NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide - the molecule at the crossroads of metabolism and longevity. NAD+ powers over 500 enzymatic reactions and is essential for turning food into energy, repairing DNA damage, and regulating the aging process.
Why NAD+ Matters
Energy Production
NADH shuttles electrons in mitochondria, driving ATP synthesis. Every calorie burned requires NAD+.
Sirtuin Activation
Sirtuins are longevity enzymes that require NAD+ to function. They regulate aging, metabolism, and stress response.
DNA Repair
PARP enzymes consume NAD+ to repair DNA damage. Heavy damage can deplete NAD+ pools rapidly.
Circadian Rhythm
NAD+ levels cycle daily and help set metabolic rhythms. Disrupted NAD+ affects sleep and metabolism.
Immune Function
CD38 on immune cells consumes NAD+. Chronic inflammation can drain NAD+ levels significantly.
Neurological Health
Brain is highly metabolically active and sensitive to NAD+ depletion. Linked to neurodegeneration.
NAD+ Precursors
Vitamin B3 Forms
- Nicotinic acid (niacin) - Causes flushing but effectively raises NAD+
- Nicotinamide - No flush, can inhibit sirtuins at high doses
- NMN - Direct NAD+ precursor, crosses cell membranes
- NR (Niagen) - Bypasses some rate-limiting steps
Other Pathways
- Tryptophan - De novo synthesis (inefficient, ~60:1 ratio)
- Salvage pathway - Recycles nicotinamide from NAD+ consumption
- Preiss-Handler - From nicotinic acid via NAPRT enzyme
What Consumes NAD+
PARP (DNA Repair)
DNA damage triggers PARP enzymes that consume large amounts of NAD+. Oxidative stress accelerates this.
CD38 (Immune)
Major NAD+ consumer on immune cells. Increases with age and inflammation. May explain age-related NAD+ decline.
Sirtuins
These longevity enzymes consume NAD+ with each deacetylation reaction. More activity = more consumption.
Boosting NAD+ Naturally
Exercise
AMPK activation from exercise upregulates NAD+ synthesis enzymes (NAMPT).
Fasting/Calorie Restriction
Increases NAD+/NADH ratio and activates NAMPT. Time-restricted eating may help.
Heat/Cold Exposure
Sauna and cold exposure activate pathways that increase NAD+ levels.
Reduce CD38 Activity
Apigenin (chamomile, parsley) and quercetin may inhibit CD38, preserving NAD+.