What is NAD+? How Does it Work?

What is NAD+? How Does it Work?

NAD+ is the second most abundant cofactor in the human body. Anti-aging therapies are becoming more mainstream as aging is now more often being viewed as a disease. Now that this transition is happening, the ability for NAD+ to activate PARPS, Sirtuins, and help with immune dysregulation has been thoroughly investigated and NAD+ and its precursors have been highly popularized. The clinical importance of maintaining cellular NAD+ levels was established early in the last century with the finding that pellagra, a disease characterized by diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia and death, could be cured with foods containing the NAD+ precursor niacin.

When NAD+ levels are low, several adverse effects can occur due to its essential role in cellular processes. One of the primary consequences is a decline in cellular energy production, as NAD+ is crucial for converting nutrients into ATP, the cell’s main energy currency. This energy deficit can lead to increased fatigue, reduced physical performance, and general lethargy. Additionally, low NAD+ levels impair the function of sirtuins, proteins that regulate inflammation, stress resistance, and cellular repair. This impairment can accelerate aging and increase susceptibility to age-related diseases.

Furthermore, insufficient NAD+ hinders DNA repair processes, leading to genomic instability and a higher risk of mutations and cancers. The decline in NAD+ also affects mitochondrial function, potentially resulting in neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline due to reduced brain cell protection and maintenance. Metabolic health can be compromised as well, increasing the risk of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Overall, maintaining adequate NAD+ levels is crucial for sustaining energy production, cellular health, and longevity, and its deficiency can have wide-ranging negative impacts on overall health and well-being.