What is NAD+, and how does it work?

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NAD is a molecule that occurs naturally in the human body. The abbreviation stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, also commonly known as NAD+ Coenzymes like NAD bind to other enzymes to help initiate and accelerate actions that are essential to our body's
healthy function.

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NAD+ works as a transporter to carry electrons from one molecule to another within the cells
of our body to help carry out various reactions. NAD+ and its counterpart, NADH, are vital in
generating energy to power the many actions necessary for cell survival.

NAD is a key component of many physiological processes:

• Oxidative reactions. The transfer of electrons to and from other molecules to power

       reactions in the body.

• Enzyme activities. A necessary molecule for enzymes responsible for cell metabolism

       and the production of molecules used to maintain the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle
     (circadian rhythm).

• Cellular functions. That includes DNA repair, protein modifications, and immune cell

        function.

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Researchers have found that we produce less NAD as we age. The depletion of NAD in mice has been connected to age-related conditions, like cognitive decline, cancer, and sarcopenia, which is the loss of skeletal mass and strength. As a result, researchers have been studying the benefits of NAD supplements to determine if they can help prevent or reverse age-related conditions and prolong healthy lifespans.

NAD supplement benefits NAD has been in the news for decades because of its potential to support human longevity.
Here are the five main potential benefits of NAD+ that scientists have found some evidence
for thus far.

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• Slows down aging

There is no 'miracle drug' that can stop the aging process. However, NAD supplements may
alter cellular processes that lead to physical and cognitive decline. Scientists have observed
that a reduction in NAD+ levels in the body is linked to age-related disorders.

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• Increases energy

NAD appears to help deliver energy to the cells to improve their function. This, in turn, may
help the body improve and sustain athletic performance by boosting energy levels,
metabolism, and circulation. NAD is also believed to help protect muscles from degradation
over time and allow the cellular processes that assist in muscle recovery after workouts.

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• Improves cognitive function

Reduced levels of NAD appear to be linked to neurodegenerative disorders, such as
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This could be partly due to its role in protecting neurons (nerve
cells). While most of this research has occurred in mice and rats thus far, researchers believe
that NAD supplementation may play a similar role in decreasing the nerve-related
inflammation associated with cognitive impairment in humans as well.

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• Reduces cholesterol

Both NAD+ and the NAD precursor, niacin, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on
cholesterol. Specifically, niacin has been shown to lower triglycerides and raise HDL
cholesterol (AKA 'good cholesterol'). Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for
lowering your risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men and women in
the United States.

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• Reduces cancer risk

NAD plays a critical role in cellular health, and the proposed benefits of increasing NAD
levels may include the prevention, treatment, and arrest of certain types of cancer.

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• Improves sleep-wake cycle

Fluctuations in NAD+ are thought to play an important role in maintaining the circadian
rhythm, and as peak levels decrease due to aging, the sleep-wake cycle is negatively affected.
Sleep-wake abnormalities have been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and heart
disease in human studies.

Researchers have shown with sleep-wake cycle disturbances to have lower levels of NAD+
and are more likely to develop age-related disorders.

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• Reduces inflammation

NAD+ may play a critical role in helping the body reduce inflammatory mediators and reduce
the damaging effects of chronic inflammation. There is a growing body of research showing
the benefits of NAD+ in reducing inflammation in various