NAD+ is involved in various metabolic processes, including converting the food we eat into the energy our cells need to stay alive. It helps generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a final product our bodies can use. ATP is the end fuel source all our cells use. Without NAD, you cannot make ATP -- an essential part of life.NAD vs. NAD+NAD+ is the functional form of NAD in the body. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same molecule.
"NAD+ is the one we are primarily focused on when it comes to longevity, cellular health, and energy," Dr. Orel Swenson, founder of Aeonic Health, a regenerative and longevity medicine practice based in Boston, told The Epoch Times in an email.
"NAD+ itself isn't really a supplement that can be effectively taken by mouth. The bioavailability is quite limited this way," said Swenson.
For this reason, other methods of administering NAD+, such as via IV infusion or subcutaneous injections, are growing in popularity.
"Unsurprisingly, when taking an oral supplement, the increase in your NAD+ levels is more gradual. Infusions and injections are much quicker but are more expensive and require clinician oversight for safety," he said.
"NMN needs fewer steps (i.e., it is closer to becoming NAD+) than NR, but both are available as oral supplements with good bioavailability," explained Swenson.
Specifically, the authors suggested that boosting NAD by NR supplementation could be a novel strategy to prevent the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dr. Terry Simpson, a board-certified general surgeon and the first surgeon certified in culinary medicine from Tulane University told The Epoch Times in an email, "NAD metabolism is crucial for cancer cell survival and targeting NAD biosynthesis pathways such as the NAMPT-mediated salvage pathway has been explored as a therapeutic strategy."
"Inhibiting NAMPT can deplete NAD levels, leading to reduced cell viability and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and DNA damage to breast cancer cells," Simpson said.
"On the other hand, NAD supplementation has shown promise in limiting metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer," noted Simpson, "NAD boosters have potential benefits for their use in cancer patients, especially those with breast cancer, [but] must be approached with caution due to the risks of promoting tumorigenesis enhancing metastatic potential and interacting with cancer therapies."
"Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can support NAD levels, and NAD metabolism is closely related to the circadian clock," said Simpson, "Avoiding excess alcohol, which [also] depletes NAD," he continued.