As We Age, Our Natural NAD+ Levels Decline

NAD regulates the genes of aging and is known as the molecule of youth

NAD is critical for the function of sirtuins, the “longevity proteins”. Sirtuins are a family of seven proteins linked to longevity and considered pivotal regulators of lifespan and healthspan through their involvement in fundamental biological processes.

It plays a crucial role in the Krebs cycle, which is a series of biochemical reactions that release energy from nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This takes place in the mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouse” of our cells. This cycle is essential for energy production, generating ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell.

ATP is vital for maintaining cellular functions, facilitating biological processes, and supporting critical muscle functions, including breathing and the heartbeat.

Sirtuins contribute to longevity by:

• Enhancing DNA repair and reducing damage, promoting cellular health
• Regulating metabolism, especially in response to caloric restriction, which is known to extend lifespan
• Reducing inflammation, thereby improving health and potentially extending lifespan

As we age, our natural NAD levels decline

By age 50, NAD+ levels are halved. Why? Firstly, as DNA damage accumulates over time, PARP activity goes into overdrive to repair the damage, consuming more and more NAD.

Secondly, as we age, we have more chronic inflammation, which leads to an increase in immune cells with a surface protein called CD38. CD38 devours NAD to produce cellular signaling molecules, consuming up to 100 NAD molecules at a time. All of this results in lower and lower NAD levels, largely due to what we eat and how we live.

Lower NAD levels contribute to aging. We age because our cells age

The cumulative health of each of our 30 trillion cells determines how biologically old we are.

If our cells are not functioning optimally, neither do we. Aging is experienced through fatigue, weakness, increased inflammation, slower recovery from illnesses, memory decline, joint and muscle pain, joint stiffness, slower movement, compromised immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, and age-associated diseases.