NAD+: The “Energy Currency” and Anti-Aging Code
Have you ever thought that there is an amazing molecule hidden in our body? This molecule is both the “fuel” of the energy factory and the “repairer” of genes. In fact, scientists have even called it the “longevity code.” “? This small molecule has been the focus of biomedical research in recent years. Its name is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). Today, let’s explore its secrets.
Ⅰ. The cell’s “energy engine”
If the cell is compared to a city, the mitochondria is the power plant of the city, and NAD+ is the indispensable “power dispatcher” here. NAD+ helps convert the energy in food into ATP (the cell’s energy currency) during a process called the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Everything we do, like breathing and thinking, comes from this process.
More interestingly, NAD+ is also directly involved in the process of oxidative phosphorylation, which is the process that powers the mitochondria. It helps make the process of converting energy as efficient as possible. Studies have shown that the human body produces a total amount of NAD+ equivalent to one-third of its own body weight per day. This means that the body’s cells are very busy.
Ⅱ. The DNA of the “24-hour repair team”
When ultraviolet light, radiation, or chemicals damage DNA, the cell immediately signals for help. NAD+ then activates a protein called PARP, which is like a “maintenance commando” working to fix the damage. These proteins use NAD+ to make precise repairs to DNA breaks. These repairs prevent potential mutations and reduce the risk of cancer.
Scientists have found that when the body has enough NAD+ in youth, the PARP protein works well. But as we age, the amount of NAD+ in our bodies goes down, and our DNA starts to get damaged. This damage might play a big role in how fast we age. Experiments have shown that giving older animals extra NAD+ can restore their DNA repair ability to 70% of what it was when they were younger.
Ⅲ. This finding could be the “key” to unlocking the secrets of longevity.
In 2013, a groundbreaking study in the journal Cell revealed the anti-aging mechanism of NAD+: it can activate the Sirtuins family of proteins. These proteins act like cellular “anti-aging commanders” responsible for regulating inflammation, antioxidant defenses, and the biological clock. Experiments at Harvard University have shown that having more of the molecule NAD+ can make experimental animals live longer. In fact, the lifespan of the animals in the experiments could be increased by as much as 30%.
Surprisingly, similar effects were seen in human studies: middle-aged and elderly people who took the NAD+ precursor NMN showed improvements in muscle cell energy and a 12% faster average walking speed. This is like turning 60-year-old muscles back to 50-year-old muscles. Skin experiments show that after 8 weeks of continuous supplementation, skin elastin regeneration speed is accelerated by 2 times, and the depth of wrinkles is reduced by 15%.
Ⅳ. The “multi-faceted” effect on the whole body’s health.
The magic of NAD+ does not stop here.
Cardiovascular: it can reduce heart damage from blood flow problems by 30% and stop the growth of abnormal heart tissue.
Immunity: controls how T-cells work and keeps the immune system ready to act.
Brain: activates brain-derived neurotrophic factor, improves memory, and increases concentration time by 40%.
Sleep: regulates the biological clock protein CLOCK, increasing deep sleep by 25%.
The future is now: how do we keep our NAD+ levels up?
Although the body can make its own NAD+, it decreases by about 50% every 10 years after the age of 25. Scientists are exploring different ways to deal with this, such as through niacinamide-rich foods (like milk and fish), NMN supplements, and by activating Sirtuin proteins through intermittent starvation.
Nobel Prize-winning chemist Roger Kornberg said, “NAD+ research is changing how we think about aging.” In the near future, we may be able to use science to keep our NAD+ levels high and achieve what we call “healthy aging.” But remember, the best way to boost your NAD+ levels is to get enough rest, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet.
