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Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a crucial coenzyme found in every cell of our bodies. It plays a central role in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. However, as we age, our NAD+ levels naturally decline, contributing to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases (Rajman et al., 2018). In recent years, scientists have been exploring ways to boost NAD+ levels as a potential strategy for promoting healthy aging and longevity.
One promising approach is the use of NAD+ precursors, which are compounds that our bodies can convert into NAD+. The most widely studied NAD+ precursor is nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 found in small amounts in milk and yeast. In animal studies, supplementation with NR has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, improve mitochondrial function, and protect against age-related declines in physical function and cognitive performance (Trammell et al., 2016).
Another NAD+ precursor that has gained attention is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Like NR, NMN has been shown to increase NAD+ levels and provide anti-aging benefits in animal models. In a landmark study, long-term administration of NMN was found to mitigate age-associated physiological decline in mice, improving energy metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and physical activity (Mills et al., 2016).
While the initial results from animal studies are promising, more research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of NAD+ precursors in humans. Several clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the effects of NR and NMN supplementation on various age-related parameters, including muscle function, cardiovascular health, and cognitive performance (Rajman et al., 2018).
It's important to note that NAD+ boosters are not a magic bullet for anti-aging. They should be viewed as part of a comprehensive approach to healthy aging that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and social engagement. Additionally, as with any supplement, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an NAD+ booster regimen, as these compounds may interact with certain medications or have unexpected side effects.
Despite these caveats, the science behind NAD+ boosters is compelling and represents an exciting new frontier in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. As our understanding of the role of NAD+ in aging continues to grow, we may soon have powerful new tools to help us stay healthier and more vibrant well into our later years.
References:
Mills, K. F., Yoshida, S., Stein, L. R., Grozio, A., Kubota, S., Sasaki, Y., Redpath, P., Migaud, M. E., Apte, R. S., Uchida, K., Yoshino, J., & Imai, S. I. (2016). Long-term administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide mitigates age-associated physiological decline in mice. Cell Metabolism, 24(6), 795–806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2016.09.013
Rajman, L., Chwalek, K., & Sinclair, D. A. (2018). Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: The in vivo evidence. Cell Metabolism, 27(3), 529–547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.011
Trammell, S. A., Schmidt, M. S., Weidemann, B. J., Redpath, P., Jaksch, F., Dellinger, R. W., Li, Z., Abel, E. D., Migaud, M. E., & Brenner, C. (2016). Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans. Nature Communications, 7, 12948. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12948