Strategies to prevent Ageing with NAD+
Why do we age? Can we delay ageing? Can we increase the health span?
Strategies to prevent Ageing: Focus on NAD+
I recently made a major improvement to my culture by watching a glamorous soap on Netflix. I saw a very famous actress, at 57 looking amazing.
I’m sceptical she will ever share her secrets with us. But seeing her, prompted me to discuss the ageing process and a few interventions that can potentially make us healthier, feel and look better and obviously live longer.
NAD+ Supplementation: A Promising Avenue in Anti-Aging Medicine
As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes at the cellular level that can contribute to various health issues. One of the most intriguing areas of anti-aging research focuses on a molecule called NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD+ plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including energy production and DNA repair.
Studies have shown that NAD+ levels naturally decrease as we age. This process has triggered a lot of interest in finding out if boosting NAD+ levels through supplementation may help reverse the ageing process, prevent age related diseases and prolong the lifespan.
The Promise and the Reality
While the potential benefits of NAD+ supplementation are exciting, it’s important to understand that this field is still in its early stages. Much of the current evidence comes from animal and small human studies, and more human research is needed to fully understand the effects and optimal use of NAD+ boosters.
A Balanced Approach
It is my professional opinion that healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep, remains the foundation of healthy aging.
As with any emerging treatment, NAD+ supplementation, while showing promise, should be viewed as one potential tool in a comprehensive anti-aging strategy. It’s not a magic bullet or universal solution for all age-related issues.
How Does NAD+ Work?
NAD+ is critical in:
- Energy production: It facilitates the conversion of nutrients into ATP, the cell’s primary energy currency.
- DNA repair: NAD+ is essential for activating enzymes that repair damaged DNA.
- Gene expression: It activates sirtuins, proteins that regulate various cellular processes, including aging.
- Cellular signalling: NAD+ is involved in calcium signalling and other cellular communication pathways.
Indications for NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ therapy may be beneficial for:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Metabolic disorders
- Age-related decline in cellular function
- Athletic performance enhancement
Benefits of NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ therapy offers numerous potential benefits:
- Enhanced energy production
- Boosts metabolism
- Improved cognitive function, improves mood and brain fog
- Increased muscle strength and endurance
- Better cardiovascular health
- Potential anti-aging effects, potential increase in longevity
- Support for DNA repair mechanisms
Australian TGA Position
The TGA takes a cautious approach to supplement regulation in order to protect public health.
TGA regulates NAD+ as a therapeutic good in Australia, subjecting it to relevant quality, safety and labelling requirements.
There is no specific TGA position statement on NAD+ supplementation.
As with other supplements, the TGA likely aims to ensure NAD+ products meet quality and safety standards when sold as therapeutic goods in Australia.
In our Clinic
I view any supplementation as an addition to correct lifestyle. Any recommendation I make follows a comprehensive medical assessment and each treatment protocol is individualised.
Depending on the individual medical circumstances, I may recommend NAD+ supplementation either as oral precursors, or intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.
Looking Ahead
The scientific community continues to investigate NAD+ and related compounds. I am optimistic about the potential of this research to provide new insights into the aging process and possibly develop targeted interventions to promote healthier aging.
As a functional doctor, I’m committed to staying informed about these developments and providing you with evidence-based recommendations as more research becomes available.
