Clinical Evidence for Targeting NAD Therapeutically

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is crucial for cellular processes and declines with age.
• NAD precursor supplements, like vitamin B3, are widely used, suggesting a good safety profile.
• Despite decades of research, few large clinical trials have investigated NAD upregulation for therapeutic benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review human clinical trials on NAD supplementation for age-related conditions.
• To identify medical indications with the most promising results from existing NAD studies.
• To assess the current evidence supporting NAD upregulation as a therapeutic strategy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Analysis of randomized and adequately powered clinical trials.
• Evaluation of studies focusing on skin, metabolic, and age-related conditions.

Main Results:

• Promising, though speculative, results reported for psoriasis treatment.
• Evidence suggests potential for enhancing skeletal muscle activity.
• Limited number of high-quality clinical trials available.

Conclusions:

• NAD supplementation shows potential but requires further investigation.
• Optimal methods for raising NAD levels and target conditions need identification.
• Pharmacological NAD-boosting should be compared with lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet.