NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a molecule found in every living cell. Researchers study it mainly because it plays a key role in energy production, metabolism, and cellular repair. Interest has grown recently because NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which might contribute to aging and age-related diseases.

Here are the main areas where NAD+ is being researched:

1. Aging and Longevity

Scientists are studying whether boosting NAD+ can slow aspects of aging. NAD+ activates proteins called Sirtuins, which help regulate:

DNA repair

inflammation

metabolism

mitochondrial health

Animal studies suggest raising NAD+ might improve lifespan or health span, but clear evidence in humans is still limited.

2. Energy Metabolism

NAD+ is essential for converting food into energy inside mitochondria through processes like Cellular Respiration.

Researchers are exploring whether increasing NAD+ could help conditions involving low cellular energy, such as:

chronic fatigue conditions

metabolic disorders

mitochondrial diseases

3. Neurodegenerative Diseases

NAD+ may protect nerve cells from damage. Studies are exploring possible roles in diseases like:

Alzheimer's disease

Parkinson's disease

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The hypothesis is that boosting NAD+ could improve neuronal survival and mitochondrial function.

4. Metabolic Health

Research looks at NAD+ in conditions like:

Type 2 Diabetes

obesity

fatty liver disease

Higher NAD+ levels may improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic regulation in some experimental studies.

5. DNA Repair and Cellular Damage

NAD+ is required for enzymes called PARP enzymes, which repair damaged DNA. Because DNA damage accumulates with age, scientists are investigating whether NAD+ support could help maintain genome stability.

6. Cardiovascular Health

Early research suggests NAD+ might help with:

blood vessel function

oxidative stress

heart muscle metabolism

This has led to studies related to Cardiovascular disease.