Fist discovered in 1906, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) is the active coenzyme form of Niacin (Vitamin B3) vital for energy production and metabolism.
We produce NAD+ naturally, but our body’s ability to replenish its NAD+ stores decline with age, stress, alcohol and drug use, chronic illness and exposure to environmental toxins. Besides metabolism, NAD+ impacts a wide variety of systems including digestion, cognition and mental clarity, aging, and overall energy levels.
NAD+ is crucial to oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions that reduce oxidative stress in the body and regulates circadian and metabolic rhythm. NAD+ also maintains DNA integrity and health and plays a significant role in anti-aging.
NAD+ accomplishes this by acting upon on mitochondria and increasing the length of telomeres, which are the protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes that become shorter as the body ages.
NAD+ increases the activity of SIRT1, SIRT3, and PARP1 proteins, which are linked with a slower rate of aging and influence DNA repair respectively.
Additionally, NAD increases your body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, and can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.