NAD+ is essential for several key processes that maintain cellular health and longevity:
Energy Metabolism: NAD+ facilitates the conversion of nutrients into energy (ATP) through cellular respiration in the mitochondria. It participates in the electron transport chain, a process that powers nearly every function in the body.
DNA Repair: NAD+ supports the function of enzymes called PARPs (Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases), which repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress, radiation, and environmental toxins. Maintaining DNA integrity is essential for healthy aging and maintaining function.
Sirtuin Activation: NAD+ is a co-substrate for sirtuins, a family of enzymes that regulate cellular health, metabolism, and longevity. Sirtuins play a role in processes like inflammation control, mitochondrial biogenesis, and genomic stability.
Mitochondrial Health: NAD+ is required for optimal mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, and their efficiency determines your energy levels and resilience against the loss of function commonly seen in aging. NAD+ helps mitochondria generate energy and reduce oxidative damage.
Why Do NAD+ Levels Decline with Age?
As we age, NAD+ levels can decline by up to 50% by middle age and continue to decrease thereafter. This decline is driven by several factors:
Increased NAD+ Consumption: Aging, stress, and inflammation increase the activity of enzymes like CD38 and PARPs, which consume NAD+ during DNA repair and immune responses [1].
Reduced NAD+ Production: The efficiency of the Salvage Pathway, which recycles NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside), diminishes over time [2].
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Chronic oxidative stress accelerates NAD+ depletion, impacting cellular repair and energy production [3].
This decline in NAD+ levels can contribute to a range of age-related issues, including:
- Fatigue and Decreased Energy Levels
- Impaired Cognitive Function
- Weakened Immune System
- Reduced DNA Repair Capacity
- Slowed Metabolism
How NMN Replenishes NAD+
Replenishing your NAD+ stores with NMN offers a way to counteract the age-related decline in NAD+. NMN is efficiently absorbed and converted into NAD+ through the Salvage Pathway, the body’s primary method for maintaining NAD+ levels. Here’s how NMN works:
Uptake by Cells: NMN is transported directly into cells via the Slc12a8 transporter, where it bypasses some of the slower steps required by other NAD+ precursors [4].
Conversion to NAD+: Once inside the cell, NMN is converted into NAD+ by the enzyme NMNAT (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase) [5].
Supports Cellular Function: Elevated NAD+ levels promote efficient energy production, DNA repair, and activation of sirtuins and PARPs, enhancing overall cellular resilience and function [6].
Why NMN is Essential for Optimal Cellular Health
Consistently taking NMN provides your body with the raw material it needs to produce NAD+ and maintain optimal cellular function.
By boosting NAD+ levels, NMN helps:
- Sustain Energy Levels by protecting mitochondrial function.
- Support DNA Repair to maintain genomic stability.
- Activate Longevity Pathways through sirtuin activity.
Incorporating NMN into your daily routine offers a science-backed
approach to healthy aging, helping you stay energized, resilient, and
vibrant as you grow older.
