NAD+: A Molecule at the Centre of Healthy-Ageing Research

People have long wished to live longer, to overcome the body's decline, and to find ways to slow ageing. What is supported by scientific evidence is caring for the body, diet and mind.

Data from around 2015 put the average global life expectancy at about 71.4 years, which means some places are lower and some higher. Five places in the world are known for people who live long and healthy lives, called the Blue Zones (The Blue Zones Solution, 2015).

The 5 Blue Zones of long-lived people

Each place has its own interesting way of life:

• Sardinia, Italy: one of the highest proportions of men aged over 100 in the world. The diet is mostly plant-based, many people work as shepherds and walk at least 8 kilometres a day, and families are close and warm. Scientists have also found a genetic marker called M26 among people here that may be linked to longevity. It is a combination of genes, diet, exercise and emotional wellbeing.
• Okinawa, Japan: a culture of close bonds and mutual support, through small networks called Moai that encourage members throughout life, helping to reduce stress and build healthy habits. Women here are among the longest-lived in the world, and many are over 100.
• Nicoya, Costa Rica: people avoid processed food and eat beans, corn, vegetables and fruit, exercise outdoors and have a clear sense of purpose in life, supporting good physical and mental health. Many live to 90 and beyond.
• Loma Linda, California, USA: an important community of Seventh-day Adventists, who live with a strong focus on their faith community. Residents live about 10 years longer than the average American. Many do not eat meat, favouring vegetables, minimally refined grains and beans.
• Ikaria, Greece: islanders take great pride in their community and readily work together. They often stay up late but nap during the day, and eat a Mediterranean diet (plenty of fruit and vegetables, beans, minimally refined grains, potatoes and olive oil). About 1 in 3 Ikarians reach 90, and most have low rates of Alzheimer's disease and chronic illness.

What long-lived people have in common

In short, the longevity of these people is associated with their diet, social connection, emotional wellbeing (often linked to religion), low stress, a sense of purpose, physical activity, and possibly favourable genes as well.

Beyond these lifestyle factors, scientists have also become interested in a substance involved in cellular ageing: NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide).

What is NAD+?

NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme that the body makes naturally and that is found in almost every cell. It is derived from vitamin B3 (niacin).

The main role of NAD+ is to support metabolism by converting energy from food into energy cells can use. It is important for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids, and plays a part in keeping cells working normally.

As we age, the amount of NAD+ in our cells falls, and this is being studied as a possible factor in the ageing process. Raising NAD+ levels, including by intravenous (IV) administration, is currently under research and more data is needed.

NAD+ levels fall with age

Some sources estimate that NAD+ levels in the body fall considerably with age. For example:

• At 50, we may have about 40% less NAD+ than at 20
• By 80, NAD+ levels may have fallen considerably

David Sinclair's research

A leading researcher in this field is David Sinclair of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School, who describes NAD+ as a molecule that is vital to cells' energy production and survival.

Research in mice has found that raising NAD+ levels in older mice improved some signs of ageing. NAD+ plays a role inside cells by stimulating energy production and DNA repair, and its role in the nervous system is also being studied.

In March 2017 the journal Science published work by Sinclair and his team in which mice were given a compound that raises NAD+ in their drinking water. NAD+ levels in the mice rose quickly, and within about a week the tissues and muscles of older mice looked more like those of young mice. However, results in laboratory animals do not mean the same effect will occur in humans.

A later randomised study in humans reported that taking a supplement that raises NAD+ every day kept NAD+ levels consistently higher for about 2 months. The long-term health benefits and safety still need further study.

Sinclair has described his personal experience of taking supplements to raise his NAD+ levels and feeling more energetic; this is a personal account, not a clinical study result. He once said of NAD+:

“…the closest we’ve gotten to a fountain of youth.” – David Sinclair, Ph.D., A.O., Harvard Medical School

What is NAD+ IV?

NAD+ is now available in an intravenous form called NAD+ IV, a product imported from Germany. It is used to support health in areas such as:

• Healthy ageing (anti-aging)
• Supporting DNA repair processes
• Supporting metabolism and energy
• Supporting brain and nervous system function (neuro-protection)
• Supporting athletic recovery
• A feeling of mental clarity and alertness

What to know before you start

Results from NAD+ IV can vary from person to person, and human evidence for each of these areas is still being studied. NAD+ IV is therefore not a treatment for disease and cannot guarantee anti-ageing results. A physician will assess whether it is suitable for you before any programme begins.