Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential coenzyme found in every cell of the body, crucial for over 500 enzymatic reactions. It is critical for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and regulating key metabolic processes. Levels of NAD+ naturally decline with age.

A redox reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between two cells, causing a simultaneous change in their oxidation states. This process is fundamental to many chemical reactions, from rusting to cellular respiration

How NAD+ functions in the body

NAD+ is a shuttle molecule that exists in two primary forms within cells, cycling between them to facilitate critical functions: 

• Helps in Energy Generation-NAD+ is an oxidizing agent that accepts electrons and is converted to NADH, which then donates electrons to power the electron transport chain to generate ATP, the cell’s main energy currency.
• Energy metabolism: By driving ATP production in the mitochondria, NAD+ ensures the cells have the energy they need to function.
• DNA repair: NAD+ is utilised bythe body to repair damaged DNA and maintain genomic stability. When NAD+ levels are low, this repair process becomes less efficient.
• Gene expression and signaling:It is used by the body to regulate gene expression, cellular metabolism, and the stress response.
• Altered communication: Low NAD+ is associated with increased age-related inflammation and disrupted communication between cells and organelles. 
• It regulates the body’s circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle)
• It supportsimmune function and cellular stress responses.

Reasons for NAD+ decline

NAD+ levels begin to decrease in adulthood and fall sharply after middle age. This drop is a major contributor to age-related cellular decline. The primary causes include: 

• Inflammation and DNA Damage –due to high inflammation and DNA damage due to oxidative stress ,our immune system uses more and more NAD+  to deal with the damage. This depletes the available NAD+.
• Inefficient recycling:  The enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) plays a key role in recycling NAD+. Its activity declines with age and hence NAD+ declines.
• Lifestyle factors: Other contributors to NAD+ depletion include excessive sun exposure, poor sleep, chronic stress, overeating, and alcohol consumption. 

Methods for boosting NAD+

• Diet and lifestyle changes:
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), is shown to boost NAD+ levels by stimulating the recycling pathway.
  • Caloric restriction and fasting: Reducing overall caloric intake or practicing intermittent fasting can increase NAD+ levels by activating a cellular energy sensor called AMPK.
  • Healthy diet: Foods rich in NAD+ precursors or compounds that support NAD+ include fish, dairy, whole grains, and vegetables.