Summary
In the podcast episode, Dr. Pawd discusses the vital role of NAD in the body, including its involvement in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and activation of sirtuins related to longevity. NAD levels decrease with age, contributing to various age-related diseases. Therefore, the episode explains how NAD can be increased through dietary sources, but the major source is through a recycling mechanism called the NAD salvage pathway. The pathway can be boosted by supplements such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, which have shown potential benefits in animal studies, but more research is needed to understand their effectiveness and safety in humans.
The podcast highlights the concerns regarding bioavailability and the potential risk of promoting cancer growth with high doses of these supplements. While studies show that nicotinamide riboside can increase NAD levels in white blood cells in a dose-dependent manner, long-term safety and effectiveness in humans are still unclear. The episode emphasizes the need for more long-term animal studies and suggests caution against over-reliance on supplements in place of a healthy lifestyle.
Overall, the podcast recognizes the promising potential of NAD boosters and their role in supporting healthy aging. However, further research is needed to understand their effectiveness and safety, and lifestyle factors such as fasting, caloric restriction, and exercise should not be overlooked in the pursuit of healthy aging.
