What Does Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Do?
You may have heard about nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a coenzyme naturally found in living cells, which plays a central role in metabolism. NAD is usually involved in redox reactions (in chemistry), carrying electrons from one reaction to another.
However, NAD can be used in other cellular processes as well. It can add chemical groups to proteins, and it can also remove them. This makes it a potentially important tool for healing, anti-aging and DNA repair.
In a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment, NAD molecules bind with the proteins in your body to create active enzymes. Your body then uses these enzymes to revitalize cells from the inside out.
What Do Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Supplements Treat?
More research is needed to learn the full potential of NAD+, but some research suggests a range of benefits from NAD+ supplements. Mainly, NAD+ can be an important step in slowing age-related health problems.
NAD+ treatment may help:
- Support lifelong healthier brain function, including slowing down and preventing age-related memory and cognitive changes
- Boost energy by supporting healthy energy levels and metabolism
- Improve blood pressure and heart health by protecting blood vessels, reducing inflammation and stiffness
- Lower cholesterol by helping your lipid metabolism, decreasing the risk of blocked blood vessels
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide can also be used to treat drug addiction, depression, neurodegenerative disorders, memory loss and Alzheimer’s.
A Note About the Acronyms NAD, NAD+ and NADH
Scientists use the abbreviation NAD when they talk about nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. They also use two other abbreviations—NAD+ and NADH.
- NAD+ is the oxidized form of NAD. This means it has dropped an electron in a redox reaction.
- NADH is the reduced form of NAD. This means it has regained the dropped electron and is ready to move it to another molecule. The ‘H’ in NADH stands for hydrogen, making NADH the more active form of NAD.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide in Recent Studies
Recent studies, including a 2018 study published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling (ARS), a leading peer-reviewed journal, have shown that boosting NAD+ levels can profoundly reduce oxidative cell damage in tissue, including the brain. Researchers view the promotion of intracellular NAD+ metabolic processes as a promising therapeutic strategy. They believe it can help treat age-associated degenerative diseases.
Contact Us to Learn More About Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
If you’re interested in learning whether NAD+ treatment may be right for you, the team at Balance Hormone would love help. Talk with one of our medical professionals today by calling us at 480-718-9960 or scheduling an appointment.
