NAD+ 101: The Basics of This Vital Coenzyme
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell in the body. It plays a critical role in turning the food we eat into usable energy by converting nutrients into ATP. Without NAD+, our cells would not be able to function properly.
NAD+ exists in two forms: NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced). These forms work like a charged/discharged battery, transferring electrons in cellular processes. Besides powering metabolism, NAD+ is essential for DNA repair and maintaining immune health.
How NAD+ Works in the Body
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Energy Production: NAD+ is central to cellular respiration. It transfers electrons through the mitochondrial electron transport chain to generate ATP. During high-energy demand activities like exercise, NAD+ ensures your muscles and organs receive the fuel they need.
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DNA Repair & Cell Maintenance: NAD+ activates sirtuins and PARPs, enzymes involved in DNA repair and gene regulation. These enzymes promote cell survival, stress resistance, and regulate the circadian clock.
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Cell Communication: In the brain, NAD+ helps neurons send signals by supporting neurotransmitter production. It also plays a role in immune system signaling.
Why NAD+ Levels Decline With Age
NAD+ levels naturally decrease with age. By middle age, levels can fall to nearly half of what they were in youth. This reduction impacts energy, repair, and cell function.
One key reason is the overactivation of NAD+-consuming enzymes like CD38, especially during aging and inflammation. Lifestyle factors like alcohol, poor diet, and lack of sleep can also drain NAD+ levels.
Low NAD+ contributes to signs of aging such as fatigue, slow recovery, and metabolic decline. Studies on animals have shown that restoring NAD+ can reverse some aging markers.
Ways to Boost NAD+ Levels
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Exercise & Caloric Restriction: Regular physical activity and intermittent fasting increase NAD+ production and activate longevity pathways.
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NAD+ Precursors: Compounds like niacin (vitamin B3), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) help your body make NAD+. These can be found in food or taken as supplements.
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Direct Supplementation: NAD+ IV drips, NAD+ injections, or subcutaneous pens like the Holte NAD+ pen can deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream for high bioavailability.
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Reducing NAD+ Breakdown: Inhibiting enzymes like CD38 can help preserve NAD+ levels. Natural compounds like apigenin (from parsley) show promise in this area.
Conclusion
NAD+ supports energy production, repair, and cell health. As we age and NAD+ declines, supplementing with precursors or using direct methods can help sustain vitality. Tools like the Holte NAD+ pen offer practical ways to support NAD+ levels and promote healthier aging.
Sources
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