Nad therapy side effects
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NAD Therapy Side Effects: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to NAD Therapy
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a critical coenzyme involved in various biological processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. NAD therapy, which involves the supplementation of NAD precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), has gained attention for its potential benefits in treating age-related conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and other metabolic disorders .
Common Side Effects of NAD Therapy
General Tolerability and Safety
Overall, NAD supplementation is considered safe and well-tolerated. In a systematic review of randomized clinical trials involving 489 participants across various conditions, NADH and its precursors were found to be well-tolerated with a low incidence of side effects. Similarly, a study on the effects of NR in healthy volunteers reported no adverse events, indicating good tolerability.
Specific Side Effects
Despite its general safety, some side effects have been reported. The most common side effects associated with NAD therapy include:
- Muscle Pain: Some participants reported muscle pain, which is a relatively common side effect.
- Nervous Disorders: Nervous system-related issues, such as anxiety and nervousness, were observed in some cases.
- Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: Fatigue and sleep-related issues, including sleep disturbances and headaches, were noted among participants.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Minor gastrointestinal side effects were reported in a study involving patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving NRPT (a combination of NR and pterostilbene).
Clinical Evidence and Observations
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
In a study focusing on CFS, NADH supplementation showed promising results with no severe adverse effects. Out of 26 patients, 31% responded favorably to NADH compared to 8% for the placebo, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive therapy for CFS.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on patients with AKI demonstrated that NRPT increased whole blood NAD+ levels and was well-tolerated. Only minor gastrointestinal side effects were reported, further supporting the safety profile of NAD therapy.
Healthy Volunteers
In a pharmacokinetic study involving healthy volunteers, NR supplementation significantly increased NAD+ levels without any adverse events, reinforcing the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of NAD precursors.
Conclusion
NAD therapy, through the supplementation of NAD precursors like NR and NADH, is generally safe and well-tolerated. Common side effects include muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and minor gastrointestinal issues. Despite these side effects, the overall safety profile is favorable, and further research is warranted to fully understand the therapeutic potential and optimal dosing strategies for various conditions.
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