What is the Origin of Endogenous NAD+ Production?

The term is rooted in biochemistry and cellular metabolism, combining 'endogenous,' meaning originating from within the organism, with 'NAD+,' the abbreviation for the essential coenzyme. The discovery of the NAD+ metabolic pathways established its role as a central component of cellular health and aging research.

What is the Mechanism of Endogenous NAD+ Production?

The salvage pathway, which utilizes the enzyme Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), is the most efficient route for maintaining NAD+ pools in most tissues. NAD+ is then consumed by enzymes like PARPs (Poly-ADP-ribose polymerases) for DNA repair and sirtuins for gene expression regulation. The continuous cycle of synthesis and consumption is essential for sustaining mitochondrial function and overall cellular resilience against metabolic stress.

Endogenous NAD+ Production ∞ Area

Endogenous NAD+ Production

Meaning

Endogenous NAD+ production is the body’s intrinsic, internal synthesis of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. This includes the salvage pathway, which recycles NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide, and the de novo pathway, which synthesizes it from tryptophan. Maintaining robust endogenous production is vital for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and the activity of sirtuin longevity proteins.