NAD+, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a vitamin B3 derivative and a co-factor for hundreds of enzymatic reactions, that play many key roles in energy production, longevity and health. NAD+ is found in all cells in our body, specifically in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells. In mitochondria NAD+ enables the transfer of energy released from fatty acids and glucose, so that it can be converted into cellular energy.

Further, NAD+ activates several molecules, the so-called NAD-dependent enzymes, that are crucial for the healthy functioning of our cells. These include the sirtuin family, the PARP family and the CD38 enzyme.

Sirtuins, sometimes called the housekeeping or longevity enzymes, regulate a number of genes responsible for fat and glucose metabolisms, cellular defense, reproduction, brain plasticity as well as memory. Sirtuins, specifically SIRT1 and SIRT3, are directly activated by NAD+ and are closely linked to longevity through their action of turning off certain genes that promote aging, such as those involved in inflammation, blood sugar management and fat storage. Sirtuins also play a significant role in the maintenance of telomere length. Scientists have linked long telomeres with longevity.

The PARP (Poly ADP-ribose polymerase) family, another vital enzyme group, is involved in a myriad of processes, including DNA repair, genomic stability, and apoptosis, also called programmed cell death. Thus, they exert direct anti-aging effects by modulating our genes.

The CD38 (cluster of differentiation 38) protein is found on the surface of white blood cells functioning both as a receptor and an enzyme. CD38 plays an important role in cell adhesion, signal transduction and calcium signaling. Further, CD38 is believed to control or influence neurotransmitter release from the brain and glucose-induced insulin secretion in the pancreas.

If proper NAD+ levels are maintained, the cells are protected against both impaired mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, NAD+ levels plummet drastically with age leading to signs and symptoms of aging. Decreasing NAD+ levels eventually result in increased DNA damage and DNA coding errors occur. DNA coding errors enable the production of damaging proteins that can lead to metabolic disorders like diabetes and heart disease, as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and DNA error-based cancer formation.

NAD+ IV infusions are the best way to restore healthy NAD+ levels and combat aging, while supporting energy production and cellular repair.