Anti-Aging

Research shows: NAD+ rejuvenates human cells

11 November 2024
Alex Schulz

There’s a molecule that’s increasingly in the spotlight when it comes to lowering biological age: NAD⁺. This powerful coenzyme, naturally present in every cell, seems to play a key role in cellular rejuvenation and energy restoration. Research shows that NAD⁺ not only supports energy production but also slows down cellular aging, repairs DNA damage, and even provides protection against age-related diseases.

What is NAD+?

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a crucial molecule in the body, essential for energy production and cellular metabolism. It functions as a coenzyme in various biochemical reactions, helping cells perform chemical reactions efficiently. NAD⁺ is critical for energy production because it’s involved in converting nutrients into energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source for cells.

NAD+ and aging

As we age, NAD⁺ levels in the body naturally decline, which may contribute to aging processes and age-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that supplementing NAD⁺ could potentially promote healthy aging, enhance cell function, and even extend lifespan in certain organisms.

One of the best-known users of NAD⁺ supplements is Brian Johnson, the anti-aging guru and founder of Project Blueprint. Johnson combines advanced biotechnology with a strict health regime, and NAD⁺ is a core component of his routine. He sees it as a way to lower his biological age, keep his cells in optimal condition, and strengthen the immune system. The positive effect of NAD+ on rejuvenating the immune system was recently demonstrated in research on mice. But how does NAD⁺ influence aging on a biological level?

The biological mechanism

One major way NAD⁺ works is by activating sirtuins, a group of proteins involved in regulating cellular health, inflammatory processes, and DNA repair. Sirtuins act as powerful cellular protectors and require NAD⁺ to function. When NAD⁺ levels are high, sirtuins are activated to support cellular health.

“NAD⁺ is a crucial molecule in the body, and its decline is a significant cause of aging. By boosting NAD⁺ levels, we may be able to slow the aging process and prevent age-related diseases.” - Dr. David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School.
“NAD⁺ acts as a key to activating sirtuins, which we consider ‘guardians of the genome.’ They help repair DNA damage and maintain cell health. Boosting NAD⁺ may counteract the effects of aging at the molecular level.” - Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, Professor, Washington University School of Medicine.

How to boost your NAD+ levels  

Want to give your NAD⁺ levels a boost and your energy a serious lift? There are multiple ways to do this, both with supplements and lifestyle adjustments.

Supplements

Supplements such as nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) are popular choices that help increase NAD⁺ levels. These compounds are quickly converted into NAD⁺ in your body, promoting better cellular health, enhanced energy, and possibly even slowing aging processes.

Lifestyle

In addition, you can naturally support your NAD⁺ levels through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, especially aerobic workouts, stimulates NAD⁺ production, as does intermittent fasting, which helps your cells shift into a more efficient recovery and energy mode. A balanced diet rich in foods like broccoli, milk, and fish can also help maintain healthy NAD⁺ levels.  

Cold therapy, such as cold showers or ice baths, is also recognized by scientists as a powerful way to stimulate NAD⁺ levels. Exposure to cold triggers a natural boost in NAD⁺ and supports muscle recovery and immune function. Previously, we discussed how cold therapy benefits the immune system and muscle recovery; now it appears that exposure to cold also boosts NAD⁺ production in the body.

“The discovery of NAD⁺ boosters like NR has transformed our perspective on aging. By increasing NAD⁺ levels, we may enhance the body’s resilience to stress and promote overall health.” - Dr. Charles Brenner, Biochemist and discoverer of nicotinamide riboside (NR) as an NAD⁺ precursor.
“NAD⁺ is essential for our cells to withstand stress and function efficiently. By developing NAD⁺ boosters, we may open new therapeutic doors for age-related diseases and improve quality of life.” - Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging.

Conclusion

NAD⁺ is more than just a molecule; it’s a powerhouse for a more energetic, healthier, and even longer life. Whether it’s about cellular repair, a mental boost, or more physical energy, the benefits of NAD⁺ seem endless. Scientists are still uncovering all of NAD⁺’s potential, but one thing is clear: this molecule is set to play a major role in the future of Anti-Aging and health.