What Is NAD⁺?

The Science Behind Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Introduction:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a vital molecule found in every living cell, playing essential roles in energy metabolism, cellular repair, and aging. As a coenzyme involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, NAD⁺ has become a major focus in anti-aging and longevity research.¹²³

NAD⁺ Fast Facts

Full Name: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Form: Coenzyme (oxidized form NAD⁺, reduced form NADH)
Primary Role: Energy metabolism, DNA repair, cellular signaling
Research Interests: Anti-aging, energy enhancement, cognitive support, mitochondrial function¹²³

What Exactly is NAD⁺?

NAD⁺ is a coenzyme present in all cells, primarily involved in transferring electrons in metabolic reactions. It exists in two forms:

NAD⁺ (oxidized): Accepts electrons from other molecules.
NADH (reduced): Donates electrons to reactions, critical for ATP (energy) production.¹²

Maintaining balanced NAD⁺ levels is crucial, as declining NAD⁺ has been linked to aging and various age-related diseases.¹³

Key Biological Functions of NAD⁺

1. Energy Metabolism

NAD⁺ is pivotal in cellular respiration, supporting ATP production within mitochondria—the energy powerhouses of cells.¹²
Why it matters: Efficient ATP production is critical for cell vitality, longevity, and overall health.

2. DNA Repair & Cellular Protection

NAD⁺ activates enzymes like PARPs (Poly ADP-ribose polymerases), crucial for DNA repair, protecting cells from genetic damage and stress.¹²³
Why it matters: Supports genomic integrity and cellular longevity.

3. Sirtuin Activation

NAD⁺ directly activates sirtuins—proteins associated with longevity, metabolism regulation, and stress resistance.¹³
Why it matters: Strongly linked to anti-aging and healthy aging research.

4. Mitochondrial Health

Elevated NAD⁺ levels correlate with improved mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative damage and enhancing cellular resilience.²³
Why it matters: Direct impact on energy production, aging, and cell survival.Insert Figure 1: Diagram illustrating NAD⁺ metabolic pathways (NAD⁺ to NADH conversion, mitochondrial function).
ALT: “NAD⁺ metabolism and energy production pathways.”
Caption: “Figure 1. NAD⁺ metabolic pathways in cellular energy production.”

NAD⁺ Precursors: NR and NMN

Research often focuses on NAD⁺ precursors—compounds the body converts to NAD⁺, especially:

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): A form of vitamin B3 that efficiently boosts NAD⁺ levels and is used in many supplements.³
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Another direct NAD⁺ precursor, shown in research to quickly raise NAD⁺ in cells and tissues.³

These molecules are central to studies on aging, energy, and cellular repair due to their ability to restore or maintain NAD⁺ levels.

How is NAD⁺ Used in Research and Supplementation?

Cellular and Animal Studies: NAD⁺ and its precursors are used to study metabolic health, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular function, and longevity.
Human Clinical Trials: Most research explores oral or intravenous supplementation with NR, NMN, or direct NAD⁺ for their effects on energy, cognitive performance, age-related conditions, and metabolic health.
Supplements: “NAD⁺” supplements typically contain NR or NMN, not pure NAD⁺, due to stability and absorption.†

Summary

NAD⁺ is a fundamental coenzyme for life—supporting energy metabolism, DNA repair, and longevity-related pathways. As research uncovers links between declining NAD⁺ and aging, interest in supplementation and NAD⁺-boosting strategies has skyrocketed. Most supplements work by providing NR or NMN, which the body converts into NAD⁺.†

FAQs About NAD plus

What is NAD⁺?

“NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells that supports energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling.

What does NAD⁺ do in the body?

NAD⁺ helps produce energy (ATP) in cells, activates longevity proteins (sirtuins), and supports DNA repair and mitochondrial health.

What are NAD⁺ precursors?

NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) are common NAD⁺ precursors used in research and supplements to boost NAD⁺ levels.

Why is NAD⁺ important for aging?

NAD⁺ declines with age, which may affect energy, DNA repair, and cellular health. Restoring NAD⁺ levels is a focus of longevity research.

References

Verdin E. NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208–1213. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aac4854
Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD⁺ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021;22(2):119–141. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33230262/
Yoshino J, Baur JA, Imai S. NAD⁺ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):513–528. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29474950/ †. Mills KF, Yoshida S, Stein LR, et al. Long-term administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide mitigates age-associated physiological decline in mice. Cell Metab. 2016;24(6):795–806. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27926863/