Boosting Your Health with NAD+ Precursors: The Benefits of NR and NMN
Introduction: NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a crucial molecule involved in metabolic reactions and cellular signaling. However, in times of stress, NAD+ levels can decrease, leading to physiological decline and age-associated diseases. Fortunately, dietary precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) have shown promise in promoting NAD+ biosynthesis and increasing intracellular levels.
Section 1: The Importance of NAD+ in Cellular Health
NAD+ plays a critical role in energy metabolism, redox homeostasis, inflammation control, and cellular differentiation. Maintaining adequate NAD+ levels is vital for protecting mitochondrial function and overall cellular health.
Section 2: NR and NMN as NAD+ Precursors
NR and NMN have been identified as effective precursors for promoting NAD+ production. These compounds have demonstrated beneficial effects in protecting against diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Additionally, they have shown positive effects on gut microbiota and intestinal health.
Section 3: Dietary Sources of NR and NMN
NR and NMN can be found in various food sources such as vegetables, meat, milk, and fermented beverages. However, more research is needed to explore potential food sources and their contribution to increasing NAD+ levels.
Section 4: The Potential for Functional Foods and Processing Strategies
Research on NR and NMN as NAD+ precursors could pave the way for the development of new functional foods and processing strategies. This could help individuals maintain optimal NAD+ levels and promote overall health.
Section 5: Safety and Efficacy of NR and NMN Supplementation
Clinical trials have shown that NR and NMN supplementation is well-tolerated and effectively increases NAD+ levels. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and potential long-term side effects.
Section 6: Gut Microbiota and NAD+ Metabolism
The gut microbiota plays a role in NAD+ synthesis and metabolism. NR and NMN derived from the gut microbiota can increase NAD+ levels and promote gut health through various mechanisms, including modulating gut microbiota composition and improving gut barrier function.
Section 7: Opportunities for Food Science and Nutrition
The natural occurrence of NR and NMN in food presents exciting opportunities in food science and nutrition. Research efforts should focus on determining the content and bioaccessibility of NR and NMN in dietary sources. Exploring commonly consumed items and waste by-products as potential food sources and identifying new raw materials for production are areas of interest.
Conclusion
Boosting NAD+ levels with NR and NMN holds promise for improving overall health. These NAD+ precursors have demonstrated various beneficial effects and can be obtained through diet or supplementation. Further research is needed to understand their optimal dosage, the impact on gut microbiota, and the potential development of functional foods. Overall, NR and NMN offer exciting prospects for promoting health and well-being through NAD+ augmentation.
Keywords: NAD+ precursors, nicotinamide mononucleotide, nicotinamide riboside, health benefits, gut microbiota, functional foods.
Title of paper: NAD+ Precursors Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Potential Dietary Contribution to Health
Author(s): Alegre GFS, Pastore GM.
Year published: 2023
Published in: Curr Nutr Rep
Original article can be found here.
