The Anti-Aging Molecule That Loves Your Heart: NAD for Cholesterol and Metabolic Balance
The Role of NAD and NAD Precursors in Supporting Healthy Cholesterol Levels
If you’re looking for natural ways to support heart health and lower cholesterol, you may have heard about NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). NAD is a powerful molecule that plays a key role in energy production, metabolism, and cellular repair. Research suggests that boosting NAD levels—whether through IV therapy or oral precursors—can also have a positive impact on cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What Is NAD and Why Does It Matter?
NAD is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body. It is essential for mitochondrial function, helping convert nutrients into energy. As we age, NAD levels naturally decline, which can contribute to metabolic imbalances, inflammation, and poor cardiovascular health. Restoring NAD levels may help improve cholesterol and triglyceride balance and support overall heart health.
Mechanism of Action: How NAD Influences Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for many bodily functions, but imbalances—such as high LDL (“bad” cholesterol), low HDL (“good” cholesterol), and elevated triglycerides—can increase the risk of heart disease. NAD plays a role in cholesterol and triglyceride regulation in several ways:
Supports Healthy Lipid Metabolism – NAD helps activate sirtuins, a group of proteins that regulate fat metabolism, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Enhances Mitochondrial Function – Healthy mitochondria help the liver process and remove excess cholesterol and triglycerides more efficiently.
Reduces Inflammation – Chronic inflammation can contribute to high cholesterol, triglyceride accumulation, and arterial plaque buildup. NAD helps lower inflammation by supporting cellular repair and antioxidant activity.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity – Insulin resistance is linked to high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides. By improving metabolic function, NAD may help regulate both cholesterol and triglycerides more effectively.
Promotes Fat Oxidation – NAD is involved in beta-oxidation, the process of breaking down fatty acids for energy, which can help reduce excess triglycerides.
NAD IV Therapy vs. Oral NAD Precursors
There are two primary ways to boost NAD levels: IV therapy and oral supplements.
NAD IV Therapy delivers NAD directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and allowing for rapid absorption. This method is ideal for those who need a more immediate effect on energy, metabolism, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Oral NAD Precursors (such as nicotinamide riboside or nicotinamide mononucleotide / NMN) are supplements that help the body produce its own NAD. While they take longer to build up in the system compared to IV therapy, they can still provide significant benefits for cholesterol, triglyceride, and metabolic health over time.
Benefits of NAD for Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Lowers LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels
Increases HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels
Reduces triglyceride levels, decreasing cardiovascular risk
Enhances fat metabolism and weight management
Supports overall cardiovascular health and reduces inflammation
Improves insulin sensitivity, further helping regulate lipid levels
Potential Side Effects of NAD Therapy
While NAD therapy is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as:
Nausea
Flushing or warmth during IV administration
Mild headache
Digestive discomfort (more common with oral precursors)
Fatigue or temporary changes in energy levels as the body adjusts
The Bottom Line
NAD plays a critical role in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, energy production, and overall cardiovascular health. Whether through IV therapy or oral precursors, boosting NAD levels may support healthier lipid levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. If you're interested in incorporating NAD therapy into your wellness plan, book a consultation with Dr. Liscio, ND who has a special interest in metabolic disease.
References:
Niacin: an old lipid drug in a new NAD+ dress Romani, Mario et al. Journal of Lipid Research, Volume 60, Issue 4, 741 – 746
Zhong, O., Wang, J., Tan, Y. et al. Effects of NAD+ precursor supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in humans: a meta-analysis. Nutr Metab (Lond) 19, 20 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-022-00653-9
Mahmoud Abdellatif, Joseph A Baur, NAD+ metabolism and cardiometabolic health: the human evidence, Cardiovascular Research, Volume 117, Issue 9, 1 August 2021, Pages e106–e109,