NAD+ and Legality in Sport

Analyzing International Standards and the Case for NAD+

Understanding NAD+ and Its Legality in Sports

What is NAD+? Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme naturally present in all living cells, crucial for energy metabolism and cellular repair. It plays a pivotal role in mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and reducing oxidative stress. As NAD+ levels decline with age or stress, replenishing these levels can enhance recovery, energy, and performance. Subcutaneous NAD+ injections bypass the digestive system, ensuring rapid absorption and efficacy.

Is NAD+ Legal in Sports? Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and other international anti-doping frameworks, substances are banned if they meet at least two of the following three criteria:

1. Enhance performance.

2. Pose a health risk to athletes.

3. Violate the "spirit of sport."

NAD+ does not meet these criteria for the following reasons:

Performance Enhancement: While NAD+ supports natural cellular processes, it does not artificially alter or boost performance beyond physiological norms. It merely replenishes a naturally occurring molecule that declines with age or stress.

Health Risks: NAD+ is inherently safe when used appropriately. There are no known adverse health effects associated with its proper administration, making it non-risky for athletes.

Spirit of Sport: NAD+ is not a synthetic or performance-enhancing drug; it is a naturally occurring molecule that aligns with principles of holistic health and wellness. Its usage supports recovery and cellular repair, not unfair advantage.

Furthermore, NAD+ is not explicitly listed on WADA’s Prohibited List, and its mechanism aligns with natural biological processes rather than pharmacological manipulation. However, NMN is currently on the WADA watch-list and further assessments will be made under WADA scrutiny of athletes. 

Emerging Research on NMN:

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor to NAD+, has gained attention and was added to WADA’s monitoring program in 2022. While not banned, NMN is under observation to assess its prevalence and potential misuse in sports. If deemed to provide an unnatural advantage, similar scrutiny could extend to NAD+ in the future.

Dosage and Administration:

Excessive doses or misuse could trigger safety concerns, particularly if combined with other supplements or drugs that affect cellular metabolism. Such misuse might raise questions about whether NAD+ is being used beyond its intended therapeutic benefits.

Synthetic Enhancements:

If synthetic versions of NAD+ or related compounds emerge with enhanced properties, regulators might reassess their legality based on potential unfair advantages. This also means there may be questions on the newer versions available on this site - NADH - for example. 

Evolving Definitions of "Performance Enhancement":

As science advances, the definition of what constitutes performance enhancement may shift. If NAD+ is shown to significantly improve recovery or endurance beyond natural limits, it could face regulatory reevaluation.

Safeguards for Athletes: To remain compliant with anti-doping rules, athletes should:

• Use pharmaceutical-grade NAD+ from trusted sources.

• Adhere to recommended dosages and administration methods.

• Consult with anti-doping agencies or sports physicians for guidance.

Conclusion

NAD+ is currently legal under international anti-doping standards because it supports natural physiological functions without enhancing performance beyond biological norms. However, athletes and coaches must stay informed as regulations evolve and new research emerges. By using NAD+ responsibly, athletes can safely benefit from its recovery and performance support while remaining compliant with the "spirit of sport."