{"id":1497492,"date":"2024-10-21T06:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T10:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/?p=1497492"},"modified":"2024-10-21T06:45:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T10:45:00","slug":"exploring-nad-is-it-really-a-key-to-longevity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/exploring-nad-is-it-really-a-key-to-longevity\/1497492\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring NAD+: Is It Really A Key To Longevity?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Exploring NAD+: Is It Really A Key To Longevity?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Authored by Jennifer Sweenie via The Epoch Times<\/a> (emphasis ours),<\/em><\/p>\n

Short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide,\u00a0NAD+<\/a> supplements are being studied for their effects on cellular energy production, mitochondria function, and DNA repair. <\/strong>Before reaching for a supplement, though, it\u2019s important to explore the role of NAD+ in the body and the existing evidence on its ties to longevity, as well as ways to boost NAD+ levels naturally.<\/p>\n

AlteredR\/Shutterstock<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

As researchers work to uncover the mechanisms behind aging,\u00a0NAD+ has emerged as a promising therapeutic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What Is NAD+?<\/h2>\n

NAD+<\/a> is a coenzyme, a small molecule that acts as a catalyst for enzymes to perform their functions. NAD+ is found in all cells in the body and has a critical role in transferring energy within our cells.<\/strong><\/p>\n

NAD+ is involved in various metabolic processes, including converting the food we eat into the energy our cells need to stay alive. It helps generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a final product our bodies can use. ATP is the end fuel source all our cells use. Without NAD, you cannot make ATP\u2014an essential part of life.<\/p>\n

NAD vs. NAD+<\/h2>\n

NAD+ is the functional form of NAD in the body. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same molecule.<\/p>\n

\u201cNAD+ is the one we are primarily focused on when it comes to longevity, cellular health, and energy,\u201d<\/strong> Dr. Orel Swenson, founder of Aeonic Health, a regenerative and longevity medicine practice based in Boston, told The Epoch Times in an email.<\/p>\n

As observed in mouse models, NAD+ levels naturally drop<\/a> as we age. By the time we reach middle age, our NAD+ levels are at half<\/a>\u00a0of what they were in our youth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNAD+ levels decline naturally with age partly because the accumulation of DNA damage and loss of mitochondrial efficiency demand more and more NAD+,\u201d said Swenson.<\/p>\n

NAD Supplementation<\/h2>\n

A few existing methods to restore NAD+ levels include oral supplements, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, self-injections, and fusion therapy. The main differences lie in the delivery. Some methods are considered faster and more effective than others.<\/p>\n

NAD+ itself isn\u2019t really a supplement that can be effectively taken by mouth. The bioavailability is quite limited this way,\u201d said Swenson.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For this reason, other methods of administering NAD+, such as via IV infusion or subcutaneous injections, are growing in popularity.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnsurprisingly, when taking an oral supplement, the increase in your NAD+ levels is more gradual. <\/strong>Infusions and injections are much quicker but are more expensive and require clinician oversight for safety,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen given this way, it\u2019s imperative to work with a healthcare professional familiar with NAD+ administration, as it can cause nausea, headaches, fatigue, and even low blood pressure if given incorrectly,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n

NAD+ Precursors<\/h2>\n

Precursors are molecules that are converted into another substance or compound by a chemical reaction. NMN<\/a> (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR<\/a> (nicotinamide riboside) are substances the body can use to produce NAD+. While NAD+ is more challenging for the body to absorb, these precursors are more easily converted into NAD+.<\/p>\n

\u201cNMN needs fewer steps (i.e., it is closer to becoming NAD+) than NR, but both are available as oral supplements with good bioavailability,\u201d explained Swenson.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A study<\/a> published in GeroScience in 2023 determined that NMN supplementation increases blood concentrations of NAD+ and is safe and well tolerated in oral doses of up to 900 mg per day.<\/p>\n

NR, a new form of\u00a0vitamin B3<\/a>, is also recognized as safe and effective in raising NAD+ levels at a cellular level. NR oral supplements are often found at a lower price point than NMN varieties.<\/p>\n

Age-Associated Changes In Oxidative Stress and NAD+ Metabolism In Human Tissue – Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/figure\/Correlation-between-NAD-levels-and-Age-in-A-Males-B-Females-A-NAD-concentrations_fig8_230590378. CC by 4.0 [accessed 4 Oct 2024]<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Swenson explained the role of NAD+ in terms of longevity in four points. As a coenzyme, it interacts with other enzymes in the body to facilitate:<\/p>\n

ATP production: <\/strong>NAD+ acts as a coenzyme, interacting with other enzymes in the body to produce ATP, the final energy source for cells.
\n\tMitochondrial health: <\/strong>Mitochondria can be likened to a refinery or power station where ATP production takes place. NAD+ is essential for maintaining optimal mitochondrial function and for mitochondrial biogenesis, which involves the creation of new mitochondria.
\n\tDNA repair: <\/strong>Sirtuins<\/a> are signaling proteins that have a critical role in the aging process, including energy metabolism, inflammation, and extending lifespan. By interacting with sirtuins, NAD+ mediates the repair of damaged DNA, which accumulates as people age.
\n\tReduction of inflammation: <\/strong>NAD+ plays a role in reducing inflammation. As we age and levels decline, we may experience an accumulation of inflammation, known as \u201cinflammaging<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

A review<\/a> published in The International Journal of Molecular Science concluded that the existing research on the benefits of NAD+ on aging and healthspan is currently based on cell cultures and model organisms, and research on humans is warranted. Further research is also needed on long-term effects and dosage.<\/p>\n

Swenson concluded, \u201cIt [NAD+] does not represent a magic bullet, but rather should be viewed as part of an overall strategy for maximizing healthy aging.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gauging NAD+ Levels<\/h2>\n

There may be too much of a good thing, as high NAD+ levels<\/a> have been linked to cancer and impact immunity. Existing evidence on the exact mechanisms of the connection is limited. However, NAD+ levels seem to have both<\/a> pro- and anti-cancer effects. It may serve as a protective factor early on in cancer development but as a promoting factor later in the progression of the disease.<\/p>\n

A study<\/a> published in Nutrients found that \u201cReplenishing NAD pools by NR could inhibit tumor growth and cancer metastasis as well as promote the overall health status of tumor-bearing mice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Specifically, the authors suggested that boosting NAD by NR supplementation could be a novel strategy to prevent the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.<\/p>\n

Read the rest here…<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Tyler Durden<\/a><\/span>
\nMon, 10\/21\/2024 – 02:45<\/span><\/p>\n

\u200bhttps:\/\/www.zerohedge.com\/medical\/exploring-nad-it-really-key-longevity<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Exploring NAD+: Is It Really A Key To Longevity? Authored by Jennifer Sweenie via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), Short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide,\u00a0NAD+ supplements…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":1497493,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1497492","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","wpcat-1-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1497492","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1497492"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1497492\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1497493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1497492"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1497492"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bugaluu.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1497492"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}