《Nature》 Heavy weight! NAD+ Activate mitochondria and usher in a new era of cell level anti-aging
A study published in the prestigious journal Nature in October 2023 demonstrated that mitochondria in aging cells undergo "minority mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization" (miMOMP), releasing mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm and triggering inflammation and an aging-related secretory phenotype. Mitochondrial dysfunction not only leads to insufficient energy supply and fatigue, but also impacts the immune system through inflammatory responses, accelerating the aging process. 
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) can significantly enhance mitochondrial function, delay cellular aging, and even reverse some age-related damage! Today, we'll take you through this "golden anti-aging duo."
1. Mitochondria: The "Generators" of Cells
Mitochondria are the "core of life"—the "energy factories" of cells. They convert the food we eat into energy (ATP) to power cells throughout the body. Our heartbeats, our brains think, our skin metabolizes...all rely on them to generate electricity.
But did you know? The state of your mitochondria directly determines the "youthfulness" of your cells.
When you're young, your mitochondria are numerous and vibrant, like a group of efficiently functioning "generators." Cells are full of energy, which naturally leads to vibrant energy and firm skin. But as we age, our mitochondria begin to age, decreasing in number and functioning. They can even release "erroneous signals," leading to insufficient cellular energy, slower metabolism, and reduced repair capacity. This is why we experience fatigue, loose skin, and poor immunity in old age; essentially, it's the cells aging due to "energy deficiency."
The process of mitochondrial energy production
The process of mitochondrial energy production
Even more frightening, once mitochondria "go on strike," they accelerate the aging of tissues throughout the body. For example, when mitochondrial activity in skin cells decreases, collagen synthesis slows, leading to wrinkles and sagging. When mitochondrial function in nerve cells weakens, memory declines... It's no exaggeration to say it's a "barometer of aging."
2. NAD+: The "Energy Key" for Mitochondria
Given the importance of mitochondria, how can we keep them young? A recent study published in Nature offers the answer: NAD+.
NAD+ is a coenzyme present in all cells and can be called the "energy key" for mitochondria. Its function is simple and straightforward: it activates mitochondrial function, allowing these "aging generators" to start turning again.
NAD+ activates mitochondrial function
Research has found that with aging, NAD+ levels in the body continue to decline, directly causing mitochondrial "depletion"—much like losing your key, even the best machine won't start. When NAD+ levels are increased through supplementation with NAD+ precursors (such as NMN and NR), mitochondrial energy metabolism efficiency is significantly improved, cellular aging markers are reduced, and even the cell's lifespan is extended.
Simply put, NAD+ "charges" mitochondria, keeping cells youthful from the inside out. This is why NAD+ research has become a hot topic in the anti-aging field in recent years, with top journals like Nature and Cell consistently endorsing it.
3. Tried and Tested: Improving Mitochondrial Health, Anti-Aging from the Cell
1. Feed Your Mitochondria the Right Fuel
Mitochondria require high-quality fuels for power generation, such as unsaturated fatty acids (deep-sea fish, nuts, olive oil), which can improve mitochondrial metabolic efficiency. Also, eat more antioxidant-rich foods (blueberries, spinach, broccoli) to reduce free radical damage to mitochondria—after all, even the "generator" needs rust.
2. Moderate Exercise: Refuel Your Mitochondria
Aerobic exercise (brisk walking, swimming) can directly stimulate mitochondrial proliferation, like adding more "generators" to your cells. Strength training, on the other hand, can improve mitochondrial energy conversion efficiency, ensuring every ounce of energy is used effectively. 3-4 times a week, 30 minutes each time, for a month, you'll notice improved energy.
4. Summary
Anti-aging isn't just about superficial work; it's about "bottom-up repair" that starts at the cell level.
When mitochondria are activated by NAD+, cells are filled with energy, and improvements in skin, energy, and immunity are a natural consequence. Instead of blindly following the trend of skincare and health supplements, why not start today by nurturing these billions of "little generators" within your body? After all, only when cells are young can you truly feel young.