It seems like everyone is talking about NAD+ at the moment for its anti-aging and energy-boosting properties. But what exactly is NAD+, and can it actually give us more energy?
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), occurs in every cell of every living thing on Earth. Quite simply, we would die without it, as our cells would lack the energy needed to carry out vital functions. Our bodies naturally produce NAD+, but only if we provide the right “ingredients” by eating a healthy and balanced diet. These “ingredients” are known as NAD+ boosters or precursors. As we age, our levels of NAD+ drop, which is why many over-40s are now supplementing their NAD+ levels.
Vitamin B3 is the most common NAD+ booster, and occurs naturally in meat, fish, legumes, cereals, and seeds. Many people, especially athletes and people eating a plant-based diet, choose to take vitamin B3 supplements to boost NAD+ levels.
The new and improved formula for our Power Up product now includes NAD+ boosters niacinamide and D-ribose. It also has Reishi mushrooms and a larger dose of our pristine, full spectrum, water-soluble hemp, to support the body’s ability to produce sustainable and renewable energy.
How Can NAD+ Give Me More Energy?
NAD+ works to “deliver” energy where it is needed within the body’s cells to support a number of biological processes. However, your cells having the energy needed to function properly isn’t the same as feeling more energized. Just as you can’t feel the blood flowing through your veins (imagine how distracting that would be!), you can’t necessarily feel the energy boost that NAD+ gives your cells. However, NAD+ could still help you to feel more energized in a few key ways.
Improved Metabolism
NAD+ is a vital part of the metabolic process, where food is broken down to provide energy for our cells. While some of this energy goes to the vital business of keeping us alive, some of it also goes to processes like blood circulation, cardiac function, and muscle contractions – all of which are vital for athletes. What’s more, exercise is thought to help boost NAD+ levels in the body, leading to a positive cycle.
Better Sleep
One of NAD+’s many roles in the body is to help regulate the circadian rhythm. That’s the internal clock that tells us when to sleep and when to wake. A disordered circadian rhythm can lead to serious, long-term sleep problems. Anyone who has experienced insomnia can tell you that after disrupted sleep, you’re far from the top of your game.
Immune Defense
Studies show that NAD+ interacts with the immune system, though further research is underway to determine exactly how. What we do know, though, is that the human immune system is immensely complex and energy-consuming. You’ve probably noticed how, when you’re sick, you tend to want to sleep more. This is because your body is diverting energy towards fighting off the illness.
But what about the times when you’re not sick, but your immune system is still in overdrive? Immune-related conditions like allergies or inflammation, which are caused by an overactive immune response, use up huge amounts of energy. That can leave us feeling drained. By regulating immune responses and allocating energy more efficiently to other processes, NAD+ could help us to feel more energized.
The Bottom Line on NAD for Energy
Although more research is needed to definitively prove the long-term benefits of taking NAD+ boosters for more energy, initial findings seem promising. What’s more, anecdotal reports from athletes show that they’re seeing real benefits. Don’t forget, you should always consult a medical doctor if you are concerned about adding new supplements to your diet.
