NAD+ And Its Effects on Longevity

Longevity has been a topic of concern for many years but the topic has definitely spiked since the era of covid. It seems like everyone is trying to find out the best routines to not only feel better in the moment but extend their lives for decades to come. The thought of making it to ninety years old or even 100 would probably be nothing short of a miracle for many in the past but now, with promising technology and new insight, becoming a centenarian may not be so far-fetched. This is in part thanks to insight into an incredible coenzyme, NAD+(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which is so essential to the body that the absence of NAD would cause death within 30 seconds. NAD plays a key role in essential metabolic pathways. It has been shown that as we age our body uses more and more NAD yet NAD synthesis declines. The pattern between old age and decline in NAD has caused researchers to delve into the world of longevity to see if supplementing NAD back into the body can, in turn, essentially reverse, halt or slow down aging. This article will explore the essential role of NAD+ in the body, the precursors necessary for NAD+/NADH production, and whether there’s enough research out there to show that supplementation of NAD + is linked to longevity or even increased NAD levels.

What Does NAD+ DO?

As noted, NAD+ is a crucial dinucleotide co enzyme found in all living cells and is a product of B3 metabolism. There are two forms of NAD. There’s the oxidized NAD+ and then the reduced state NADH. NAD+ is converted to its reduced form, NADH when accepting and converting electrons from each other. The exchange of electrons are essential for carbon metabolism, this process occurs in Kreb cycle (respiration process to gain energy), glycolisis (break down of glucose to use as energy), oxidative phosphorylation (cellular process channeling the reduction of oxygen to release high levels of ATP (energy source for cells). NAD + is also a co substrate for enzymes like sirtuins and poly (ADP ribose) polymerases (PARP) which are involved in cellular signaling, DNA repair and gene expression regulation.

Precursors Necessary for NAD+ Production

There are two notable precursors (any chemical transformed into another) to NAD+/NADH production.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) and is converted into NAD+ through a number of enzymatic reactions. Once ingested, NR is absorbed into cells, converted into NMN through the NR kinase enzyme. NMN is then converted into NAD+ through the NMN adenylyltransferase action. Research in animals have indicated that NR supplementation may improve mitochondrial function, enhance exercise performance and diminish age related metabolic decline.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide(NMN) is also a form of vitamin B3 and converted into NAD+ through enzymatic action. NMN can be readily taken up by cells. In studies, NMN has been seen to increase NAD+ levels more efficiently than other precursors. Research on NMN has revealed potential anti-aging effects such as improved mitochondrial function, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and protection against age-related cardiovascular health decline.

NAD: The Longevity Connection

Recent research has explored the link between NAD + levels and the aging process. NAD+ decline that occurs while aging is also associated with compromised cellular function, mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. Studies in organisms like yeast, worms and mice show that enhancing NAD + levels can also increase health/lifespan longevity. Clearly these are huge findings in the world of longevity and health. However, while results are promising, we are still in the very early stages of NAD+ and longevity markers. Many more long term studies, preferably in humans, may indicate more valuable information to reducing our decline when aging.

Supplementation of NMN/NR

Foods the contain B3 include meat, poultry, fish, avocado, tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms etc.

In studies, supplementing NMN or NR has been shown to increase NAD+ levels.

Intermittent fasting, caloric restriction and regular exercise have all indicated increase in NAD+ level. It’s possible that these practices may indirectly affect NMN/NR metabolism.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NAD+ has an important role in cellular metabolism, DNA repair, overall cellular function and potentially may have a groundbreaking role in longevity. The exploration of precursors and NAD+ supplementation reveals exciting and news ways to view aging and how to slow it down. Research is still limited though so NMN/NR supplementation should be proceeded with caution. These studies on longevity highlights our advancement in technology and expansion of knowledge of the human body; yet it also highlights how little we still know about longevity and the role our genetics and lifestyle play.

Also Read: Prevent Accelerated Aging in the Face and Age Backwards