NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a crucial molecule involved in various cellular processes, including energy production and DNA repair.  

It is found in every cell of the body and plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health 1. However, as we age, our NAD+ levels decline, which can lead to a range of health problems. 

There are several factors that contribute to the decline in NAD+ levels with age. One reason is that NAD+ simply isn’t produced at the same rates from the precursor molecules available 2.  

Enzymes involved in NAD+ synthesis, such as NAMPT, may decline in activity or expression, leading to reduced NAD+ production.  Additionally, certain enzymes such as PARPs (Poly ADP-ribose polymerases) and CD38 consume NAD+ during DNA repair and immune responses.  

With age, the activation of these enzymes may increase, leading to higher NAD+ consumption and depletion 3. 

Chronic low-grade inflammation known as “inflammaging” is another factor that contributes to the decline in NAD+ levels with age 4 . Oxidative stress caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can also lead to NAD+ depletion 5. DNA damage and senescence are other factors that contribute to the decline in NAD+ levels with age 6. 

The decline in NAD+ levels with age can lead to a range of health problems. For example, it can impair mitochondrial function and reduce energy production. It can also lead to DNA damage and impaired DNA repair mechanisms.  

Additionally, it can contribute to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. 

Fortunately, there are ways to boost your NAD+ levels naturally.  

One way is through exercise. Studies have shown that exercise can increase NAMPT activity and boost NAD+ production. Another way is through diet. Foods such as milk, yeast, fish, and meat contain high levels of niacin (vitamin B3), which is a precursor to NAD+.  

You can also take supplements such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which have been shown to increase NAD+ levels. 

In conclusion, maintaining healthy NAD+ levels are crucial for overall health and well-being.  

By understanding the factors that contribute to the decline in NAD+ levels with age and taking steps to boost your levels naturally, you can help protect yourself against a range of health problems. 

 

References: 

• ScienceDirect: Why NAD+ Declines during Aging: It’s Destroyed 2016 1 
• Jonathan D. Grinstein, Ph.D. NMN: Why NAD+ Declines With Age. 2022. 2 
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Age-related NAD+ decline 3 
• Frontiers in Immunology: Inflammaging: A New Immune-Metabolic Viewpoint for Age-Related Diseases 4 
• Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity: Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Changes in T Cells: Is There a Role for NADPH Oxidases? 5 
• Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology: The DNA damage response: making it safe to play with knives. 6