A specific group of molecules, including Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), that serve as immediate, bioavailable building blocks for the essential coenzyme Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) within all living cells. As endogenous NAD+ levels naturally decline with advancing age, these precursors are utilized in clinical and wellness settings to support the body’s internal production of this vital molecule. Supplementation is aimed at replenishing the cellular NAD+ pool to sustain energy metabolism and critical cellular repair processes.
Origin
The term is derived from the core biochemical compound NAD+, an acronym for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, and “precursors,” meaning substances from which another substance is formed. Its origin lies in cellular metabolism and longevity research, which established NAD+ as a critical, rate-limiting regulator of sirtuins and other aging-related pathways. The focus on precursors emerged as a practical, clinically viable strategy to enhance the bioavailability of the coenzyme within tissues.
Mechanism
Once administered, NAD+ precursors are absorbed and enter cells, where they are rapidly converted through specific enzymatic salvage pathways into functional NAD+. NAD+ then acts as an essential coenzyme in hundreds of metabolic reactions, most notably serving as an electron acceptor in the electron transport chain for ATP production and as a necessary substrate for enzymes like sirtuins and PARPs. By boosting NAD+ levels, these precursors support mitochondrial efficiency, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and improve overall cellular resilience against metabolic and oxidative stress.
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