NAD+ is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as the oxidized form, found in all living cells. NAD+ is used in the metabolic pathways in the body to make energy. Although, it is the trigger for repairing DNA, which is necessary during the aging process and important for the skin. Many skin care companies are launching NAD+ products because of the potential benefits.

NAD+ is continually being studied for all types of bodily functions. It is considered to provide hope for aging and turning back the clock at the cell level of organs and tissues of the brain, heart, respiratory track and the skin. NAD+ precursors are popular.

Recently a review was performed on the scientific literature to look at the clinical benefits of supplementing with NAD supplementation to observe its effects on the skin, aging and metabolism (Radenkovic D et al, 2020). The review was promising and showed positive effects including for the skin.

NAD+ upregulation has been shown to help prevent the skin damage from continued exposure to the sun (Jacobson EL et al, 2007).

• Upregulation occurs when the number of receptors increase on the target cells, making the cells more available and sensitive to the agent.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the body’s important protein that provides genetic instruction for life. It holds the keys to the body’s cell development and reproduction. If there are problems with DNA it effects the life of cells and the body as a whole.

In regard to the skin, when it is unprotected from Ultra Violet rays, it causes damage to occur causing reoccurring breaks in DNA. NAD+ has been shown to help repair DNA to protect the skin from serious damage and cell changes. Also, this also happens with a condition where the skin gets red and scaly and NAD+ has been shown to help with the repair of the skin’s DNA.

There is good evidence that NAD+ has different physiological functions in the body and low levels cause problems. The scientific literature shows that NAD+ deficiency has been seen in animal research, especially in aging models (Zhang M & Ying W, 2019).

NAD+ has a positive effect in the body by working in many biochemical pathways, including limiting mitochondrial changes, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. It does this by helping to control enzymes like sirtuins, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and AP endonuclease.

NAD+ is also used to promote compounds such as Sirt1. The manufacturing of NAD+ in the cells is controlled by the de novo and the salvage pathways. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a rate-limiting enzyme in the salvage pathway.

It is known that NAMPT regulates NAD+ and ATP contents, which demonstrates its role in promoting the extension of the life of cells (Hsu C-P et al, 2007).

How to increase NAD+ in the body

Research shows and suggests that increasing NAD+ is good therapeutically and provides nutritional potential (Zhang M & Ying W, 2019). Common ways to increase NAD+ levels has been with derivatives of vitamin B3 - niacin, nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, etc.

Nicotinamide is one form of vitamin B3 and is a precursor of NAD+. If vitamin B3 is low it effects NAD+ levels. It has been shown that deficiencies of B3 can cause skin problems including sun sensitivity (Fania L et al, 2019). The connection between the skin, vitamin B3 and NAD+ can be seen. When there is an NAD+ deficiency, it also leads to Ultra Violet skin sensitivity and causes problem with the DNA response to skin damage.

Other techniques to increase NAD involve strength training, upregulating enzymes such as the rate-limiting NAMPT and also preventing the breakdown of NAD, with potential bioavailable flavonoids that have been studied (Escande C et al, 2013)

As with other dietary supplements, if you have a medical condition and/or take medication check with your health care practitioner prior to taking them.

In summary, NAD+ is found in all living cells and is used in the metabolic pathways to make energy. It is important for the skin and repairing DNA to prevent damage from the sun. Vitamin B3 is an important compound to keep NAD+ levels maintained.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not for advertising purposes.