The Powerhouse Molecule of Anti-Aging: NAD+

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme central to metabolism, and its main function is to transfer electrons from one molecule to another. NAD+ is essential for over 500 enzymatic reactions and exists in two forms: an oxidized form (NAD+) and a reduced form (NADH). These two forms of NAD are known as a "redox couple," a term that describes a reduced (the "red" in redox) and oxidized (the "ox" in redox) form of the same atom or molecule. The term "oxidized" can be misleading, as it does not necessarily require oxygen. Redox reactions involve the gaining or losing of electrons. When something becomes oxidized, it loses electrons, while something that is reduced gains electrons.

In the context of NAD+, redox reactions are a key component of cellular energy creation. When NAD+ is converted to NADH, it gains two things: first, a charged hydrogen molecule (H+) and, next, two electrons. As electrons are negatively charged, the combination of the positively charged NAD+ and H+, coupled with two electrons, effectively cancels each other out, neutralizing the resulting NADH molecule. This is why NADH does not have a "+" sign next to it. The charge of a molecule informs how it interacts with other molecules; for example, NADH can’t perform the functions of NAD+, and vice versa.

Generally speaking, it is better to maintain a higher NAD+ than NADH ratio. Increased NADH levels can cause reductive stress, elevate cellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels, and lead to insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, and cell death. Thus, restoring NAD+ can help decrease redox imbalance in diabetes and plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including metabolism, DNA repair, gene expression, cellular aging, and immune cell function.

Aging is accompanied by a gradual decline in tissue and cellular NAD+ levels. This decline is linked to numerous aging-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, cancer, metabolic disease, sarcopenia, and frailty. Many of these aging-associated diseases can be slowed down or even reversed by restoring NAD+ levels. Therefore, targeting NAD+ metabolism has emerged as a therapeutic approach to mitigate age-related diseases and extend human lifespan.

There are ways to increase NAD+ naturally by making necessary lifestyle changes. Regular physical exercise is one of the simplest methods; workouts require more NAD+ for energy, prompting our bodies to produce more. Another way to boost NAD+ is through the diet by providing NAD+ precursors such as tryptophan, nicotinamide mononucleotide, and niacin (B3). These nutrients can be found in foods rich in B3, like beef, salmon, eggs, and avocado, or by adding fermented foods and drinks like sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha.

We understand that it can be quite challenging to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to keep your NAD+ levels high, especially when living a hectic lifestyle filled with work, multiple responsibilities, and pressure—where you might need that much-needed energy boost. In such cases, supplements can be a viable option. While both oral supplements and IV therapy can raise NAD+ levels, they are not equivalent. A significant amount of NAD is lost when taken orally due to issues like gut absorption and cardiovascular fitness. In contrast, an NAD+ injection or infusion can circumvent these obstacles by delivering NAD directly into the bloodstream and cells for immediate and complete absorption.

The benefits are extensive and include:

• Improved cognitive and sensory function
• Restored cellular energy and mitochondrial function
• Improvement in autoimmune disease
• Enhanced sleep/wake cycle
• Alleviation of depression and anxiety
• Enhanced recovery from injury
• Protection against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease
• Assistance with drug addiction and detox
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At BodyLogics, we offer the supplements in all injection forms (SQ, IM, or IV). Please call the office if you are interested in NAD+ or other cutting-edge anti-aging treatments, and we will help you take your health to the next level.

Citations:

Amjad, S., Nisar, S., Bhat, A. A., Shah, A. R., Frenneaux, M. P., Fakhro, K., Haris, M., Reddy, R., Patay, Z., Baur, J., & Bagga, P. (2021). Role of NAD+ in regulating cellular and metabolic signaling pathways. Molecular Metabolism, 49, 101195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101195

Braidy, N., & Liu, Y. (2020). NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis. Experimental Gerontology, 132, 110831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.110831

Conlon, N. J. (2022). The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 150(4 Suppl), 41S–48S. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000009673

Poljsak, B., Kovac, V., Spalj, S., & Milisav, I. (2023). The Central Role of the NAD+ Molecule in the Development of Aging and the Prevention of Chronic Age-Related Diseases: Strategies for NAD+ Modulation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(3), 2959. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032959