The Danger of Low NAD+ Levels In The Body And What You Can Do About It

Easily fatigued? Worsening cardiac disease? Weight gain problems? Poor sleep quality? These could be signs of low NAD+ levels. 

NAD+ isn’t a common term that one encounters in everyday life, so most likely a lot of you aren’t that very familiar with its significance. In this article, you’re about to learn an in-depth definition of NAD, its importance, the risks of not being able to maintain its levels, and various ways you can do to prevent the danger of these risks.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body and involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. It consists of adenine and nicotinamide. 

How is NAD+ created?

NAD is created from building blocks called metabolic precursors, which are molecules that turn into NAD+ after a series of chemical transformations going through various pathways. 

(source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24988458)

NAD has a key role in enabling the function of the mitochondria – the “power station” within the cell, in producing cellular energy. It transfers energy to significant cell functions, which is called oxidation.  Clearly, the importance of NAD+ production is for you to feel more vital and healthy. 

Effects of Low NAD+ Levels

There’s no denying how NAD+ also decreases with aging, which causes our bodies to become weaker and possibly lead to various illnesses. Learn how low levels of this important co-enzyme, which is also referred to also as the molecule of youth. 

Quickens Aging

During the aging process, a low NAD+ level makes way for increasing DNA damage, reduced SITR1 activity (stress response and energy metabolism), and reduced function of the mitochondria, which is another vital role in energy production. This makes the body feel weaker with age, which is a natural decline but doesn’t mean there’s nothing we can do about it.

Increases Fatigue

Because NAD+ has the ability to acquire significant electrons needed for the chemical processes in the body, it is able to control the redox potential of the cells. Redox potential is a measurement of how much the system is capable of oxidation. With a low level of NAD+, there is an increasing chance of low physical and mental energy which can also lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Develop Cardiovascular Diseases

The muscles of the heart depend a lot on mitochondria use, and for the powerhouse to function properly, it is also dependent on activities involving NAD+ supply. A low NAD+ level makes way for more DNA damage which increases heart failure, according to research on experimental animals.

Decline Brain Function

A sufficient supplementation of NAD+ is important for the brain’s high demand for energy as well as the prevention of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and brain damage from oxygen deprivation. If you have low NAD+ levels, you are prone to these diseases as well as a decrease in brain energy and dopamine.

Weaken Immune Function

A low NAD+ level fails to regulate immune system function and could possibly cause chronic fatigue and brain fog. NAD+ is responsible for controlling certain cells that are needed for the immune system to work its function such as fighting infections, etc.

A low NAD+ level fails to regulate immune system function and could possibly cause chronic fatigue and brain fog. NAD+ is responsible for controlling certain cells that are needed for the immune system to work its function such as fighting infections, etc.

Ways to Maintain a Good NAD+ Level

The good news is that there are ways to increase NAD+ levels and help reverse many aspects of aging. These include:

1. Exercise - Cells burn NADH for energy, thus generating more NAD+
2. Fasting or caloric restriction - Cells have more carbohydrates to burn therefore resulting in a supply of accumulation of NADH that becomes NAD+
3. Eating fruits and fermented foods - Foods such as dairy milk, fish, mushroom, yeast, green vegetables, and more are good sources of NAD+’s precursors such as NADH and NR.
4. Taking supplements that boost NAD+ levels - Our Cell Revival and NAD booster supplement have ingredients that boost NAD+ levels to help increase cellular energy and support healthy aging.

NAD+ might be an unfamiliar subject to many, but now’s the time to be informed and realize the vital role it plays to our overall health and wellness. Take the right steps and make sure you’re getting a continuously sufficient supply of NAD+ levels. Stay healthy!