NAD supplements have gained a lot of popularity in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. NAD supports healthy aging, improves cognitive function, and much more. However, not every effect of NAD is good. There are potential side effects you should be aware of before regularly using these supplements.
NAD therapy, which encompasses things like taking NAD supplements and NAD IV therapy, can have various effects on the body. Examples of these effects include interactions with vital medications, such as diabetes and blood pressure medications.
The good news is that most of these side effects are minor and disappear once you stop taking the supplements. Even so, you should always start taking these supplements under the guidance and supervision of a medical professional to minimize both the risk and longevity of any side effects.
Before you dive further into the side effects of NAD supplements, you need to understand what makes NAD such a popular supplement in the first place. NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a naturally occurring coenzyme. It plays a crucial role in many vital processes, from energy metabolism to DNA repair to supporting healthy aging. There are also many NAD precursors, or compounds that become NAD once processed by your body. These precursors, like nicotinamide riboside, can increase the levels of NAD in your body. This leads you to experience even more benefits, like improved cognitive function and reduced inflammation. Human clinical trials have shown that NAD supplementation is promising, doing many of the things already mentioned and more, overall improving your health.
Of course, there are consequences for everything, and NAD supplementation is no exception. Some of the most common adverse side effects of NAD supplementation include nausea, headaches, and fatigue. All of these effects are mild and temporary, but present nonetheless. However, more severe effects will occur if there is too much NAD. Increased insulin sensitivity, liver enzyme elevation, and interaction with medications are a few examples.
It’s important to note that most, if not all, of these side effects can be avoided. Before you start taking NAD supplements, consult a doctor to determine the right dosage for you. Follow this recommendation without exceeding it, monitor yourself for symptoms, and stop taking the supplements if you do experience any negative side effects, and you should be alright.
Unfortunately, there are many factors that determine if you’ll experience any side effects of NAD supplementation and how severe they will be if you do. Some are expected, like high dosage, but others are harder to monitor. For example, you may be more or less sensitive to NAD supplements than the average person. You could also be taking a medicine that interacts with those supplements without even realizing it.
To further complicate things, some compounds have their own side effects. Nicotinamide, a niacin-based compound, can cause skin flushing if taken in too high a dose. Animal studies have shown that high doses of other precursors can have toxic effects as well. This isn’t anything to be afraid of, though. Stay in touch with your doctor and pay close attention to yourself while on these supplements, and you will be fine.
NAD and its precursors can interact with various medications, most of which are important to keeping your quality of life high. This is why it’s so important to consult with a doctor before taking these supplements. Blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, and anticoagulants are just some of the medications that interact with NAD and lead to adverse effects. Tell your doctor everything you’re taking, whether they’re supplements or medications, to ensure you get the best health advice possible, because supplements can also react to each other. Antioxidant supplements may not interact well with NAD supplements, potentially leading to side effects. Not telling your doctor about them could lead to unnecessary negative side effects.
There are a few ways to reduce your risk of suffering these side effects. Aside from consulting with your doctor about any new supplements, the biggest thing you can do for yourself is start with small dosages. Then, under medical supervision, you can gradually increase the dose as needed. Also, ensure your supplements are high-quality and come from a reputable brand.
The best way to safely take NAD supplements is to do so with supervision from a medical professional and self-awareness. Pay attention to how you feel and report any side effects to your doctor. They can adjust your dosage as needed. They may also report your side effects to a regulatory agency, such as the FDA MedWatch program. This helps spread awareness of the benefits and consequences of taking these supplements, so others can reference them in the future. It also ensures the supplements are safe and effective.
The best way to keep track of your symptoms and dosage is through a journal. In it, note what you took, when you took it, and how much you took. Write down any symptoms you experience and when they occurred as well. This detailed log will help both you and your doctor monitor your body’s response to the supplements.
The importance of NAD can’t be overstated, with its primary role in energy production. However, excessively high doses of NAD can have negative effects. Glucose intolerance and increased insulin sensitivity are just a few examples. Understanding the role NAD plays in your body will help you determine how to use its supplements effectively and safely.
When you feel ready to try NAD supplementation, start by considering LumiVitae. The hydrogen water bottles and hydrogen tablets we provide can help you start your NAD journey safely and effectively.
