NAD: A Key Player in Our Cellular Health

In the world of health and wellness, it's easy to get caught up in the latest trends and buzzwords, and NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is currently holding the spotlight. But do we understand what NAD actually is and its vital roles within our body? Let's delve deeper into this essential coenzyme, the mechanisms behind its production, and the factors influencing its levels in our body.

What is NAD?

NAD is a crucial coenzyme found in every cell in your body. It is a derivative of niacin, a form of vitamin B3, and plays a critical role in the chemical reactions that generate energy within our cells. It is involved in redox reactions, aiding in transferring electrons from one molecule to another, which are vital for energy production. In particular, NAD is an essential player in the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, both fundamental pathways in cellular respiration.

In the Krebs cycle, NAD is reduced to NADH, holding onto high-energy electrons. This NADH is then used in the electron transport chain to generate ATP, our cell's primary energy currency. Without NAD, these essential energy production processes would stall, leaving cells starved for energy.

The Role of NAD and Co-factors in the Body

NAD isn’t just essential for energy production. It is also integral for DNA repair, maintaining the health of our cells, regulating our sleep-wake cycles, and even supporting our immune system functions. It acts as a substrate for various enzymes, including those involved in ageing processes and cellular repair mechanisms.

NAD's production in our bodies requires several co-factors, such as tryptophan, niacin (vitamin B3), and nicotinamide riboside, along with certain essential nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid, and magnesium. These components are critical for the various enzymatic reactions involved in synthesising NAD.

Deficiency and Ageing

A deficiency in NAD can manifest in a variety of ways, from fatigue and muscle weakness to sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, mood disorders and even absent or shortened menstrual cycles in women. It is also suggested that NAD deficiency can contribute to accelerated ageing and chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

It's important to note that NAD levels naturally deplete as we age. This depletion is due to a combination of factors, including increased DNA damage, immune activation, and a decline in the efficacy of the enzymes responsible for NAD synthesis.

Boosting Your NAD Levels

NAD levels can be increased by supplementing with precursors like nicotinamide riboside chloride and NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), which are more readily converted into NAD. Research shows that these precursors can effectively raise NAD levels, improving cellular health and potentially slowing the ageing process.

Certain mitochondrial nutrients can also help increase NAD levels. For instance, ubiquinol (active form of CoQ10), magnesium, carnitine, and B vitamins play a role in supporting mitochondrial health, which in turn supports NAD production.

To conclude, NAD is more than just a wellness trend. It's an essential component of our biology, playing a vital role in our energy production and overall health. Understanding what it is, how it's produced, and how to maintain its optimal levels is a stepping stone towards maintaining our wellbeing and longevity.

 As a naturopathic practitioner, I always advocate for a well-rounded and evidence-based approach to health, putting understanding and personalised care at the forefront.

References: 

1. Braidy, N., Guillemin, G. J., Mansour, H., Chan-Ling, T., Poljak, A., & Grant, R. (2011). Age related changes in NAD+ metabolism oxidative stress and Sirt1 activity in wistar rats. PloS one, 6(4), e19194.

2. Verdin, E. (2015). NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213.

3. Rajman, L., Chwalek, K., & Sinclair, D. A. (2018). Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell metabolism, 27(3), 529-547.

4. Yoshino, J., Mills, K. F., Yoon, M. J., & Imai, S. I. (2011). Nicotinamide mononucleotide, a key NAD+ intermediate, treats the pathophysiology of diet- and age-induced diabetes in mice. Cell metabolism, 14(4), 528-536.

5. Mouchiroud, L., Houtkooper, R. H., & Auwerx, J. (2013). NAD⁺ metabolism: a therapeutic target for age-related metabolic disease. Critical reviews in biochemistry and molecular biology, 48(4), 397-408.