Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Why You Need It

• Boosts Cellular Energy: It helps convert food into ATP, the usable energy that powers your body.
• Supports DNA Repair: NAD+ fuels enzymes (like PARPs) that fix damaged DNA, protecting your genetic code.
• Regulates Circadian Rhythm: It helps manage your internal body clock, promoting better sleep cycles.
• Healthy Aging: Maintaining NAD+ levels is associated with improved mitochondrial function and longevity.

Deep Dive

NAD+ works in two main ways: it helps break down nutrients in the oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction to create energy, and it acts as a signaling molecule. When you eat, NAD+ grabs electrons from food and passes them to the mitochondria to create a spark of energy. However, stress and alcohol consumption burn through NAD+ reserves rapidly. By keeping levels up, you ensure your cells have the fuel needed to repair themselves and function optimally.

Natural Food Sources

While you cannot eat pure NAD+, you can consume its precursors (building blocks) like Tryptophan, Niacin (Vitamin B3), and Nicotinamide Riboside.

Supplementation

If you are looking for a direct boost, supplements often use Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN). These are the 'raw materials' your body uses to synthesize NAD+.

Usage:

• Natural Approach: Prioritize a diet rich in B3 (Niacin) and protein.
• Supplement Dosage: Common dosages in studies range from 250mg to 1000mg of NR/NMN daily. Always consult a doctor before starting, as quality varies wildly in the supplement market.