NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is one of the most popular molecules in longevity research. This is not without reason, as it has been repeatedly demonstrated that our NAD levels decline significantly with age. At the same time, studies show that an increase in NAD levels is associated with numerous positive effects on various aspects of our health. For longevity researchers like David Sinclair or Mark Hyman NAD is the answer to central questions of aging. But how can we maintain our NAD levels and what role can regeNAD from MoleQlar play in this?
On one hand, one can supplement precursor molecules and on the other hand, slow down the breakdown.One third option is to support the NAD-producing enzymes. regeNAD from MOLEQLAR combines all three options. The composition of the NAD Regenerating Complex is based on the latest scientific findings and researched molecular pathways.
NAD – why you want to keep your level up as you age
Higher levels of NAD have shown impressive results in animal studies. The animals studied not only lived significantly longer on average (depending on the study between 10 and 20%), but were also significantly fitter. Their insulin sensitivity and their memory performance were significantly better than in the control groups.The first studies on humans also show good results, and many more clinical investigations are ongoing. To help you better understand the biochemical background, we briefly present the most important points as an overview.
NAD metabolism – a brief overview
The NAD metabolism is extraordinarily complex, and many molecules and enzymes play a role.Here you will find a brief summary of the most important points:
- NAD is constantly built up and broken down in our body
- There are three ways our body can produce NAD:
- Preiss-Handler Path (Niacin)
- Recycling Path (NMN, NR, Nam)
- de novo Path (Tryptophan)
- The rate-limiting step ("bottleneck") for the production of NAD is facilitated by an enzyme called NAMPT – NMNAT is also very important
- With age, the proportion of NAD in our body decreases.
- The reasons for this are as follows:
- The production decreases (fewer precursors, fewer enzymes)
- The breakdown or consumption increases.This occurs through various enzymes that become active with age. One of them is called CD38.
- Higher inflammation levels increase the activity of CD38 and thereby lower NAD
- Researchers have found in numerous animal studies as well as in human trials that high NAD levels were associated with improved health in old age.
For more background information, you can anytime read our detailed articlel about the NAD-metabolism.
NAD boosting – why precursors are not enough
High NAD levels seem to be a promising way to achieve more vitality in old age. The first logical step would be to rely on the finished molecule. This has quickly proven to be not very effective. NAD (whether intravenous or oral) is "too large" and cannot be directly absorbed by our cells.
Let's take another look at NAD metabolism. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide is known to be produced in three different ways. All three decrease with age, and therefore we will look at how we can strengthen each pathway.
Through the "De-Novo-Pathway", our body can produce new NAD based on various precursors, new NAD can be produced.The only question that remains is, which precursor? This question has not yet been fully answered. There are some human studies on Nicotinamide Riboside Capsules as a supplement. Here the results are mixed, as not all individuals experienced an increase in NAD, but rather some breakdown products were elevated. Another possibility is to provide more "material" for the synthesis. Our body uses the amino acid L-Tryptophan as a basis for the synthesis of new NAD. By increasing the supply of this amino acid, we can support the "de novo pathway".
Nicotinamide and Nicotinic acid are two very similarly structured molecules. They differ only in one chemical group. Nicotinic acid, also abbreviated as NA, contains a carboxyl group (COOH), while Nicotinamide has a nitrogen-containing amide group. Both are derivatives of Vitamin B3, also known as Niacin.Although very similar in structure, the two molecules are metabolized slightly differently. Nicotinic acid is the starting material for the "Preiss-Handler Pathway". Here, NA is converted into NMN via the enzyme NAPRT.
Nicotinamide can also be converted into NMN as a precursor. Interestingly, the produced molecule can be converted back to NAD not only via the "De-Novo Pathway" but also via the "Salvage Pathway", which is the most active of the three pathways. Thus, we can enhance all three pathways.
regeNAD – a power bundle with more than one approach
From human studies, it can be inferred that a sole administration of precursors is not always sufficient to increase NAD levels in the organism.Not only does the synthesis of NAD and recycling decrease, but the breakdown due to the inflammation-related increase of CD38 also increases. For this reason, we need more than one approach to increase the NAD levels in your body.
According to the minimum law of the German chemist Justus von Liebig, growth is limited by the scarcest resource in relation. Figuratively, some of you may still remember the wine barrel with wooden slats of varying heights. The lowest slat determines the height of the water level. It works similarly in our body. We need all resources in sufficient quantities to maintain the NAD metabolism. Here, regeNAD not only supports you with several precursors, but it also offers you an additional advantage with Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is used as a coenzyme for the conversion of NMN to NAD.
How can you actually measure the NAD level? Quite certainly (not) at your general practitioner. Since this is not a routine measurement in medical practice, we have developed an at-home test kit for your NAD level in collaboration with the University of Vilnius.
Find out where you stand and discover which method helps you maintain and increase your NAD level.
NAD Precursors: More Material for Your Cells
regeNAD provides you with various precursors of NAD and the important co-factor Vitamin B6. The amino acid L-Tryptophan is the starting point of the “De Novo Synthesis” of NAD. The Vitamin B3 derivatives Nicotinic Acid and Nicotinamide can also be converted to NAD through various pathways. Thus, you activate not only the “De Novo Pathway” but also the “Preiss-Handler Pathway” and the “Salvage Pathway.”
But that's not all that is in regeNAD.
Nice side effect of Vitamin B3 in studies: The ApoB levels decrease and HDL is increased.Thus, you simultaneously have the chance to support your vascular health.
Degradation inhibition: Less CD38 increases your NAD levels
A versatile diet, rich in vegetables and legumes, forms the basis for a healthy life. The high importance of a plant-based diet has been scientifically confirmed time and again. One of the main reasons for the health-promoting effects of this diet is the secondary plant compounds it contains.For the NAD metabolism, Apigenin and Luteolin are of interest. Apigenin belongs to the family of flavonoids and is naturally found in plants such as parsley and chamomile. In animal studies, the administration of Apigenin was able to increase NAD levels by about 50%. The mechanism involved is the inhibition of CD38. In addition, the molecule has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This effect is mediated through a reduction of inflammatory substances, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6).It also supports various enzymes for glutathione metabolism and seems to have positive effects on vascular diseases and diabetes mellitus.
Luteolin
Another plant-based flavonoid is Luteolin. It is mainly found in carrots, olive oil, thyme, and rosemary. In high concentrations it has been shown that Luteolin can support the recycling of NAD (salvage-pathway). This is the quantitatively most important source of NAD in our body. Luteolin acts by stimulating the key enzyme, NAMPT, which converts NAM into NMN. Key enzyme here means that the speed of the entire reaction depends on this enzyme.Thus, Luteolin can boost NAD metabolism. In addition to its role in NAD metabolism, Luteolin also affects other areas of our body. Similar to Apigenin, Luteolin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Even more exciting for research is the interaction between Luteolin and the "longevity genes," also known as sirtuins. In addition to activating SIRT1, some research groups are investigating the role of Luteolin on SIRT6. Luteolin binds to SIRT6 and increases the enzyme's activity by twofold. This stimulates DNA repair mechanisms, leading to healthier cells.
Did you know? Another molecule that can support inflammatory processes, glutathione metabolism, and healthier mitochondria is GlyNAC. According to a large-scale human study from the Baylor College of Medicine, regular intake of GlyNAC could lead to a measurable strengthening of the mitochondria .
