function is an exciting prospect in the world of women’s health.

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Where to find NAD+ in foods -

The rising interest in NAD+ has also spurred curiosity about natural ways to boost this molecule. Certain foods, such as fish, dairy milk, turkey, pork, vegetables like avocado, mushrooms, green peas, peppers, and whole grains contain precursors that your body can convert into NAD+.

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Where to find NAD+ in foods -

Fish like salmon and mackerel are particularly rich in niacin, a key component of NAD+ production. Dairy milk, on the other hand, provides nicotinamide riboside, a direct precursor to NAD+. While diet alone may not be enough to sustain optimal NAD+ levels, it can serve as a complementary approach alongside supplementation.

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Not a magic cure -

Despite its growing popularity, NAD+ is not without its skeptics. Critics point out that long-term studies on its safety and efficacy are lacking, and individual results can vary widely.

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Experts caution -

Some experts caution that NAD+ supplementation is unlikely to be a silver bullet for slowing down aging, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management as the foundation for aging well. 

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Supporting healthy aging -

Yet, the potential of NAD+ cannot be dismissed. Its ability to support cellular repair and energy production makes it a compelling option for those looking to enhance their overall well-being. The molecule’s link to key biological functions underscores its importance in maintaining health as we age, even if its full range of benefits has yet to be fully understood.

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Possible side effects -

NAD+ supplements are generally well-tolerated by most people and most who use them experience little to no side effects. Side effects associated with NAD+ supplementation include itching, liver damage, nausea, headache, leg cramps, diarrhea, digestive issues, and low platelet levels.

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The quest for longevity -

NAD+ represents an interesting frontier in the quest for longevity. Whether through injections, supplements, or lifestyle changes, the promise of maintaining youthful energy and cellular vitality is hard to ignore. 

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NAD+: The future of aging? -

As more research emerges, this humble coenzyme could very well redefine how we approach aging in the years to come.

Sources: (Financial Times) (NY Post) (Exame) (Healthline) (National Library of Medicine) (Womens Health Melbourne) (Health) (Business Insider)  (Longevity Collective) (Purovitalis)

See also: Breakthrough research in anti-aging treatments

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