NAD+ boosting refers to therapeutic or supplemental strategies aimed at increasing the cellular concentration of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital coenzyme central to energy metabolism and cellular signaling. Because NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, this strategy is employed to enhance mitochondrial function, support DNA repair mechanisms mediated by sirtuins, and regulate cellular senescence. Optimizing NAD+ is a key focus in longevity research, given its essential role in maintaining the cellular environment necessary for robust endocrine function.
Origin
The term is derived from the biochemical understanding of NAD+’s discovery in the early 20th century and its subsequent recognition as a pivotal molecule in redox reactions and metabolic health. The “boosting” concept emerged from contemporary research demonstrating that precursor molecules, such as Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), can effectively bypass rate-limiting steps to increase NAD+ biosynthesis.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism involves administering NAD+ precursors that enter the salvage pathway, where they are rapidly converted into NAD+ by specific enzymes like NAMPT and NMNAT. Increased NAD+ levels then serve as a required substrate for sirtuin proteins and PARPs, which are essential for repairing DNA damage and regulating gene expression related to stress resistance and metabolism. This enhanced cellular energy and repair capacity indirectly supports the optimal function of hormone-producing and hormone-responsive tissues.
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