Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential molecule that plays a critical role in almost every metabolic process in the body. Through its roles as a cofactor, electron donor and signalling molecule, NAD+ is essential for many biological processes. These include ATP synthesis, DNA repair, secondary messenger signalling, epigenetic regulation of gene expression and cell survival. NAD+ naturally declines with age. The gradual decline of NAD+ concentrations takes place across multiple human organs and tissues, including skin, blood, liver, muscles and brain. Reduced concentration of NAD+ results in suboptimal functioning of the NAD+ dependent pathways. This in turn results in an increase in issues relating to metabolic function, inflammation, senescence and degeneration of the nervous system. When NAD+ dependent mechanism are compromised, diseases of ageing are then more likely to occur. By increasing NAD+ and therefore increasing the activity of the NAD-dependent processes, we can help prevent, delay or improve the NAD+ mechanisms of ageing. In doing so, we can prevent, delay or improve the seven diseases of ageing.
See the NMN factsheet for further information.