What is NAD+?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is one of the most important coenzymes found in every living cell. It serves as a critical cofactor for hundreds of enzymatic reactions and plays an essential role in cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and longevity pathways. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, contributing to cellular dysfunction and age-related diseases.
Essential Cofactor
NAD+ functions as a cofactor for sirtuins, PARPs, and other enzymes that regulate cellular health, DNA repair, and metabolic processes.
Cellular Energy Hub
Central to mitochondrial function and cellular respiration, NAD+ is essential for converting nutrients into cellular energy (ATP).
Research and Potential Benefits
NAD+ is fundamental to cellular energy production and metabolic function, serving as a coenzyme in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
- ✓ Mitochondrial Function: Essential for electron transport chain and ATP production in cellular respiration.
- ✓ Metabolic Flexibility: Supports both glucose and fatty acid metabolism for optimal energy production.
- ✓ Cellular Repair: Provides energy for DNA repair mechanisms and cellular maintenance processes.
NAD+ serves as a substrate for sirtuins and PARPs, key enzymes involved in DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and cellular stress response.
- ✓ Sirtuin Activation: Fuels SIRT1-7 enzymes that regulate aging processes and cellular stress resistance.
- ✓ PARP Function: Supports poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases in DNA damage detection and repair.
- ✓ Cellular Longevity: Promotes healthy aging through enhanced DNA repair and cellular maintenance.
NAD+ and its precursors are generally well-tolerated, though proper dosing and administration methods are important for optimal results.
- ! Dosing Considerations: Oral bioavailability is limited; IV administration provides more direct cellular uptake.
- ! Precursor Options: NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) are common NAD+ precursors.
- ! Individual Response: Effects may vary based on baseline NAD+ levels and individual metabolic factors.
References & Citations
- Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213. Source.
- Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in Cell Biology, 24(8), 464-471. Source.
- Yoshino, J., et al. (2018). NAD+ intermediates: the biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metabolism, 27(3), 513-528. Source.
Ask Dr. John About NAD+
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