A lot of factors contribute to how we feel and how well we’re able to function from one day to the next—and often, those factors are invisible to us. One of those “invisible” helpers is NAD+, a molecule that’s in every cell of our bodies. Scientists call it the “molecule of youth” because of the critical role it plays in everything from energy production to DNA repair.

Let’s dive into what NAD+ is and why it’s so important. 

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells—sometimes described as a “helper molecule”—that is essential for numerous bodily functions, including energy production, DNA repair, and cellular health. 

At its core, NAD+ is all about keeping your cells—and therefore you—healthy. 

How NAD+ works in the body

NAD+ is hard at work every day, whether we notice its impact or not. It’s constantly being used, recycled, and replenished. Here are some of its main jobs:

• Energy production: NAD+ is essential for converting glucose into usable energy. It functions as an electron carrier, which enables the production of ATP, your body’s main source of energy.
• DNA repair: Your DNA is under constant assault from free radicals, UV light, toxins, and even the byproducts of normal metabolism. NAD+ helps repair damaged DNA, protecting cells from mutations and aging.
• Anti-aging: NAD+ activates a family of proteins called sirtuins, which are involved with aging, inflammation, and stress resistance. Sirtuins are often described as “longevity genes”; without NAD+, they can’t do their job. 
• Other functions: NAD+ also plays a role in metabolic function, immune function, circadian rhythm regulation, gene expression, and cell signalling. 

Benefits of NAD+

NAD+ offers a wide range of potential benefits, many of which tie back to energy, cellular repair, and longevity.

• More energy. Since NAD+ is essential to ATP production, higher NAD+ levels are linked to better energy, endurance, and stamina. This is one of the many reasons kids seem to have endless energy!
• Sharper brain function. NAD+ supports neurotransmitter activity, mitochondrial health, and brain cell repair. This means improved memory and focus, as well as protection against age-related cognitive decline.
• Healthier metabolism and weight. By helping to regulate how the body processes glucose and fat, NAD+ contributes to steady energy levels and healthier weight management. 
• Cellular repair and longevity. NAD+ powers DNA repair enzymes and activates sirtuins, both of which are associated with slowing the aging process and extending cell lifespan.
• Stronger stress and inflammation response. NAD+ helps regulate oxidative stress and inflammation, two key drivers of aging and chronic disease. This helps the body bounce back from physical or environmental stress more quickly.
• Better sleep and circadian rhythm support. NAD+ naturally rises and falls alongside your circadian rhythm due to its interaction with proteins that regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Healthy NAD+ levels can help keep circadian rhythms consistent so you can get the quality sleep you need.

NAD+ hasn’t gotten a lot of attention outside of the scientific community until recently, but it’s always been there, working behind the scenes to help you feel like your best self.

What causes NAD+ to decline?

The drop in energy you feel as you get older isn’t just in your head. NAD+ starts to decline in your late 20s or early 30s, and continues to drop as you get older. Aging is the primary cause of this decline, but lifestyle factors can decrease NAD+ production too.

How to increase NAD+ levels naturally

You may not be able to reverse your age, but you can support your body’s natural NAD+ production and recycling process with some lifestyle changes. These include:

• Regular physical activity
• Intermittent fasting
• Consistent, high-quality sleep
• Diet rich in protein (chicken, tuna, eggs), polyphenols (blueberries, red grapes, olive oil), and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds)
• Reduced alcohol consumption

It’s no accident that living a healthy lifestyle makes you feel better. Higher NAD+ levels is just one of the reasons why.

Supplements and therapies for NAD+

Lifestyle is an important part of any health plan, but sometimes our bodies need more support, especially as we age. This is where medication can help. Shed offers NAD+ therapy to restore NAD+ and help support healthy aging and energy alongside a healthy lifestyle. 

On the supplements side, you could try NAD+ Vitality Complex, which contains a unique blend of ingredients to support healthy aging, sharpen focus, and promote cellular repair.•

Many have found NAD+ medication or supplementation to be the missing piece they needed to feel better and meet their health goals. Visit tryshed.com today to find out which NAD+ support is best for you.

NAD+: More than a nice-to-have

NAD+ is one of the most important molecules in the body—and you’ll feel the difference when it starts to drop. Medication and supplementation can help keep NAD+ levels up so you don’t have to say goodbye to energy and focus as NAD+ declines with age. Talk to your doctor today about starting NAD+ therapy, or visit tryshed.com to learn more.

Frequently asked questions about NAD+

At what age do NAD+ levels start to decline?

For most people, the decline starts in their late 20s or early 30s, and continues to drop as they age. By age 50, NAD+ levels are about half of what they were during their youth.

What foods naturally boost NAD+?

Foods rich in vitamin B3 (beef, fish, mushrooms, nuts, whole grains) and tryptophan (turkey, chicken, eggs, dairy, legumes) activate the body’s NAD+ production pathways, helping to keep NAD+ at healthy levels.

Is NDA+ therapy or supplementation safe?

Yes. NAD+ is naturally occurring in the body, and supplementing is generally well tolerated. 

Are there any side effects to NAD+ therapy or supplementation?

Some people may experience mild flushing, headaches, or nausea, especially at higher doses. 

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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