NAD+
About NAD+
NAD+ is not a peptide — it's a molecule your body makes and uses constantly. Every cell relies on it to produce energy, fix damaged DNA, and regulate dozens of critical processes. The problem is that NAD+ levels drop significantly as we age — by the time you're 50, your cells may have less than half the NAD+ they had at 20. This makes it a major focus of longevity and aging research. Scientists are studying what happens when NAD+ is restored in aging cells and whether that can slow or reverse some signs of cellular aging.
Mechanism of Action
NAD+ acts like a rechargeable battery inside your cells. It picks up energy from food you eat and delivers it to your mitochondria (your cells' power plants) to make fuel. It also powers a family of proteins called sirtuins — sometimes called "longevity genes" — that help repair DNA and regulate metabolism. Without enough NAD+, cells struggle to repair themselves and produce energy efficiently. Researchers study what happens when aging cells get a fresh supply.
Research Highlights
- Involved in over 500 chemical reactions that keep your cells alive and working
- Powers sirtuins — proteins nicknamed the "longevity genes" by researchers
- Needed for the repair process when DNA gets damaged
- Levels decline by 50%+ between age 20 and 50 — a key reason researchers study it
- One of the most active areas of aging and longevity biology research today