NAD⁺ is a vital coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and healthy aging. It serves as a key player in redox reactions—the biochemical exchanges that generate ATP, the body’s energy currency. NAD⁺ also acts as a critical signaling molecule that regulates enzymes involved in longevity, inflammation control, metabolism, and stress resistance.Discovered over a century ago in yeast fermentation studies, NAD⁺ gained renewed scientific interest in recent decades due to its role in activating sirtuins—a family of proteins known for regulating aging and cellular resilience. As we age, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress, and a decreased ability to repair damaged DNA. This decline is now considered a hallmark of biological aging.

What makes NAD⁺ unique is its dual role: it’s not only essential for energy metabolism via glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, but it also functions as a substrate for enzymes like:

• Sirtuins (SIRT1–SIRT7): Linked to enhanced lifespan, improved metabolic health, and anti-inflammatory effects.
• PARPs (Poly ADP-ribose polymerases): Key for DNA repair and genomic stability.
• CD38: An NAD-consuming enzyme involved in immune function and calcium signaling.

Replenishing NAD⁺ levels—either directly (through NAD⁺ injections) or indirectly (via precursors like NMN or NR)—has been shown in both animal and human studies to improve mitochondrial function, boost insulin sensitivity, enhance cognitive performance, and delay age-related decline.For example, a study by Gomes et al. (2013) demonstrated that restoring NAD⁺ levels in aged mice improved mitochondrial health and increased muscle function by activating SIRT1 and PGC-1α pathways [1]. In human trials, NAD⁺ infusion has been associated with increased energy, enhanced mental clarity, and improved metabolic markers [2].Today, NAD⁺ is at the forefront of longevity and regenerative medicine, used in protocols for anti-aging, detoxification, neuroprotection, and even addiction recovery, due to its ability to support neuroplasticity and stress resilience.