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- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a crucial molecule, often sourced from vitamin B3.
- Recent research suggests that it plays a significant role in keeping bodily systems youthful, leading to the belief that NAD supplementation could potentially slow aging and enhance longevity.
- But how valid are these assertions? Longevity expert Şebnem Ünlüişler provides her perspective.
Recent investigations into aging have focused on an overlooked component of longevity: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD.
NAD is a molecule that can be derived from vitamin B3, also known as “niacin,” and is present in every human cell.
This molecule has complex roles in maintaining health; however, recent research, including a study published in the journal
This has sparked inquiries regarding the efficacy of NAD+ dietary supplements as potential enhancers of longevity.
To understand the functions of NAD in the body, and to assess whether supplements can genuinely aid in the pursuit of rejuvenation, Medical News Today interviewed Şebnem Ünlüişler, Chief Longevity Officer and genetic engineer at the London Regenerative Institute.
“Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a key cellular coenzyme essential for mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and the regulation of stress response pathways such as sirtuins and PARPs,” Ünlüişler elaborated.
This coenzyme is vital for cellular health, as mitochondria, the cell’s energy generators, are crucial for providing energy, facilitating cell signaling, and managing cellular death.
Additionally, sirtuins are proteins integral to inflammation and DNA repair, while PARPs, or poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases, are similarly involved in immune response regulation and preserving cellular health.
Considering NAD’s integral involvement in cellular functions, it’s not surprising that it significantly impacts various aspects of aging.
Ünlüişler explained, “NAD+ levels decline with age, which is associated with reduced mitochondrial function, decreased genomic stability, and heightened cellular stress—factors linked to biological aging.”
This finding raises queries about the possibility of replenishing NAD levels and reversing this natural decline.
The longevity expert noted that obtaining this molecule from food sources is quite challenging.
“NAD+ itself isn’t significantly absorbed from food; however, the body synthesizes it from dietary precursors such as tryptophan and vitamin B3 (including niacin, nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside),” she explained.
“While NAD+ is continuously recycled in the body, factors such as aging, inflammation, and metabolic stress can reduce its availability,” Ünlüişler added.
Dietary supplements containing sources of NAD, particularly forms of vitamin B3, might increase the presence of this vital molecule in the body, Ünlüişler noted.
“Supplements with precursors like NR [nicotinamide riboside] or NMN [nicotinamide mononucleotide] have been shown to elevate NAD+ levels in humans, and intravenous NAD+ is utilized in certain clinical scenarios, although long-term data on outcomes are still limited,” she remarked.
Nevertheless, several considerations remain.
It’s important to note that no “miracle cure” exists for aging, and while vitamin B3 supplements can contribute positively to health, one should be cautious about viewing them as a cure-all.
“Available evidence suggests that restoring NAD+ levels may improve mitochondrial health and metabolic resilience,” Ünlüişler stated.
“However, no conclusive clinical evidence exists proving that NAD+ supplementation slows aging or extends lifespan in humans,” she stressed.
For those interested in trying it, “it should be considered part of a broader metabolic support strategy for longevity rather than a standalone anti-aging treatment,” she advised.
In summary, while the potential benefits of NAD supplements in promoting longevity are intriguing, they are not a guaranteed solution. Individual health strategies should be holistic and carefully considered rather than dependent solely on supplementation. An integrated approach involving proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices is crucial for overall well-being and aging gracefully.
