NAD+

What is NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme compound composed of nicotinamide, ribose, phosphate, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP), primarily functions as a coenzyme for dehydrogenase enzymes in redox reactions. The nicotinamide nitrogen in its molecule can undergo reversible electron acceptance to change its oxidation state (from +5 to +3), while the carbon atom at the ortho position can undergo hydrogenation reduction by a single hydrogen atom.

NAD+ acts as a carrier for hydrogen atoms and electrons in biological oxidation processes, responsible for accepting 2H (2H⁺ + 2e⁻) released by metabolites and transferring it to flavoproteins. As the initial coenzyme in the NADH oxidative respiratory chain, NAD+ functions as a hydrogen carrier during oxidative phosphorylation and plays a critical role in cytoplasm-mitochondria shuttle mechanisms such as the α-glycerophosphate shuttle and the malate-aspartate shuttle.

Benefits of NAD+

Energy Metabolism: NAD+ plays vital roles in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. During aerobic respiration, it participates in lactate and pyruvate production while accepting and releasing electrons in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and mitochondrial respiratory chain, thereby aiding ATP synthesis. In anaerobic metabolism, NAD+ also contributes to lactate and alcohol production.

DNA Repair: As a cofactor, NAD+ regulates multiple DNA repair pathways, including base excision repair and nucleotide exchange repair. It also modulates PARP protein activity to repair DNA single-strand breaks, thereby maintaining genomic stability.

Anti-Aging: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is also an essential substrate for Sirtuin family proteins, which are associated with lifespan extension, inflammation regulation, and stress responses. With aging, human nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels gradually decline. Supplementing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or elevating its levels may help slow the aging process. By activating longevity proteins like sirtuins, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide can improve cellular metabolism and enhance repair capabilities, thereby delaying the aging of tissues and organs.

Regulating the Biological Clock: NAD+ is involved in circadian rhythm regulation by influencing the expression of clock genes, thereby modulating sleep-wake cycles and metabolic rhythms. Maintaining adequate NAD+ levels helps sustain a normal biological clock, improves sleep quality, and promotes overall health.

Enhancing Cardiovascular Function: Research indicates that elevated NAD+ levels can prevent heart damage caused by insufficient blood supply and protect the heart from abnormal enlargement. This holds significant importance for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

NAD+ Dosage

Initially, administer 50 mg subcutaneously weekly for 4 weeks. Subsequently, increase the dose to 100 mg weekly. If side effects occur, reduce the dose to 50 mg weekly for 4 weeks or consider discontinuing treatment after consulting a physician. Maximum dose: 100 mg weekly. Assess patient progress every 4 weeks.

Other administration methods include intravenous injection and nasal spray. Specific dosages vary based on individual health conditions.

Nad+ Side Effects

Injection site discomfort, erythema, or small nodules.

Mild fatigue, nausea, or headache (especially at higher doses). Mitigation strategies: Reduce injection speed; administer in divided doses if necessary.