Photo by Michele Blackwell

For centuries, human beings have been searching for a Holy Grail to combat aging, improve memory, concentration, and brain health. Since the last few years, the popularity of NAD & NAD+ Supplements has seen a massive surge.

In recent years, NAD and NAD+ have become prized molecules in scientific research because of the vital role they play in biological functions. The coenzyme or “helper” molecule binds to other enzymes to assist in the execution of reactions on the molecular level. However, the body doesn’t produce an endless supply of NAD and this is where NAD and NAD+ supplements come into the picture.

The importance of NAD and NAD+ is evident from the fact that Euler-Chelpin during his 1930 Nobel Prize speech mentioned NAD+ as co-zymase because of its vitality. Few years later, Arthur Kornberg who went to win the Nobel Prize demonstrated how RNA and DNA are formed and discovered NAD synthetase, the enzyme that makes NAD+.

How Do NAD & NAD+ Supplements Work?

From bacteria to primates, Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) has remained one of the most vital and abundant molecules in cellular metabolism. NAD+ and NADH, collectively referred to as NAD, share some differences between them. While NAD+ is mentioned as a superscript plus for designating the charge and specific chemical state of the molecule, NADH refers to the specific opposite chemical state that NAD can be present within the human cells. When NAD+ accepts a hydride atom, NADH (the activated carrier molecule) happens.

In fact, human beings cannot survive without the presence of NAD+ for more than 30 seconds. This is primarily because NAD+ can be defined as the fulcrum behind the smooth and efficient functioning of mitochondria (the generator of cells in the body). NAD+ plays a critical role in converting food to energy and also helps in maintaining DNA integrity. If this is not all, NAD+ is responsible to make sure that our defensive genes perform smoothly so that the body is protected against aging & health complications.

NAD boosters or NAD supplements fight aging by targeting specific cells in the body. They also demonstrate efficacy to enhance alertness, mental clarity, memory, and concentration and therefore are commonly prescribed to people who are diagnosed with severe and debilitating health conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to these advantages, NAD and NAD+ supplements are also known to enhance athletic performance because of their ability to convert food into energy.

NAD and NAD+ supplements are also prescribed to treat high cholesterol, jet lag, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, depression, and opposing the effects of alcohol on the liver. They are also prescribed to protect people against the side effects of Zidovudine (AZT), an AIDS drug.