Is NAD+ Boosters safe?
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Safety of NAD+ Boosters: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to NAD+ Boosters and Their Popularity
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) boosters have gained significant attention due to their potential anti-aging and health-promoting benefits. These boosters include precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which aim to increase NAD+ levels in the body. Despite their popularity, questions about their safety remain .
Clinical Evidence on Safety
Human Trials and Safety Outcomes
Several clinical trials have evaluated the safety of NAD+ boosters. A notable study involving NR and pterostilbene (NRPT) in 120 healthy adults aged 60-80 years demonstrated that NRPT significantly increased NAD+ levels without serious adverse events over an eight-week period. Another study on a combination of nicotinamide and D-ribose (RiaGev) in middle-aged adults also reported no clinically relevant adverse events, indicating the supplement's safety.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
A systematic review of 10 studies involving 489 participants across various clinical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and Parkinson's disease, found that NAD+ supplementation was generally well-tolerated. Common side effects included muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and headaches, but these were not deemed serious. Another comprehensive review highlighted the limited acute toxicity profile of NAD+ precursors, though it emphasized the need for long-term studies to fully understand potential risks.
Potential Risks and Uncertainties
Long-Term Safety Concerns
Despite the positive short-term safety data, there are uncertainties regarding the long-term use of NAD+ boosters. Concerns include the potential accumulation of toxic metabolites, tumorigenesis, and promotion of cellular senescence . The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these supplements, particularly their bioavailability and tissue specificity, are not fully understood, necessitating further research.
Regulatory Status and Recommendations
Nicotinamide riboside has been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the US Food and Drug Administration, which supports its safety for consumption. However, the safety data for other NAD+ precursors remain scarce, and their effects need to be tested more rigorously, akin to drug development protocols.
Conclusion
Current evidence suggests that NAD+ boosters like NR and NMN are generally safe for short-term use, with minimal and non-serious side effects. However, the long-term safety profile remains uncertain, highlighting the need for more extensive clinical trials. As the popularity of these supplements grows, it is crucial to continue monitoring their safety to ensure they provide health benefits without adverse effects.
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