What’s the Buzz Around NAD?
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) is a crucial coenzyme found in every living cell, playing a fundamental role in cellular metabolism and energy production. This vital molecule exists in two forms: NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced), working together as a critical redox pair that drives numerous biological processes.
At its core, NAD functions as a molecular "electron shuttle," facilitating the conversion of nutrients into cellular energy. During cellular respiration, NAD+ accepts electrons and hydrogen atoms from food molecules, converting into NADH. This NADH then travels to the mitochondria—our cellular powerhouses—where it helps generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.
Beyond its role in energy metabolism, NAD is essential for:
• DNA Repair: NAD+ serves as a substrate for enzymes involved in DNA repair mechanisms, helping maintain genomic stability
• Cellular Signaling: It acts as a crucial signaling molecule, influencing various cellular processes and stress responses
• Gene Expression: NAD+ levels affect the activity of proteins called sirtuins, which regulate important aspects of cellular health and aging
• Cellular Defense: The molecule helps protect cells against oxidative stress and maintains cellular redox balance
As we age, our natural NAD levels tend to decline, which has sparked significant research interest in NAD supplementation and its potential benefits for healthy aging. Scientists continue to explore NAD's role in age-related diseases, metabolic disorders, and overall cellular health.
Understanding NAD's fundamental importance in cellular function helps explain why maintaining optimal levels of this molecule is crucial for overall health and longevity. As research advances, we continue to uncover new roles and potential therapeutic applications for this remarkable coenzyme.
Did you know?….
When you’re born, your NAD+ levels are at an all-time high.
But, by the time you turn 30, they’ve already dropped by 50%.
By the time you reach 60, that drop can be a staggering 80%.
Furthermore, unhealthy habits like drinking, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can cause your NAD levels to plummet even further.
NAD has been shown to help with the following health issues:
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog and focus
Poor slep patterns
Inflammation
Arthritis
Cognition
Mood
Low energy
Obesity
Food and alcohol cravings
Infertility
Hair loss
And other age-related conditions
These symptoms are your body’s way of signaling to you that it’s time to make some lifestyle changes. If you want to support healthy aging and promote longevity, it’s crucial to maintain your NAD+ levels between 40μM and 100μM. We utilize specialty laboratory testing to determine your NAD level prior to supplementation as well as periodically through the supplementation process to maintain an optimal level of NAD to support overall health and wellness.
Too much NAD can stimulate anxiety, as well as increase the heart rate. An individuals with underlying arrhythmias, this could become potentially problematic. Therefore, it is imperative that you seek and supplementation through a licensed medical professional, who can only provide safe guidance, but also proper laboratory testing.