All about NAD+
Healthy ageing sounds good, doesn’t it? How do you make sure you stay fit, happy and full of energy? Lifestyle plays a major role in this. Another key factor: your body’s cells. This is where NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) comes in. This substance is involved in processes in our cells that involve mitochondria. What exactly is NAD+, how does it work, and how can you increase its production in your body yourself? In this blog, we take a closer look at these questions and you’ll discover what science is currently investigating about NAD+ and ageing.
What is NAD+?
NAD+, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a coenzyme that occurs naturally in our body and helps produce energy in our cells. Coenzymes are small, non-protein molecules. They enable an enzyme (a protein) to do its job. Think of it like an engine that needs fuel to run: coenzymes such as NAD+ ensure that the ‘engine’ in your cells — the enzymes — works optimally. So it’s very important!
NAD+ plays a central role in various processes at cellular level involving mitochondria, the powerhouses of our body’s cells. Mitochondria use NAD+ to release the energy your body needs. As you get older, the level of NAD+ in your body decreases. Researchers are studying how changes in NAD+ levels relate to ageing processes.
How does NAD+ work?
NAD+ functions as a “carrier” of electrons involved in the process of converting nutrients into energy. This happens mainly through the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the mitochondria. Mitochondria, the cell’s “power stations”, are responsible for generating the energy needed to function. ATP is one of the body’s energy sources, enabling you to do everyday things such as working, walking, sleeping and exercising. NAD+ plays a key role by converting nutrients into usable energy. Without enough NAD+, mitochondrial function can decline, leading to reduced energy metabolism and cell renewal. This process is often linked to ageing and a decline in vitality
Why do NAD+ levels fall with ageing?
A question that often comes up is why NAD+ levels decrease as we get older. The ageing process is associated with increased oxidative stress and reduced cell renewal, which can affect NAD+ levels. This drop in NAD+ levels may contribute to signs of ageing.
Where can you find NAD+?
NAD+ itself is not found directly in foods, but the body can produce it from various nutrients, such as vitamin B3 (niacin). Foods rich in vitamin B3, such as fish, chicken, mushrooms and wholegrains, can help maintain NAD+ levels in your body.
How much NAD+ per day?
There is no established recommended daily amount of NAD+, but research suggests that a healthy lifestyle, combined with a diet rich in vitamin B3, helps keep NAD+ levels in balance.
How can you increase your own NAD+ production?
There are natural ways to support the production of NAD+ in the body. Vitamin B3 is a precursor to NAD+ and is essential for maintaining a healthy NAD+ balance. Staying active and continuing to eat healthily also helps keep your NAD+ levels up. After all, nutrition and exercise contribute to maintaining healthy mitochondria.
The difference between NAD, NAD+ and NADH: a quick explanation
Although NAD, NAD+ and NADH all belong to the same family, each plays a unique role in the body. NAD, NAD+ and NADH are all involved in supplying energy to your cells, but they work in slightly different ways. NAD+ is the oxidised, or “empty”, form that helps produce energy in cells. NADH, the reduced, or “full”, form, carries that energy to where it’s needed and releases it so your body can use it.
Together, NAD+ and NADH work in a cycle: NAD+ captures energy and turns into NADH. NADH then releases that energy, converting back into NAD+. This process repeats continuously to provide your cells with the energy they need to function properly and stay healthy. The difference? NAD+ takes up energy; NADH gives it back. In this way, they work together like an energy shuttle in your body, essential for keeping your energy balance on track.
Good to know
By taking a mindful approach to your health and supporting your body with the right nutrients and movement, you’re following the best path towards a vital, energetic life!
Sources
- Belenky, P., Bogan, K. L., & Brenner, C. (2007). NAD+ metabolism in health and disease. Trends in Biochemical Sciences, 32(1), 12-19.
- Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213.
- Canto, C., Menzies, K. J., & Auwerx, J. (2015). NAD+ metabolism and the control of energy homeostasis: A balancing act between mitochondria and the nucleus. Cell Metabolism, 22(1), 31-53.
- Mills, K. F., Yoshida, S., Stein, L. R., Grozio, A., Kubota, S., Sasaki, Y., … Imai, S. (2016). Long-term administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide mitigates age-associated physiological decline in mice. Cell Metabolism, 24(6), 795-806.
- Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in Cell Biology, 24(8), 464-471.
