Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that plays a vital role in many cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling. NAD+ levels decline with age, which is thought to contribute to a variety of age-related diseases and conditions.
How NAD+ works
NAD+ is a cofactor, which means that it is required for many enzymes to function properly. NAD+ is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including:
- Energy metabolism: NAD+ is essential for the production of ATP, the body’s main energy currency.
- DNA repair: NAD+ is involved in the repair of DNA damage, which helps to protect cells from cancer and other diseases.
- Cell signaling: NAD+ is involved in a variety of cell signaling pathways, which regulate cell growth, differentiation, and survival.
NAD+ and aging
NAD+ levels decline with age. This decline is thought to contribute to a variety of age-related diseases and conditions, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease: NAD+ levels are decreased in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Parkinson’s disease: NAD+ levels are also decreased in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease.
- Cardiovascular disease: NAD+ levels are decreased in the hearts of people with cardiovascular disease.
- Cancer: NAD+ levels are often decreased in cancer cells.
Boosting NAD+ levels
There are a number of ways to boost NAD+ levels, including:
- NMN supplementation: NMN is a precursor to NAD+, and NMN supplements can be used to boost NAD+ levels in the body.
- NR supplementation: NR is another precursor to NAD+, and NR supplements can also be used to boost NAD+ levels in the body.
- Exercise: Exercise has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in the body.
- Diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also help to boost NAD+ levels.
Potential benefits of boosting NAD+ levels
Boosting NAD+ levels has been shown to have a number of potential benefits, including:
- Improved cognitive function: NAD+ is involved in a variety of cellular processes that are important for brain health. Boosting NAD+ levels has been shown to improve cognitive function in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
- Reduced risk of age-related diseases: Boosting NAD+ levels may help to reduce the risk of a variety of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
- Increased lifespan: Boosting NAD+ levels has been shown to increase lifespan in animal models.
Safety and side effects of boosting NAD+ levels
Boosting NAD+ levels is generally considered safe. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and headache.
It is important to note that NAD+ research is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of NAD+ boosting for specific conditions.
If you are considering boosting your NAD+ levels, it is important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
