Athletic performance is dependent on many factors, including training, diet, and genetics. Recent studies have shown that NAD+ can also play a crucial role in improving athletic performance and recovery.
NAD+ is a critical component in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the main source of energy for the body during exercise. By increasing NAD+ levels, older people and those with NAD+ deficient can improve their energy levels and endurance during workouts.
Athletes who have better endurance will typically perform better in sports that require sustained physical activity over a period. Some examples of sports that require endurance include long-distance running, cycling, swimming and triathlons. Games where athletes are required to run back and forth across the court or field for extended periods like soccer, basketball and tennis also require endurance.
NAD+ also plays a critical role in muscle recovery. After exercise, the body undergoes a process of muscle damage and repair, which can lead to muscle soreness and fatigue. NAD+ can help reduce the damage caused by exercise and promote faster recovery. Even in sports that require short bursts of intense activity rather than endurance, such as weightlifting, powerlifting, and sprinting, NAD+ can help athletes recover more quickly between sets and perform better overall.
There are many ways to increase NAD+ levels in the body. The best option for athletes is by supplementation of NAD+. Supplements such as MeltMed’s REGENERATE can help improve energy levels, endurance, and muscle recovery.
References:
- C. F. Dolopikou et al. Acute nicotinamide riboside supplementation improves redox homeostasis and exercise performance in old individuals: a double-blind cross-over study. European Journal of Nutrition. 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s00394-019-01919-4
- D. Campelj, A. Philp. NAD+ Therapeutics and Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Exercise in Humans. Sports Medicine (2022) 52 (Suppl 1):S91–S99.
- M. F. Goody and C. A. Henry. A need for NAD+ in muscle development, homeostasis, and aging. Skeletal Muscle (2018) 8:9, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13395-018-0154-1