Sarah's Health Notes: News about NAD – explaining this vital age-defying supplement

Confession: NAD has popped up quite a few times in journals (I’m such a swot I get abstracts from most of them) in the context of ageing and longevity. But I’ve never really understood what NAD is and does. So, for the New Year I decided to make it my mission to get to grips with it.

Here’s the lowdown and why I wanted to tell all of you about it.

NAD is an acronym for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide; NAD and NAD+ are used interchangeably. It’s a hugely important co-enzyme or ‘helper compound’ that enables other biologically active compounds to carry out their functions in our brain, heart, muscle and immune system, as well as DNA repair and protection.

Its two main jobs are, firstly, to convert nutrients into energy and, secondly, to support metabolic processes (e.g. promoting energy, regulating weight, sharpening your brain, acting to quell inflammation), cell function, DNA repair, collagen production and other activities that keep us healthy as well as looking good.

NAD+ has been described as the spark plug for your cellular engine; without it your body won’t fire up, let alone work efficiently and optimally.

NAD+ is the second most abundant molecule in our bodies after water but – big BUT - as we age, NAD+ levels decline. As that happens – from middle age on - we have less energy because our metabolic rate (the speed at which our body converts food into energy) declines. Also, lower levels mean that NAD+ can’t take a proper part in many of the functions it should be supporting.

Beautywise, NAD+ helps repair tissues including your skin, plus hair and nails. Remember that NAD energises all the cells in the body and that includes the fibroblasts which produce collagen, the protein that gives your skin bounce, firmness and suppleness. Worth saying that collagen is also vital for a healthy heart and other muscles (the heart is a muscle), tendons and bones.

So, case proven? Indisputably, I’d say. But then the Big Question, what’s the best supplement among the many available.

According to pharmacist Shabir Daya (our go to guru on nutritional supplements), most supplements do not increase NAD+ levels in the body by any significant amount. That’s because it’s very unstable and easily deactivated. Some formulations use precursors of NAD+ to encourage your body to make its own, but these are relatively inefficient.

However, a new patented extract called RiaGev has been shown in a placebo controlled clinical trial to increase NAD+ more effectively than other methods. Although the numbers were small, the results were remarkable according to commentators. RiaGev was shown to boost energy and focus, and reduce fatigue; to support mitochondrial function (mitochondria are the energy powerhouses inside cells), promote the production of master antioxidant glutathione, and help DNA repair; and reduce cortisol, the main stress hormone. Surprising findings were that RiaGev improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, so blood sugar levels stay balanced; also that the participants slept longer and more deeply, which helped their bodies repair and made them feel better.

Now, Shabir has formulated DoSe NAD+ Generator with RiaGev plus vitamin C and niacin (vitamin B3).

I’m in!

DoSe NAD+ Generator/£32 for 30 capsules - buy here