What is NAD+?
NAD (also known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a crucial molecule in human cell metabolism and various reactions.
Since its discovery in the early 18th century, scientists have recognized its significance.
Without NAD, many crucial activities within human cells cannot take place.
The physiological processes involving NAD include glucose breakdown (glycolysis), energy release cycles (citric acid cycle or tricarboxylic acid cycle), fatty acid oxidation and decomposition, DNA repair, and inflammatory responses, among other physiological activities.
During these processes, NAD undergoes oxidation and reduction reactions, and its oxidized form is called NAD+.
NAD+ is an indispensable coenzyme and common substrate in a wide range of metabolic reactions in all living cells.
The popular supplements such as NMN on the market will be converted into NAD+ once they enter the human body, thereby exerting their effects.
Studies have shown that as people age, are affected by diseases, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are infected with Covid-19, the levels of NAD+ within cells decrease.
Generally speaking, by the time one reaches their forties, the level of NAD+ will decrease to half of its original amount.
Maintaining the level of NAD+ is crucial for maintaining the energy balance, survival, proliferation and normal function of cells.
benefits of receiving NAD+ treatment include:
-- Anti-aging.
-- Improve cognition and memory.
-- Recovering from COVID-19 infection.
--Enhance the immune function.
--Relieve fatigue.
--Improving metabolism helps with weight loss.
--Restore muscles and reduce muscle inflammation.
--Enhance physical fitness.
--Improve the overall quality of the skin and hair.
--Improve mood, stress and depression.
--Relieve the pain caused by inflammation.
--Reduce the risk of developing heart disease, vascular diseases and diabetes.
--It helps alleviate jet lag because it helps regulate the internal clock.
Which individuals are suitable for supplementing NAD+?
--Interested in extending their lifespan.
--Seek to increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
--Interested in restoring neural function.
-- Experiencing a decline in cognitive abilities.
--Desire to regain muscle strength and function.
--Accelerate the weight loss plan.
-- Recovering from addiction and drug abuse.
--Improving sexual function.
--Enhance fertility.
significance of NAD+
NAD+ plays a crucial role in the human body, exerting a profound influence on maintaining various physiological functions and health conditions.
1. DNA Protection and Repair
The human body produces reactive oxygen and nitrogen every day, and these substances can damage the DNA of cells.
NAD+ participates in the DNA damage response (DDR) process, helping to detect and repair DNA damage, thereby maintaining the stability of the genome.
Insufficient NAD+ levels may weaken DDR and increase the risk of DNA damage.
2. Regulate gene activity
Gene expression is the process by which cells synthesize proteins based on DNA information.
NAD+ plays a crucial role in regulating gene activity, especially through histone modification and DNA methylation.
The deficiency of NAD+ levels may interfere with these processes and affect the normal expression of genes.
3. Immune Response and Inflammation Control
The level of NAD+ affects the immune response and inflammatory response in the human body. During an infection, an increase in NAD+ can enhance the function of macrophages and reduce the expression of inflammatory markers, such as tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6.
4. Energy Generation
The energy metabolism pathways of the human body, including glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, all rely on NAD+ as a coenzyme.
The deficiency of NAD+ may affect the efficiency of these pathways, thereby influencing the generation and utilization of energy.
5. Biological Rhythmic Regulation
The body's biological clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is partly dependent on the level of NAD+ to maintain its accuracy.
Insufficient NAD+ may interfere with the biological clock, leading to sleep disorders and mood changes.
6. Heart Health
The heart, as a highly metabolically active organ, its functions and recovery capabilities are closely related to the level of NAD+.
NAD+ helps the heart recover from damage and may prevent heart diseases.
7. Kidney Health
As one ages, kidney function may decline, and the decrease in NAD+ levels may be related to this.
NAD+ supplements may help protect the kidneys from damage and improve kidney function.
8. Liver Health
The normal functioning of the liver requires the support of NAD+.
NAD+ helps protect the liver from diseases and promotes regeneration after liver damage.
9. Neurological Health
The protective effect of NAD+ on brain neurons is of vital importance, especially after neurological events such as stroke.
The normal level of NAD+ is crucial for the function and survival of neurons, and it may contribute to the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.
These functions of NAD+ highlight its significant importance in maintaining human health and preventing diseases in multiple aspects.