NAD patches boost nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a molecule essential for overall cellular health, and protecting against age-related damage. This article explores the science and potential benefits and risks of NAD patches.
Key Takeaways
- NAD patches deliver this essential molecule directly through the skin, offering better absorption than oral supplements and supporting energy production, DNA repair, and protection against age-related decline.
- Potential benefits include improved heart and brain function, enhanced metabolism, reduced oxidative stress, and support for healthier skin, though human studies are still limited and often inconclusive.
- Risks are generally mild, such as skin irritation or fatigue, but long-term effects remain unclear, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have cancer should avoid use without medical advice.
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What Are NAD Patches?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is found in every cell of the body. It is a co-enzyme molecule that helps enzymes (proteins) carry out biological reactions. NAD helps in metabolism–turning food into energy–repairing damaged DNA and other essential cellular functions.
As we age, our NAD levels drop, which is linked to age-related problems like neurodegeneration and increased risk of cancer and heart disease. As such, there is growing research into the use of NAD supplements to help improve overall health and prevent age-related disease.
NAD patches boost NAD levels by delivering it through the skin. Unlike oral supplements, NAD in patches doesn’t pass through the digestive system, where it can be broken down.
This allows more NAD to enter the body and have a beneficial effect. NAD can also be delivered through intravenous (IV) injection, allowing for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream. However, patches offer a more cost-effective and convenient alternative to IV administration.
How Does NAD Work?
One of NAD’s most essential roles is supporting mitochondria—the tiny power plants inside cells that create energy. Without enough NAD, mitochondria can’t work properly, preventing cells from getting the energy they need to function.
Beyond energy production, NAD has several other vital roles in cells:
- DNA Repair: NAD activates enzymes called PARPs (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases), which help detect and repair damaged DNA.
- Gene Regulation: NAD influences gene expression by activating sirtuins, a family of proteins that help regulate metabolism, inflammation, and stress resistance.
- Cell Signaling: NAD is involved in calcium signaling, which helps cells communicate with each other.
- Redox Reactions: NAD is a critical component of redox reactions, which help maintain the balance between oxidative stress (damage caused by reactive oxygen molecules) and antioxidant defense (prevention of oxidative stress).
Benefits of NAD Patches
Prevention of Heart Disease
The heart is one of the body’s hardest-working muscles, requiring a constant supply of energy to keep pumping blood. The protein SIRT3 plays a crucial role in energy production in the mitochondria of heart cells. When SIRT3 levels are low or dysfunctional, heart function can be impaired, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, like arrhythmias and atherosclerosis. NAD helps activate SIRT3, potentially supporting cardiac function and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Animal studies show that drugs that increase NAD can increase the growth and support of blood vessels and reduce stroke-related damage.
Improves Cognition
Many people report feeling more mentally alert and focused after using NAD patches. This could be due to NAD’s role in brain energy production. However, no clinical trials have proved that NAD increases cognition in healthy participants.
Reduces Cognitive Decline
As people age, their brains can become damaged by oxidative stress, which occurs when harmful oxygen molecules attack brain cells. This kind of damage plays a role in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.NAD patches can reduce oxidative stress, potentially helping protect against these neurodegenerative diseases.
A study in mice found NAD supplementation reversed some brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease and improved memory and learning. However, only two small studies have tested NAD for Alzheimer’s in humans, and the results have been mixed.
May Aid Weight Loss
Metabolism is the process your body uses to burn calories from food. NAD helps metabolism, which can help prevent people from gaining excess weight and manage obesity.
In one experiment, rats that were given NAD supplements gained less weight than those who weren’t given NAD, even when eating a high-fat diet. The supplements also helped them stay more active during the day.
Reduces Skin Aging and Conditions
NAD patches may help protect the skin by counteracting the leading causes of skin aging, such as repairing DNA damage caused by UV radiation. NAD also activates sirtuins, which help maintain the production of collagen. Collagen is essential for the skin’s elasticity, strength, and hydration.
NAD’s anti-inflammatory effects could also help reduce psoriasis, a skin disease caused by over-inflammation. A study in 37 patients found that a NAD cream effectively reduced psoriasis lesions.
Increased Athletic Performance
Since NAD is essential for energy production, some people believe that boosting NAD can improve endurance and muscle recovery. Some companies selling NAD supplements claim they can help athletes train harder and recover faster. However, scientific studies on this topic are limited, and results so far are mixed.
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Risks of NAD Patches
Common side effects of NAD⁺ patches include:
NAD patches have a slower and more controlled release compared to IV administration. This gradual absorption may reduce the severity of side effects commonly associated with rapid NAD influx from IV therapy.
Potential Long-Term Risks
Currently, comprehensive studies on the long-term use of NAD patches are limited. However, research on nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3 and NAD precursor) suggests that high doses could result in DNA damage, increased tumours and decreased sensitivity to insulin.
The slow-release, lower doses of NAD patches may make these effects unlikely. However, more evidence is needed to understand the drug’s safety.
Contraindications and Drug Interactions
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Due to insufficient research on safety during pregnancy and lactation, usage is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Cancer Patients: Some studies suggest that NAD supplementation can support the growth of tumors and so shouldn’t be used in cancer patients or survivors.
- Drug Interactions: Currently, there is limited data on interactions between NAD patches and medications. However, caution is advised when combining them with treatments affecting liver enzymes or metabolic pathways. It’s recommended to consult with a doctor to understand any potential risks when using other medications or supplements.
Final Thoughts
NAD patches are becoming popular for their potential health benefits, from improving heart and brain health to supporting metabolism and reducing skin aging. While early research is promising, more human studies are needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety. If you’re considering NAD patches, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider first.
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nicotinamide-riboside
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7558103/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37971292/
