NAD+ What is it? Magical molecules that deeply unlock cell vitality
What is NAD+?
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a key metabolite and coenzyme present in every cell of the human body. This small molecule works under the catalysis of more than 300 enzymes and participates in multiple physiological processes, including metabolism, redox reactions, DNA maintenance and repair, gene stability, and epigenetic regulation.
The Miraculous Functions of NAD+
One of the functions of NAD+ is to promote the production of biological energy. By participating in cellular respiration, NAD+ can generate ATP, directly replenishing cellular energy and enhancing cellular function, making it crucial for the normal operation of all body systems. In addition, NAD+ also has the function of repairing genes. As a substrate for the DNA repair enzyme PARP, it helps repair damaged DNA, reduce the chance of cell mutation, and prevent the occurrence of age-related diseases such as cancer.
NAD+ and Anti-Aging
Increasingly, research is focusing on the relationship between NAD+ and anti-aging. NAD+ not only activates bioenergy production but also activates all longevity proteins, making it even more important in anti-aging. Longevity proteins are a class of proteins that can slow the aging process. Activating these proteins helps maintain a healthy and youthful state.
However, as we age, NAD+ levels in our bodies decline dramatically, potentially dropping to half their original levels by the age of 30. This decline is associated with a variety of age-related diseases, including cognitive decline, inflammation, cancer, metabolic diseases, sarcopenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, NAD+ supplementation becomes essential.
NAD+ Precursors
Because NAD+ molecules are large, they cannot be directly taken orally and absorbed into cells. One solution to this problem is to ingest smaller NAD+ precursors, which are then metabolized by the body into NAD+. Niacin, tryptophan, nicotinamide, NR, and β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are the five precursors of NAD+. Of these five, NR has been shown to be the most efficient precursor for NAD+ synthesis. Its smaller molecule allows it to directly enter cells and act on cells throughout the body, with strong clinical research supporting its effectiveness.