Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is referred to as a coenzyme and is essential for cellular metabolism while also having a key role in various signaling pathways in human cells.
With aging, NAD+ levels decline, compromising cellular function including the mitochondria production of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and contributes to the aging process.
Studies has demonstrated the protective abilities of NAD+ and induce DNA repair. The research also indicates that NAD+ may increase life span and has the potential to be used in therapy for for various degenerative diseases associated with the aging process.
There are two primary ways in which NAD+ slows the aging process even extend life span.
The first is through the mitochondria where NAD+ is involved in the transfer of energy to the mitochondria where it is converted to cellular energy. With the decline of NAD+ mitochondrial function is impaired, which results in a reduction of mitochondria and results is many of the physical symptoms seen in the aging process.
The second is through NAD+ key role in various signaling pathways, specifically through the activation of the key anti-aging enzymes called sirtuins, in particular SIRT1 and SIRT3 that control gene expression relating to longevity genes.
Finding natural ways to increase NAD+ naturally has led scientists to a newly discovered form of vitamin B3 known as nicotinamide riboside.
Nicotinamide riboside was only discovered in 2013 but has been found to be one of the more effective NAD+ precursors with more than 100 articles researching Nicotinamide riboside and with more studies being published latter this year including further human trials.
The vitamin B3 supplement known as niacin is known to cause the ‘Niacin flush’, however there is no concern with nicotinamide riboside supplementation casing this flush and has been well studied for its safety.
If you are looking for a highly cost effective supplement to add to your longevity program then nicotinamide riboside could fit the bill especially when combined with other supplements such as CoQ10, PQQ and Quercetin.