NAD+

In plain terms

NAD+ is a coenzyme present in all living cells, central to turning fuel into energy. Measured levels decline with age. Research has investigated it for effects on mitochondrial function and DNA repair processes, mostly in cell and animal models.

Research overview

NAD+ is an essential coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, gene regulation and mitochondrial function. Laboratory research has investigated the decline in NAD+ levels observed with age across several species, and whether restoring those levels changes measured mitochondrial performance. Studies span cell cultures, animal models and a growing number of human trials of NAD+ precursors.

What has been studied

1. 1

   A cofactor in energy production

   NAD+ is not a peptide. It is a coenzyme every cell uses to convert food into usable energy, and it is one of the most-studied molecules in cellular metabolism.

2. 2

   Declines with age

   Measured NAD+ levels fall with age across several species, an observation that drives most of the current research interest.

3. 3

   Sirtuins and DNA repair

   It is consumed by enzymes involved in DNA repair and by the sirtuins, a family of proteins studied heavily in ageing research.

4. 4

   Mitochondrial function

   Cell and animal work has looked at whether restoring NAD+ levels changes how mitochondria perform.

Research articles

• Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled studyGeroScience · 2024
• Improved Physical Performance Parameters in Patients Taking Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): A Systematic Review of Randomized Control TrialsCureus · 2024
• Chronic NMN Supplementation Elevates Blood NAD Levels in Older Mennpj Aging · 2022