NAD+

NAD+ KEY FUNCTIONS

NAD+ was first discovered over a century ago by scientists studying fermentation. NAD+ is now recognized as a metabolic coenzyme with two major roles in the body:

The first role concerns the oxidation-reduction (“redox”) reactions— multistep cellular chemical reactions that convert nutrients into energy that we use to eat, think, and run. The transformation of food into fuel is part of metabolism, and NAD+ can be considered the courier in this process, transporting important information between molecules to stimulate reactions. In this particular role, NAD+ is essential for sustaining life.

In the other important role, NAD+ works with various proteins (Sirtuins) to preserve health, particularly under stressful conditions (both internal and external).  As noted earlier, this includes maintaining DNA health, regulating circadian rhythm (internal master clock responsible for the sleep/wake cycle, and other key functions), and performing quality control measures when new proteins are produced.  

NAD+ AND HEALTHY AGING

As we age, overall NAD+ levels steadily decline, leading to sub-optimal function of all the processes that depend on the coenzyme. Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors such as calorie-dense foods, alcohol, lack of exercise, and chronic inflammation, may impact NAD+ levels.  Sirtuins— a family of proteins that maintain cellular homeostasis under stressful conditions, as well as govern longevity— function largely in the presence of NAD+.

In other words, changes in NAD+ levels directly affect vital processes in the body and may lead to a greater risk for developing neuro and muscular degeneration (i.e. Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease), as well as declines in cardiometabolic health and the capacity of cellular repair and resiliency.