Unlocking Longevity: The Central Role of NAD in Aging and Healthspan

In a recent episode of Collective Insights we sat down with Dr. Charles Brenner, a leading expert in the field of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) research. NAD is a coenzyme that plays a critical role in cellular metabolism and is involved in the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids - making it essential for the maintenance and repair of all tissues in the body. For this reason, NAD is a cornerstone in the aging process. What follows is a summary of the podcast discussion.

The NAD Discussion at a Glance

• What NAD+ is and the functional impact it has on our bodies
• Importance of NAD coenzymes in metabolism and building blocks of the body
• NAD's role in the Hallmarks of Aging and mitochondrial health
• NAD's central role in energy generation, tissue repair, and aging
• Common stressors we experience that have an impact on the NAD+ in our bodies
  Why we chose NIAGEN® for Qualia NAD (developed by Dr. Brenner’s lab, ChromaDex)

The Hallmarks of Aging and the Role of NAD

We discussed the hallmarks of aging, a framework that identifies the key processes and mechanisms that contribute to the aging process. While there are various versions of the Hallmarks, Dr. Brenner emphasized that NAD interacts with many of them due to its central role in cellular metabolism. Mitochondrial health, for example, is closely linked to NAD levels, as mitochondria rely on NAD to generate energy through oxidative phosphorylation.

Dr. Brenner also highlighted the importance of understanding aging as a polygenic process rather than a result of a single gene mutation. While mutations in growth hormone signaling pathways can extend lifespan in certain animals, such as dwarf mice, these mutations often lead to infertility and other developmental abnormalities. Longevity, therefore, is not controlled by a single gene but rather a complex interplay of genes and environmental factors.

Longevity is not controlled by a single gene but rather a complex interplay of genes and environmental factors.

Metabolic Stress and NAD

Metabolic stress refers to the various challenges and disruptions that the body faces throughout life, including exposure to reactive oxygen species, infection, inflammation, overnutrition, and even the process of childbirth. Dr. Brenner explained that these stressors can disturb the NAD system, leading to a decline in NAD levels and impairing cellular function.

One of the key benefits of NAD supplementation, particularly with nicotinamide riboside (NR), is its ability to support the repair and resilience of cells under metabolic stress. NR is a precursor to NAD and can be readily converted into NAD within cells. By replenishing NAD levels, NR helps cells maintain their energy production, repair DNA damage, and fight off infections and inflammation.

Dr. Brenner highlighted several studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of NR supplementation in various conditions. For example, one study showed NR supplementation can support the NAD system and improve cardiac resiliency. Another study showed that NR supplementation in new mothers has been shown to enhance milk production and improve the cognitive development of offspring.

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