How NAD and NMN Can Transform Your Approach to Aging

: 00:00:00

Welcome to the 40thru99 podcast. Healthcare research and news to help you age better. This podcast is for information purposes. It is not medical advice.

Consult your health practitioner before making any changes to your medications, diet, or lifestyle.

Tom: 00:00:18

Alright, so let's dive into aging.

Jane: 00:00:19

Okay.

Tom: 00:00:20

Specifically, aging better.

I think if you're over 40 and listening to this, you're probably at least a little curious about how to keep feeling your best, you know, as the years roll on. And maybe you've heard whispers about these supplements, NMN and NAD+.

Jane: 00:00:35

Right.

Tom: 00:00:36

Today we're going to do a deep dive into what they are.

Jane: 00:00:38

Okay.

Tom: 00:00:39

How they work and why they've become so popular in the world of healthy aging.

Jane: 00:00:43

Well, what's so fascinating is that these aren't some exotic new compounds. You know, they're already present in our bodies, playing a critical role in how our cells function and, yes, how they age.

Tom: 00:00:55

So it's not about adding something foreign, but more like replenishing something we already have.

Jane: 00:00:59

Exactly. Let's start with NAD+, shall we?

Tom: 00:01:02

Okay.

Jane: 00:01:03

It's literally in every single cell of our body.

Tom: 00:01:05

Wow.

Jane: 00:01:06

Which should give you an idea of how vital it is.

Tom: 00:01:08

Okay, I'm intrigued. But what does it actually do besides, you know, keeping us alive?

Jane: 00:01:15

Well, that's a pretty big job in itself.

Tom: 00:01:17

Uh huh. Right.

Jane: 00:01:17

NAD+ helps convert the food we eat into energy. Okay.

Tom: 00:01:21

But it doesn't stop there. It also impacts our sleep cycles, the health of our brain, and even how well our organs function.

Jane: 00:01:28

Those are definitely things people in our 40thru99 demographic care about.

Tom: 00:01:33

Absolutely.

Jane: 00:01:33

So if NAD+ is so essential, what's the catch?

Tom: 00:01:36

The catch, unfortunately, is that our natural levels of NAD+ decline as we age.

Jane: 00:01:41

Okay.

Tom: 00:01:42

And this decline is linked to some of the very health challenges we're trying to avoid, like heart disease.

Jane: 00:01:47

Oh, wow.

Tom: 00:01:48

Alzheimer's. And even Type 2 diabetes.

Jane: 00:01:51

So it's not just about feeling good. We're talking about potentially staving off serious health issues.

Tom: 00:01:55

Precisely. Now, this is where NMN enters the picture.

Jane: 00:01:59

Okay.

Tom: 00:01:59

NMN is what's known as a precursor to NAD+.

Jane: 00:02:03

Got it.

Tom: 00:02:04

Think of it like this. NMN is the raw material.

Jane: 00:02:07

Okay.

Tom: 00:02:08

And NAD+ is the finished product.

Jane: 00:02:10

Okay, I'm following. But how does this raw material become the final product?

Tom: 00:02:15

So NMN is absorbed into our bloodstream and then gets busy converting itself into NAD+ within ourselves.

Jane: 00:02:22

Got it. This newly produced NAD+ gets stored in our muscles and organs, helping them function optimally.

Tom: 00:02:28

So to boost NAD+ levels, we can either take NAD+ directly, or take NMN which then converts into NAD+.

Jane: 00:02:36

Yes. That's the basic idea.

Tom: 00:02:37

Okay.

Jane: 00:02:38

Now one intriguing detail is that boosting NMN is thought to be one of the fastest ways to stimulate NAD+ production.

Tom: 00:02:45

Interesting. So we've got these two potential pathways. Direct NAD+ or boosting NMN.

Jane: 00:02:50

You're right.

Tom: 00:02:51

But I'm guessing they aren't completely interchangeable.

Jane: 00:02:53

You're right. They share a lot in common. But there are some key differences.

Tom: 00:02:57

For example, I was reading on the Springfield Wellness center website that NMN is absorbed into the bloodstream much more easily.

Jane: 00:03:04

Yes. Okay.

Tom: 00:03:05

And they also suggest that NAD+ might have a more pronounced effect on brain and mental health.

Jane: 00:03:10

Okay.

Tom: 00:03:10

While NMN could have a stronger impact on physical health.

Jane: 00:03:13

So it sounds like both can help increase NAD+ levels and counteract that age related decline we talked about. But what exactly are the benefits of having higher NAD+ levels?

Tom: 00:03:24

Well, imagine experiencing greater muscle mass ...

Jane: 00:03:28

Healthier hormone levels and even improved joint function as you age.

Tom: 00:03:32

I'm picturing myself doing yoga in my 90s.

Jane: 00:03:35

Uh huh. Exactly.

Tom: 00:03:36

Wouldn't mind some enhanced cognitive abilities and memory too.

Jane: 00:03:39

Of course.

Tom: 00:03:40

And who doesn't want better sleep?

Jane: 00:03:41

Right? And while NAD+ and NMN aren't a fountain of youth, they do show promise in potentially mitigating age related decline.

Research suggests they could significantly improve our health and wellbeing as we age.

Tom: 00:03:55

It's like taking a proactive approach to aging rather than just waiting for things to go downhill.

Jane: 00:04:00

Exactly.

Tom: 00:04:00

Now I'm particularly interested in NMN, especially after reading some information from Biom Pharma. Okay.

Jane: 00:04:06

They make some compelling points.

Tom: 00:04:08

Yeah.

Jane: 00:04:08

One key advantage of NMN is that it's more stable than NAD+.

Tom: 00:04:12

Okay.

Jane: 00:04:13

Making it easier to take as a supplement.

Tom: 00:04:15

They mentioned a Japanese study that found NMN to be both safe and effective in boosting NAD+ levels. And what really caught my eye was NMN's potential in addressing age related vision and hearing loss.

Definitely something I think about as I get older.

Jane: 00:04:31

Yeah. That's a fascinating area of research.

Tom: 00:04:34

Yeah.

Jane: 00:04:34

NMN can also activate sirtuin genes.

Tom: 00:04:37

Okay.

Jane: 00:04:38

These are often referred to as the longevity genes because they play a role in promoting longevity and anti aging processes.

Tom: 00:04:45

It's like giving those anti aging genes a wake up call. Biom Pharma really emphasizes quality and potency too. Their NMN is 99.9% pharmaceutical grade.

But even with all this talk about supplements, I'm guessing we can't forget about good old fashioned diet and lifestyle.

Jane: 00:05:02

Absolutely. Food plays a crucial role in providing the building blocks for NAD+ production.

Tom: 00:05:07

Like niacin. I know that's a precursor to NAD+. And it's found in foods like chicken and tuna.

Jane: 00:05:12

Exactly.

Tom: 00:05:13

It sounds like a balanced diet and an active lifestyle are key, even if we're considering adding supplements.

Jane: 00:05:18

You're absolutely right. It's about taking a holistic approach to aging well. Speaking of which, have you heard of senolytic supplements?

Tom: 00:05:26

They sound a bit futuristic. What are they all about?

Jane: 00:05:29

Senolytic supplements are designed to remove senescent cells.

Tom: 00:05:32

Okay.

Jane: 00:05:33

Basically, these are aged cells that can negatively impact the function of our tissues.

Tom: 00:05:37

So it's kind of like clearing out the clutter on a cellular level.

Jane: 00:05:40

Exactly.

And what's exciting is that natural senolytics like quercetin and resveratrol have shown the potential to amplify the benefits of NAD+ and NMN supplements.

Tom: 00:05:54

So it's not just about taking one thing. It's about understanding how different compounds can work together for a more powerful effect.

Jane: 00:06:01

Precisely.

Tom: 00:06:02

Okay.

Jane: 00:06:02

There's even research suggesting that combining NMN with quercetin, vitamin C and reduced glutathione could lead to even more enhanced anti aging effects.

Tom: 00:06:11

Wow. It sounds like there's a lot to explore here.

Before we get too carried away though, maybe we should take a step back and summarize what we've learned so far.

Jane: 00:06:18

That sounds like a great idea. What stands out to you?

Tom: 00:06:20

Well, it's clear that NAD+ is vital for our overall health and energy levels. Yes, but unfortunately, our levels naturally decline as we get older. That's where NMN comes in as a powerful way to potentially boost those levels.

Jane: 00:06:33

And both NMN and NAD+ seem to hold real promise for addressing those age related challenges we all face.

Tom: 00:06:40

But it's not just about popping a pill.

Jane: 00:06:42

Right.

Tom: 00:06:42

It's about integrating these supplements into a holistic approach to aging that includes a healthy diet, exercise, and all those good things.

Jane: 00:06:49

You've got it. We're not talking about a quick fix here. It's about making informed choices to support our health and well being in the long run.

Tom: 00:06:58

All right, so if we can influence how we age even on a cellular level, shouldn't we at least be exploring those options? Especially those of us in the 40 through 99 range?

Jane: 00:07:08

That's a great question to ponder. But before you rush out to buy every supplement we've mentioned, remember, it's crucial to talk to your health care provider.

Tom: 00:07:15

Right.

Jane: 00:07:15

They can assess your individual needs and help you make the best decisions for your health journey.

Tom: 00:07:20

Absolutely. Self prescribing is never a good idea, especially when it comes to something as important as our health.

Jane: 00:07:25

Exactly. Now let's dive into some more specific areas where NMN and NAD+ could make a real difference. Okay.

Tom: 00:07:32

For example, their potential benefits for brain health are particularly fascinating.

Jane: 00:07:37

Okay, great.

Tom: 00:07:38

And we'll explore that right after this.

Jane: 00:07:39

Sounds good.

Tom: 00:07:40

So before we were talking about the potential of NMN and NAD+ to support healthy aging.

Jane: 00:07:47

Yeah.

Tom: 00:07:48

And you mentioned being particularly interested in their impact on brain health.

Jane: 00:07:52

Definitely.

Tom: 00:07:53

Which is a hot topic for many in the 40 through 99 demographic.

Jane: 00:07:57

Yeah. I mean, who doesn't want to keep their mind, you know, sharp and focused as they age?

Tom: 00:08:01

Right.

Jane: 00:08:02

What's the science saying about these supplements and brain function?

Tom: 00:08:05

There's a lot of promising research emerging in this area as we get older.

Jane: 00:08:10

Yeah.

Tom: 00:08:10

It's natural for our brains to experience a decline in cognitive function.

Jane: 00:08:15

Right.

Tom: 00:08:16

And that can manifest in a lot of different ways from those occasional senior moments.

Jane: 00:08:20

Oh, yeah. Those senior moments are becoming more frequent.

Tom: 00:08:23

Right.

Jane: 00:08:23

But seriously.

Tom: 00:08:24

Huh?

Jane: 00:08:25

Could boosting NAD+ levels actually help keep our brains functioning at a higher level for longer?

Tom: 00:08:31

That's what the research is suggesting.

Jane: 00:08:33

Remember how we talked about NAD+ being crucial for energy production in every cell of our body?

Tom: 00:08:38

Yeah.

Jane: 00:08:39

Well, brain cells are no exception. Okay. As NAD+ levels decline, our brains simply don't have the same energy capacity, which can impact how well they function.

Tom: 00:08:49

And since NMN can boost NAD+ production, could supplementing with NMN give our brains that extra fuel they need to stay sharp?

Jane: 00:08:57

Exactly. Preclinical studies have shown promising results.

NMN supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function in animal models, even those already experiencing age related decline.

Tom: 00:09:10

That's really encouraging to hear, but is it just about preventing decline? Or could NMN potentially even help restore cognitive function that's already been lost?

Jane: 00:09:19

That's the million dollar question.

Tom: 00:09:20

Right.

Jane: 00:09:21

And while more research is needed, some studies suggest that NMN might have the potential to help restore some level of cognitive function.

Tom: 00:09:28

Wow. That would be a game changer for so many people. But what about other aspects of brain health like mood and stress resilience?

Can NMN or NAD have an impact there as well?

Jane: 00:09:38

Interestingly enough, there is some emerging research in that area too.

Tom: 00:09:42

Okay.

Jane: 00:09:42

NAD isn't just involved in energy production. It also plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters.

Tom: 00:09:49

Okay, hold on. What are neurotransmitters? Again, it's been a while since high school biology.

Jane: 00:09:54

Think of them as the chemical messengers in our brains. Okay. They influence things like mood, sleep, and even our stress response.

Tom: 00:10:02

So if our NAD levels are low, could that contribute to feeling more anxious, down, or just less able to cope with stress?

Jane: 00:10:10

It's certainly a possibility.

Tom: 00:10:12

Okay.

Jane: 00:10:12

And some early studies suggest that boosting NAD levels could have a positive effect on mood and stress resilience.

Tom: 00:10:19

That's fascinating. It really seems like NMN and NAD+ have the potential to benefit so many aspects of aging.

Jane: 00:10:27

Yes.

Tom: 00:10:27

But let's get practical for a moment. If someone's listening and thinking, okay, I want to try this, where should they start?

Jane: 00:10:33

That's a great question, and I can't emphasize this enough. Always, always consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. Right.

Tom: 00:10:42

Of course.

Jane: 00:10:43

They can assess your individual needs, consider your health history, and help you determine if supplementation is appropriate for you.

Tom: 00:10:51

Right. No one should be self prescribing, especially when it comes to something as important as our health.

Jane: 00:10:56

Exactly. But what about those of us who are already taking other supplements or medications?

Tom: 00:11:01

Yeah, good point.

Jane: 00:11:02

Could there be any interactions we need to be aware of?

Tom: 00:11:05

Right.

Jane: 00:11:06

That's another excellent point. And why working with a healthcare provider is so crucial.

They can help you navigate any potential interactions and ensure you're taking supplements safely and effectively.

Tom: 00:11:16

So it's not just about deciding to take something. It's about getting personalized guidance to make sure it's the right fit for you.

Jane: 00:11:23

Absolutely. And while supplements can be a valuable tool in supporting healthy aging, it's important to remember they're not a magic bullet.

Tom: 00:11:31

Meaning we can't just rely on a pill to do all the work.

Jane: 00:11:34

Exactly. A healthy diet, regular exercise, managing stress levels. Yeah. Getting enough sleep. These are all foundational pieces of the healthy aging puzzle.

Tom: 00:11:44

So it's about creating a lifestyle that supports overall well being. And supplements can play a supporting role in that bigger picture.

Jane: 00:11:53

Precisely. Now let's address some of the concerns and questions people might have about NMN and NAD supplementation.

Tom: 00:11:59

Okay.

Jane: 00:12:00

Safety is always top of mind. Especially when it comes to something we're putting into our bodies.

Tom: 00:12:05

Right.

Jane: 00:12:05

What can you tell us about that?

Tom: 00:12:07

Well, we know these supplements are gaining popularity, but are they actually safe? What does the research say about the safety of NMN and NAD+?

Jane: 00:12:16

That's an important question.

Tom: 00:12:17

Yeah.

Jane: 00:12:18

And thankfully, both NMN and NAD have shown a good safety profile so far.

Tom: 00:12:22

Okay, good to know. But I'm guessing good safety profile doesn't mean there are absolutely no potential side effects.

Jane: 00:12:29

You're right.

While most people tolerate NMN and NAD supplements, well, some mild side effects have been reported, like stomach upset, headaches or feeling a bit fatigued.

Tom: 00:12:40

Okay. However, these are generally temporary and tend to subside as your body adjusts.

Jane: 00:12:45

So, like with many things, starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can help minimize any potential discomfort.

Tom: 00:12:51

Exactly. And it goes without saying.

Jane: 00:12:53

Yeah.

Tom: 00:12:53

But if you experience any persistent or concerning side effects, stop taking the supplement immediately and consult your doctor.

Jane: 00:13:00

Solid advice. Now, another question I'm sure many people have is about dosage.

Tom: 00:13:04

Yeah.

Jane: 00:13:05

Is there a standard recommendation for how much NMN or NAD plus to take?

Tom: 00:13:10

Unfortunately, there's no one size fits all answer when it comes to dosage.

Jane: 00:13:14

Right.

Tom: 00:13:15

It can vary based on a number of factors like your age.

Jane: 00:13:17

Yeah.

Tom: 00:13:18

Overall health status and what you're hoping to achieve with supplementation.

Jane: 00:13:22

So, once again, this highlights why working with a healthcare professional is so important.

Tom: 00:13:26

Right.

Jane: 00:13:26

They can help determine the appropriate dosage for your individual needs.

Tom: 00:13:30

Absolutely. And it's important to remember that research on optimal dosages for NMN and NAD+ is ongoing.

Jane: 00:13:39

The recommendations could change as we learn more about how these supplements work in the body.

Tom: 00:13:43

It's a dynamic field, so staying informed is key. Now, I know these supplements come in different forms, capsules, powders, even sublingual forms. What's the difference?

And how do you know which one is right for you?

Jane: 00:13:56

Well, each form has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Tom: 00:13:59

Okay.

Jane: 00:14:00

Capsules are convenient and easy to swallow, but they might not be absorbed as quickly as other forms.

Tom: 00:14:05

Powders offer flexibility. You can mix them into drinks, drinks or smoothies.

Jane: 00:14:08

Right.

Tom: 00:14:09

But I imagine the taste could be a turn off for some.

Jane: 00:14:11

Yes, that's a common complaint.

Tom: 00:14:13

Yeah.

Jane: 00:14:14

Then you have sublingual forms which are designed to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tissues under your tongue.

Tom: 00:14:21

So that could potentially lead to faster and more efficient absorption.

Jane: 00:14:24

Exactly. But ultimately, the best form for you will depend on personal preference and how your body responds.

Tom: 00:14:31

So a little experimentation might be needed to find what works best. And this is probably another area where a healthcare professional can offer guidance.

Jane: 00:14:39

Definitely can help you weigh the pros and cons of each form and make an informed decision.

Tom: 00:14:44

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room, the cost.

Jane: 00:14:46

Right.

Tom: 00:14:47

NMN and NAD+ supplements can be quite pricey.

Jane: 00:14:51

Right.

Tom: 00:14:51

Is this something that's accessible to everyone?

Jane: 00:14:54

That's an important consideration. NMN and NAD supplements can definitely be a financial investment. And the cost can vary depending on the brand, the quality and the form you choose.

Tom: 00:15:05

So it might not be a realistic option for everyone's budget.

Jane: 00:15:08

Right.

Tom: 00:15:08

And I'm guessing insurance typically doesn't cover these types of supplements.

Jane: 00:15:12

Unfortunately, you're right. Most insurance plans don't cover NMN or NAD+ supplements, so the cost will typically come out of pocket.

Tom: 00:15:19

That's something to keep in mind when weighing the potential benefits against the financial commitment. But let's shift gears a bit and talk about.

Jane: 00:15:26

Yeah. How to choose a high quality NMN or NAD supplement. Because let's face it, not all supplements are created equal.

Tom: 00:15:34

Right. With so many brands out there, it can feel overwhelming to know which one to trust.

Jane: 00:15:39

Right.

Tom: 00:15:39

What are some red flags to watch out for?

Jane: 00:15:41

Well, first and foremost, you want to look for a brand that's transparent about its sourcing and manufacturing processes.

Tom: 00:15:48

Yeah.

Jane: 00:15:48

Do they use high quality ingredients? Is there NMN or NAD plus pharmaceutical grade?

Tom: 00:15:54

I remember Biom Pharma emphasized that their NMN was 99.9% pharmaceutical grade.

Jane: 00:16:00

Right.

Tom: 00:16:01

What does that actually mean?

Jane: 00:16:02

It means the NMN has been manufactured to meet very strict purity and potency standards, similar to what you'd expect from a prescription drug.

Tom: 00:16:10

So it's not just about how much NMN is in a supplement, but also how pure it is.

Jane: 00:16:14

Exactly.

Tom: 00:16:15

Got it.

Jane: 00:16:15

And third party testing is another important factor.

Tom: 00:16:18

Okay.

Jane: 00:16:19

Look for brands that have their products independently tested to verify the purity, potency and safety.

Tom: 00:16:24

So basically you want to do your research, make sure the brand is reputable and always check for third party testing.

Jane: 00:16:30

Exactly.

Tom: 00:16:31

Okay. Good advice.

Jane: 00:16:32

Now let's bring it all together.

Tom: 00:16:33

Okay.

Jane: 00:16:33

We've explored the science behind NMN and NAD+ plus, their potential benefits. Yeah. How they fit into a holistic approach to healthy aging, and even some practical considerations for choosing a quality supplement.

Tom: 00:16:46

And I think it's safe to say that both NMN and NAD+ hold a lot of promise for those of us who are looking to age gracefully and maintain our health and vitality as we get older.

Jane: 00:16:57

They're definitely tools worth considering, but they're just one part of the equation.

Tom: 00:17:00

Absolutely. We can't forget about the importance of those foundational lifestyle factors. A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management and quality sleep.

Jane: 00:17:11

Right. It's about creating a lifestyle that supports our well being on every level.

Tom: 00:17:15

So if someone is intrigued by what we've discussed today and wants to learn more, where should they go?

Jane: 00:17:21

Well, a good place to start is by talking to their healthcare provider.

Tom: 00:17:24

Yeah.

Jane: 00:17:24

They can help determine if NMN or NAD+ supplementation is right for them and provide guidance on dosage and potential interactions.

Tom: 00:17:34

They can also help cut through the hype and separate fact from fiction because there's certainly a lot of misinformation out there. And don't be afraid to ask questions.

The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions that align with your health goals.

Jane: 00:17:47

Exactly. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to our health.

Tom: 00:17:50

Well, we've covered a lot of ground today. We've unpacked the science, explored the potential benefits, and tackled some practical questions about NMN and NAD+ supplementation.

Jane: 00:18:01

Yes, and we've also emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to aging well. One that encompasses both lifestyle factors and potentially targeted supplementation.

Tom: 00:18:11

If there's one thing I hope our listeners take away from this deep dive, it's this. Aging is a natural process, but we don't have to passively accept decline.

We have more agency than we realize, and tools like NMN and NAD+ might just be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant future.

Jane: 00:18:31

Well said. It's an exciting time to be exploring the science of aging, and I'm eager to see what the future holds.

Tom: 00:18:36

Me too. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today.

Jane: 00:18:39

Always my pleasure.

Tom: 00:18:40

And to our listeners, thank you for joining us on this deep dive into NMN and NAD+. We encourage you to do your own research, talk to your healthcare provider, and make choices that empower you to age on your own terms.

Until next time, keep diving deep and stay curious.

: 00:18:58

This episode was sponsored by Muscadinex. The Muscadine is America's strongest source of grape resveratrol and other age better molecules.

Please go to the Show Notes for links to the research used in this podcast.