NAD, NAC, NMN, NR, Glutathione... What are the differences?

Summary

Dr. Payam Hakimi, a functional medicine doctor, discusses the differences and roles of NAD, NAC, NMN, and NR in the body. NAC, a precursor to glutathione, is used for detoxification and lung health, while NAD, crucial for cellular metabolism and energy, decreases with age. NMN and NR are precursors that help increase NAD levels, supporting anti-aging and cellular health. The video also touches on liver detoxification and the importance of a clean digestive system for overall health.

Takeaways

• 🧬 NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) are distinct molecules with different functions in the body.
• 💊 NAC is used in medical settings for various purposes, including treatment for acetaminophen poisoning, lung conditions, and liver detoxification.
• 🌿 NAC serves as a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, and plays a crucial role in liver detoxification processes.
• 🔋 NAD is a cofactor in cellular metabolism, involved in energy production, DNA repair, and immune regulation, and its levels decrease with age.
• 🏋️‍♂️ NAD is also linked to the nervous system and has been studied for its potential benefits in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and addiction recovery.
• 💊 NAD can be increased in the body through supplementation with its precursors like NR (Nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide), or through IV therapy.
• 🥗 Natural ways to boost NAD include reducing inflammation, maintaining a clean digestive system, regular exercise, and a diet rich in leafy greens and whole foods.
• 💊 Detoxy liver is a supplement mentioned that contains NAC, along with other ingredients beneficial for liver detoxification and hormone balance.
• 🧘‍♂️ The combination of NAC and NAD can enhance detoxification, antioxidant levels, and potentially slow down the aging process in cells.
• 👨‍⚕️ The video emphasizes the importance of medical supervision when using NAD for various health conditions, including detoxification from medications.

Q & A

What is NAC and what are its primary uses?

NAC stands for N-acetylcysteine. It is used for various medical purposes including treating acetaminophen poisoning, helping with lung issues like chronic bronchitis to clear phlegm, and preventing kidney damage during imaging studies with contrast dyes. It is also used in liver detoxification and for cough and lung clearance.

How does NAC work in the body?

NAC functions as a precursor to glutathione, which is a potent antioxidant and plays a crucial role in liver detoxification. By increasing glutathione levels, NAC aids in detoxifying the liver and the body, thereby supporting overall health and potentially slowing down cellular aging and death.

What is the role of glutathione in the body?

Glutathione is one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. It is also essential for liver detoxification processes and plays a role in balancing steroid hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and cortisol.

How is NAC used in supplements and treatments?

NAC is available in supplement form, IV form, and inhaled form. It is often included in liver detoxification supplements and can be administered intravenously to support cleansing the body, especially during times of illness such as flu or cold.

What is the difference between NAC and NAD?

NAC and NAD are distinct molecules. NAC is an antioxidant and detoxifying agent, while NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a cofactor in cellular metabolism, involved in energy production, DNA repair, and immune regulation. NAD levels decrease with age, affecting cellular functions.

What are the health benefits associated with NAD?

NAD benefits include increased cellular energy, improved DNA repair, support for the anti-aging pathway, and immune regulation. It has been used to address conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, addiction, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It also aids in metabolism and can positively affect inflammatory conditions.

How can one naturally increase NAD levels in the body?

Natural ways to increase NAD levels include reducing inflammation, ensuring a clean digestive system, performing liver detoxification, exercising properly, getting good sleep, and consuming a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, whole foods, and whole grains. Fasting and a keto diet may also help increase NAD levels.

What are NMN and NR, and how are they related to NAD?

NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide riboside) are precursors to NAD. The biosynthesis pathway of NAD starts with NR, which becomes NMN, and then NMN is converted into NAD. Both NMN and NR can be used to raise NAD levels in the body.

What supplements are recommended to support NAD levels and why?

Supplements like Mitochondria Boost, D-ribose, B complex vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, and Resveratrol are recommended to support NAD levels and mitochondrial function. These supplements help in the production of ATP through the citric acid cycle and support overall cellular energy and health.

How do NAC and NAD work together in the body?

NAC and NAD, when used together, can enhance detoxification and antioxidant processes in the body. NAC helps detoxify the liver and lungs, while NAD supports cellular energy production and waste removal, contributing to anti-oxidation, detoxification, and anti-aging effects.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Understanding NAC and Its Medical Applications

Dr. Payam Hakimi introduces the video by discussing the differences between NAD, NAC, NMN, and NR. He explains that NAC, or N-acetylcysteine, is a molecule used in various medical settings, including poisoning treatment, ICU for lung issues, and kidney protection during imaging studies. NAC is also used in liver detoxification and is a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant involved in liver detoxification processes. The liver's detoxification function is crucial for overall body detoxification, hormone balance, and cellular health. NAC is available in various forms, including supplements and IV treatments, and is beneficial for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and lung issues. The video also mentions supplements containing NAC and glutathione, such as Detoxy Liver and a buffered form of Vitamin C.

05:01

🔬 The Role of NAD in Cellular Metabolism and Anti-Aging

Dr. Hakimi contrasts NAC with NAD, explaining that NAD is a cofactor essential for cellular metabolism, synthesized from vitamin B3 or through amino acids like tryptophan and aspartate. As people age, NAD levels decrease, leading to reduced cellular energy and functions, such as waste removal and DNA repair. NAD is vital for cellular energy production, immune regulation, and plays a role in anti-aging pathways. It's been studied for its potential in treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, addiction, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. NAD also aids in detoxification from certain medications and substances. The video suggests natural ways to increase NAD levels, such as reducing inflammation, maintaining a clean digestive system, exercising, sleeping well, and consuming leafy greens and whole foods. Fasting and a keto diet are also mentioned as potential methods to boost NAD levels.

10:03

🌿 Exploring NMN and NR as NAD Precursors

The video concludes with a discussion on NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide ribose), which are precursors to NAD. Dr. Hakimi explains the biosynthesis pathway of NAD, which starts with NR, becomes NMN, and ultimately forms NAD. Both NMN and NR can be used to raise NAD levels in the body, with IV treatments providing high doses of NAD. The video also mentions the importance of supporting mitochondrial function and the citric acid cycle with supplements like Mitochondria Boost, D-ribose, Coenzyme Q10, and resveratrol. The key takeaway is that combining NAD and NAC can enhance detoxification, antioxidant production, and anti-aging effects in the body. The video encourages viewers to share their experiences with NAD, NMN, NR, or other biohacking techniques.

Keywords

💡NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)

NAC, or N-Acetylcysteine, is a supplement used in medical settings for various purposes, including treatment for acetaminophen poisoning and as a mucolytic agent to help clear mucus from the lungs. In the video, Dr. Hakimi explains that NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that aids in liver detoxification. NAC is also mentioned as a component in supplements designed to support liver health and detoxification.

💡Glutathione

Glutathione is referred to as one of the strongest antioxidants in the body, playing a crucial role in detoxification processes. It is produced in the liver and helps to neutralize harmful substances, thus protecting cells from damage. The video discusses how NAC boosts glutathione levels, which in turn supports liver detoxification and overall health.

💡Liver Detoxification

Liver detoxification is a process by which the liver removes harmful substances from the body. The video emphasizes the importance of this process for overall health and how NAC and glutathione contribute to it. Dr. Hakimi also mentions supplements that can aid in liver detoxification, positioning it as a key aspect of maintaining health and preventing disease.

💡NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)

NAD is a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism, playing a role in the Krebs cycle and energy production within cells. The video explains that NAD levels decrease with age, leading to reduced cellular energy and functions. Dr. Hakimi discusses the significance of NAD in anti-aging, metabolism, and the treatment of various conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

💡NMN (Nicotinamide mononucleotide)

NMN is a precursor to NAD and is discussed as a means to increase NAD levels in the body. The video suggests that supplementing with NMN can help improve cellular energy, which is linked to anti-aging and overall health.

💡NR (Nicotinamide riboside)

NR, or nicotinamide riboside, is another precursor to NAD. The video mentions that it is part of the biosynthesis pathway leading to NAD and can be used to increase NAD levels, similar to NMN.

💡Mitochondria

Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures within cells, often referred to as the 'powerhouses' of the cell. The video discusses the importance of supporting mitochondrial function through NAD precursors like NMN and NR, as well as other supplements like CoQ10 and resveratrol, to enhance cellular energy production.

💡Detoxification

Detoxification, as discussed in the video, involves the removal of toxins and waste products from the body. It is a broad concept that includes liver detoxification and cellular detoxification. The video highlights the role of NAC and NAD in detox processes, emphasizing their importance for health and preventing cellular aging.

💡Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals, helping to prevent cellular damage. The video mentions glutathione as a powerful antioxidant and discusses how NAC can increase its levels, thereby contributing to the body's detoxification and anti-aging processes.

💡Hormone Balance

Hormone balance is crucial for various bodily functions, including reproductive health and metabolism. The video explains that liver detoxification, supported by NAC and glutathione, can help regulate steroid hormone balance, which is essential for conditions like PMS, infertility, and menopausal issues.

💡Supplements

Supplements are discussed in the video as a means to support health and wellness, specifically in the context of liver detoxification and increasing NAD levels. Dr. Hakimi mentions specific supplements like 'Detoxy Liver' and 'Vitamin C' that contain ingredients like NAC, glutathione, and other vitamins to support liver health and cellular function.

Highlights

NAC is used for various medical purposes, including poisoning by acetaminophen and lung issues.

NAC, known as Mucomist, is used in ICU settings for patients with chronic bronchitis to help clear phlegm.

NAC is administered before IV contrast imaging to prevent kidney damage in patients with kidney conditions.

NAC is a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant, and aids in liver detoxification.

Glutathione plays a crucial role in liver detoxification and maintaining steroid hormone balance.

Detoxification of the liver with NAC can help retard cellular aging and death.

Glutathione is administered intravenously due to its instability when taken orally.

Supplements containing NAC and glutathione are available, such as Detoxy Liver and Buffered Vitamin C.

NAD is a cofactor in cellular metabolism and is synthesized from vitamin B3, niacin, or NMN.

NAD levels decrease with age, leading to less cellular energy and increased oxidative stress.

NAD is essential for DNA repair, immune regulation, and has anti-aging properties.

NAD has been used to treat conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and addiction, and to lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Natural ways to increase NAD include reducing inflammation, proper digestion, liver detoxification, and a healthy diet.

NMN and NR are precursors to NAD and can be used to raise NAD levels in the body.

NAD, NR, and NMN are different molecules, but NR and NMN are related to NAD and help increase cellular energy.

Combining NAC and NAD can enhance detoxification, antioxidation, and anti-aging effects in the body.

Transcripts

nad and nac are they the same molecule

are they related what's nmn what's nr

hello i'm dr payam hakimi i'm a

functional medicine doctor and today i'm

going to talk about the difference

between nad nac nmn and nr and along

with that we're going to talk about

other molecules like glutathione and

liver detoxification

[Music]

i'm going to talk about nac first

when i first came across this molecule i

was a medical student i noticed that we

used this molecule for different reasons

one of the reasons was poisoning by

tylenol or people who wanted to commit

suicide taking a bottle of tidal knoll

this was a medication to use

also notice that in icu we use this

molecule for people who have

lung issues chronic bronchitis people

who could not clear

the phlegm from their lungs that's when

we used it as well this molecule is

called mucomist when we use it in icu

settings we also use it before

a contrasted an iv contrasted

imaging study in hospital for people who

do have kidney conditions so we

basically use mucomist or an

acetylcysteine to make sure that there

is no kidney damage for these people

it's been used for people who want to

help out with their liver detoxification

in a lot of the supplements that are

to detoxify liver

non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is

another condition that we use this for

and that is when the liver cells have

been engorged with fat

we also know that an acetylcysteine has

been used for

people who have cough or lung issues or

just want to clear their lungs

let's talk about how nac works in the

body nac is a precursor to another

molecule called glutathione and

glutathione

is one of the strongest antioxidants in

the body its other function is to help

with liver detoxification it's one of

the major molecules in the phases of

detoxification in liver

so

if we help liver detoxify itself

we're actually helping you to detoxify

your body as well because the function

of liver is basically to detoxify the

blood

other functions of liver one of them is

to help with steroid hormone

balance in the body or recycling steroid

hormones are testosterone estrogen

progesterone dhea pregnenolone

and cortisol and these are major

molecules in the body major hormones in

the body

and how does this help us

it helps by balancing out the hormones

for example in conditions like pms

acne that's related to pms

infertility decreased libido menopausal

issues

weight gain or if you want to create

weight loss and the most important thing

when we detoxify the body

in essence we're detoxifying the cells

which basically means that we're

retarding cellular aging and cellular

death it's a supplement that you can

take especially during the times that

you're suffering with

flu or cold or

lung issues

we use glutathione a lot glutathione is

not a stable molecule by mouth so you're

not going to find a lot of supplements

that will give you glutathione properly

and that's why we use it as an iv so

after a lot of our ivs in the office we

use iv glutathione push or as a drip so

that it can help out with cleansing the

body

we offer a couple of supplements that

have glutathione and nac in them one of

them is detoxy liver the toxic liver has

alpha lipoic acid

artichoke extract

calcium diglucrate which is very

important in balancing the

hormones that we talked about in the

body folate green tea

extract msm milk thistle which is very

important to help detoxify the liver and

acetylcysteine as well as other vitamins

that help out the other supplement that

we have is called vitamin c it's a

buffered form of vitamin c

which has

buffered vitamin c obviously calcium

copper magnesium and manganese potassium

quercetin and reduced l-glutathione and

zinc

these are important supplements most of

my patients use this at a certain point

in their

journey towards health with me just to

make sure that we are cleansing their

liver we're getting their body ready

for the next step

so i'm going to summarize this nac

is a molecule that's been used in

medicine as well as integrative and

functional medicine there's supplements

form there's iv form there's inhaled

form and its function is to increase

glutathione and as it increases

glutathione it creates the effects that

we talk about

so this molecule different than nad

[Laughter]

[Music]

now obviously nac is different than nad

i'll share a link below

to one of my videos talking about nad

nad is a cofactor in the cellular

metabolism pathway krebs cycle or citric

acid cycle

it's synthesized from vitamin b3 which

is nicotinic acid or nicotinamide

or from niacin or from nmn

and it can be formed from amino acids

tryptophan and aspartate

we know nad decreases as we age

and as that happens there's less energy

for the cell to be able to

do all of its function

some of these functions are

removing the waste from the cell itself

so

that is what becomes oxidative stress

and eventually cellular aging and

cellular death

nad is the master regulator of cellular

metabolism it helps with production of

cellular energy

it's important in dna repair

and it's the raw material for certains

and sertoins are in the anti-aging

pathway and it helps with immune

regulation

if we're talking about the nervous

system we know that nad has been used

for alzheimer's and parkinson's

it's also been used for

drug and alcohol addiction and to help

with lessening the withdrawal symptoms

we also know it helps with depression it

helps with anxiety it helps with

insomnia as well patients who get nad

actually tell us that for the next two

three days they have more energy but

they also sleep much better at night

there's recent data that shows that

there is also a place for nad in

detoxification from antidepressants and

from anxiolytics and as you know

we've had an issue with opiates recently

and we're seeing that issue with

antidepressants and anxiolytics as well

where people are now addicted to

antidepressants and anxiolytic and it's

very hard for them to stop them not only

that we're also seeing that people go

from one antidepressant and then after

four or five years another

antidepressant gets added to it and

those antidepressants never come off so

it's a good way of helping with

decreasing the symptomatology that goes

with

detoxification of antidepressant

obviously all of this needs to be done

under medical supervision

nad also helps with metabolism and it

helps with changing the markers of

metabolic issues like diabetes and

insulin resistant weight gain

it helps with athletic

conditioning and performance

nad also causes positive effect in

inflammatory conditions like chronic

fatigue syndrome and it actually helps

to stimulate immune system as well

in essence when we use nad we're helping

all of the cells in the body

to restore themselves what are the

natural ways that we can help increasing

nad in our body number one make sure

that there is no inflammation in your

body or decrease inflammation do a food

sensitivity test to make sure you know

what are the food groups that your body

does not like and are inflammatory in

nature

make sure you have a cleanse

digestive system

make sure you do liver detoxification

exercise properly

sleep good

make sure you have leafy and green

vegetables in your diet

whole foods and whole grains

as well as there is recent data that

shows that fasting

and being on a keto diet helps out with

helping increase nad as well

now i'm going to switch gears and talk

about nmn and another related molecule

called nr nmn stands for nicotinamide

mononucleotide and nr stands for

nicotinamide ribose

and obviously these molecules are used

to increase nad in the

body the biosynthesis pathway of nad

starts with nr and r becomes nmn and nmn

becomes nad so in essence we can use

both molecules in order to raise nad in

our body obviously the easiest way is to

do an iv where we can give you high

doses of nad

but we also ask our patients to

supplement the precursors of nad so that

during their

treatment time when they're not here

they're actually raising their nad on a

daily basis as well

those precursors are vitamin b3 or

niacin

nr and nmn you can tell that the goal

now is becoming to increase our nad

and to do that we need to help the

mitochondria

so to increase nad we're going to use

the substrates which are nr or nmn or

nad itself

we also need b complex but you also need

other things other supplements and

ingredients that come into effect with

helping the mitochondria and the citric

acid cycle or the krebs cycle which

produces atp

one of those supplements is mitochondria

boost

the other important molecule is d

ribose

and obviously there needs to be higher

amount of coenzyme q10 and resveratrol

which have shown to help out with the

functions of mitochondria itself

takeaway points from this video

obviously nad nac nmn and nr are all

different molecules however an r and n

are related to nad and the precursors of

nad helping raise the cellular energy

nac is a detoxifying molecule

it helps with detoxifying the lungs the

liver the kidneys nad and nac used

together will help the body do wonders

on one hand we're detoxifying the liver

we're adding antioxidants to the body

as the liver detoxifies itself it's

basically helping all cells to get

detoxified

as we increase nad in our body we help

the cells to do their function properly

one of these functions is to dump the

extra toxins and waste products that's

in the cell

so using both of these molecules

together we can actually help out with

anti-oxidation and help with detoxifying

the body faster as well as producing

anti-aging effects in the body

i hope you've enjoyed this video if you

have any questions please leave it in

the comments

and also

share your experience with

nadnmr

or any other biohacking techniques that

you're doing we'd love to hear it