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FoundMyFitness · February 9, 2026 · 01:59:24

#109 How To Boost NAD Levels To Fight Inflammation, Improve Recovery, and Slow Aging | Dr. Charles Brenner

Dr. Charles Brenner
Show Notes

In this episode of FoundMyFitness, Dr. Rhonda Patrick interviews Dr. Charles Brenner, the discoverer of nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a vitamin. They explore how NAD levels decline with age, obesity, and inflammation, and how specific precursors like NR can restore NAD to combat inflammation, improve exercise recovery, and potentially slow aging. Brenner clarifies that many popular NAD products, including oral pills and IV drips, are ineffective, while NR and NMN are reliable ways to raise cellular NAD. The conversation covers the practical aspects of timing, safety during pregnancy, and the role of NAD in cognitive health and fertility.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Nicotinamide riboside (NR) reduces inflammation and aids recovery00:20:32
Dr. Brenner presents evidence that NR has anti-inflammatory effects and can speed recovery after exercise.
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Oral NAD pills and IV drips are largely ineffective00:54:20
Oral NAD supplements are not absorbed, and NAD IV drips fail to enter cells effectively, making them poor tools for boosting NAD.
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NMN and NR are both effective; the 'one step closer' argument is misleading01:02:37
The idea that NMN is superior because it is chemically closer to NAD is biologically irrelevant, and NR has more robust human safety data.
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Obesity and insulin resistance deplete NAD levels00:16:59
Excess body fat and insulin resistance increase the activity of NAD-consuming enzymes, creating a downward spiral of metabolic dysfunction.
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NR supplementation during pregnancy appears safe and may benefit offspring00:40:46
Animal studies suggest NR during pregnancy can improve health outcomes for both mother and offspring, with no observed toxicity.
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NAD precursors may support cognitive function and protect against neurodegeneration00:28:01
Restoring NAD through precursors has shown cognitive benefits in animal models, and human studies are underway.
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