Healthy ageing & NAD+
What is NAD+ and why is it essential?
NAD+: better known as the healthy ageing molecule.
You may have come across NAD+ if you’re right into all things health. It’s certainly a hot topic in the naturopathic space, and for good reason! It’s gaining so much traction when looking at age reversal and longevity. This is an important molecule we had to share with the masses. Buckle in, it’s about to get a little technical!
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. It is composed of two nucleotides, nicotinamide and adenine, linked by a phosphate group. NAD+ exists in two forms: oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH), and it participates in redox reactions by accepting and donating electrons.
The synthesis of NAD+ involves various pathways, and one of the key steps is the conversion of nicotinamide into nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) or nicotinic acid into nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN). These intermediates are then converted to their corresponding nucleotides, NMN or NaMN, by adding a phosphoribose group. Finally, NMN or NaMN is adenylated to produce NAD+.
Several precursors are known to support NAD+ synthesis in cells. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMN have gained significant attention as NAD+ precursors due to their ability to efficiently elevate cellular NAD+ levels. NR is converted into NMN by the enzyme NR kinase (NRK), and NMN is subsequently converted to NAD+. These precursors have been found to enhance NAD+ levels in various tissues and have shown potential health benefits in preclinical and clinical studies.
Studies have indicated that increasing NAD+ levels through precursors like NR or NMN can activate sirtuins, a group of enzymes involved in regulating cellular processes such as gene expression, DNA repair, and metabolism. Activation of sirtuins can positively influence various aspects of health, including aging, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Furthermore, NAD+ depletion has been associated with aging and age-related diseases. As individuals age, NAD+ levels tend to decline, leading to a decrease in cellular energy production and compromised cellular functions. Boosting NAD+ levels using precursors has shown promise in restoring cellular health and mitigating age-related decline.
In conclusion, NAD+ and its precursors, such as NR and NMN, play a crucial role in cellular metabolism and maintaining overall cellular health. Increasing NAD+ levels through these precursors has emerged as a potential strategy to promote healthy aging and combat age-related diseases. Further research is ongoing to better understand the mechanisms underlying NAD+ metabolism and its implications for human health.
Please note that the information provided here is a general overview and should not be considered a substitute for reading specific articles or consulting scientific literature on the topic.
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