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What is NAD+? Benefits, Uses, and How it Supports Health and Aging

Aging is inevitable, but what if we could slow it down—or even reverse some of its effects?

Recently, a supplement has been praised on social media by well-known celebrities like Justin Bieber and the Kardashians for its anti-aging abilities. NAD+, formally referred to as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body, and a lack of this important molecule can have detrimental effects on both the body and mind. It’s a mouthful to say, but its role in cellular health and energy production might just be the key to healthier aging.

The Science Behind NAD+

So, what does NAD+ actually do? Think of it as a cellular multitasker. It helps your cells convert food into energy, repairs damaged DNA, and provides energy to proteins called sirtuins, which are responsible for our natural healing responses.

Here’s the catch: as we age, NAD+ levels decline, which means less energy, slower DNA repair, and a higher risk of diseases associated with aging.

DNA Repair

The good news? Scientists are discovering that boosting NAD+ levels may turn back the clock on some of these age-related issues. A 2017 Harvard study demonstrated that a protein responsible for DNA repair becomes dormant with age but can be reactivated through NAD+ therapy. It was so effective at repairing DNA that significant improvements were observed in lab mice who had undergone chemotherapy.

Increasing NAD+ levels helps to restore DNA repair mechanisms in older cells. It’s like giving your cells a tune-up, helping them work more like they did when you were younger.

Improved Fat Metabolism, Energy, and Brain Health

It’s not just about DNA repair. NAD+ also increases activity in the mitochondria—the powerhouses of your cells. It boosts important enzymes called sirtuins, which are responsible for optimizing mitochondrial function. One of many studies show these crucial enzymes affect metabolism, energy consumption, aging, and sleep cycles. More efficient mitochondria mean more energy, better brain function, and regulated glucose levels.

NAD+ serves as the foundation for a complex network of biological processes in the body. Without the proper resources, our cells lack the strength to perform at their full potential.

Reduces Disease Caused by Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress is a well-known contributor to a long list of devastating diseases worldwide. It begins when the balance between antioxidants and harmful free radicals is disrupted. The consequences of this imbalance are evident in illnesses like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer, and even general age-related decline.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry highlights NAD+’s ability to reduce oxidative stress by utilizing sirtuins to signal powerful antioxidant enzymes and regulate our cells’ natural defense mechanisms.

What does this mean for us?

NAD+ plays a critical role in the biological processes responsible for maintaining cellular health, energy production, and combating age-related decline. As we age, declining NAD+ levels can have a more significant impact than we realize, but studies are beginning to show that restoring NAD+ levels through supplementation offers a promising future for anyone that ages (yes, even the Kardashians age).

NAD+ works as a powerful ally in the goal of healthier aging by supporting crucial cellular processes. While aging is, for now, inevitable, NAD+ supplementation is being increasingly more available to the public as the science begins to grow. We offer NAD+ treatment in our Tustin Medspa to patients wanting more. Some specialist recommend starting NAD+ in your 30s and 40s to combat deficiency, however, many well known celebrities in their early 20s have been known to start NAD therapy. Because we want to support you during your journey to a happier and healthier future, 30 minute consultations are free to book on our website or give us a call at (714) 716-6395.