NAD: Key Questions Answered – A Neuroscientist’s POV – Adapt

Mike is the co-founder of Adapt, holds a degree in neuroscience and is currently at St. Andrews Medical School. When he's not researching new formulations or speaking with customers, you'll find him experimenting with different ways to help people get that extra 10% out of life.

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What is NAD?

You’ve probably heard a lot about NAD ( Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) lately, especially in the context of aging and energy. NAD is one of those molecules that sits at the crossroads of science, wellness, and—if we’re being honest—hype.

NAD is a coenzyme, meaning it’s like a helper molecule, found in every single cell in your body. It's essential for life. NAD plays a huge role in metabolism—like converting the food you eat into energy. It’s also crucial for repairing DNA, which, as we age, becomes more and more important. Think of it as a worker bee buzzing around, making sure your cells are working properly.

As we get older, NAD levels plummet. By the time you’re 50, your NAD levels could be half of what they were when you were 20. So, that’s why people are interested in boosting it—because when NAD levels drop, it affects how well our cells function, how we produce energy, and how quickly we age.

How does NAD work?

Every time you breathe, move, or think, NAD is involved in generating the energy your body needs. It’s heavily involved in the mitochondria and in DNA repair.

NAD+ also activates proteins called sirtuins, which are like the guardians of our cells. They protect against damage, regulate gene expression, and are key players in aging and metabolism. If sirtuins are the bodyguards, NAD is the one paying their salary. Without enough NAD, they can’t do their job well.

What is the impact of NAD?

NAD impacts nearly every system in the body. If you’ve heard about longevity, you’ve likely heard about NAD. It’s involved in everything from energy production to aging and metabolism. I’m particularly interested in its neuroprotective effects, especially as it relates to cognitive function.

1. Aging and Longevity

NAD plays a big role in anti-aging. As it helps repair DNA and maintain cell function, increasing NAD levels can slow down some aspects of aging at the cellular level. Research is showing promise—especially in animal models—where increasing NAD seems to extend lifespan and improve overall health.

2. Cognitive Function

Your brain is a massive energy consumer, and NAD helps ensure neurons (brain cells) have enough fuel. Higher NAD levels are associated with better mitochondrial function, which keeps neurons healthy. There’s also some promising research suggesting that boosting NAD could slow cognitive decline and even protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s.

3. Metabolism and Energy

When NAD levels are higher, your cells are more efficient at producing energy. That’s why people often report feeling more energetic or having a clearer mind when they start taking NR or NMN supplements. NAD also plays a role in regulating metabolism, so there’s a connection between NAD and weight management, insulin sensitivity, and fat metabolism.

4. DNA Repair and Cancer

This is a big one. NAD is like the handyman of your cells, constantly repairing broken or damaged DNA. This is crucial for keeping cells healthy and preventing mutations that can lead to cancer. It’s still an area being actively studied, but there’s hope that NAD+ could play a role in cancer prevention.

Research & Results on NAD

Okay, let’s talk science. There have been some fascinating studies on NAD:

Anti-Aging: In a 2020 study in Frontiers, humans given NMN showed improved ATP energy production (similar to Cordyceps). Essentially, they produced energy better.
Neuroprotection: There’s research in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience showing that increasing NAD levels helped protect against cognitive decline in mice models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Metabolism: Another study from Nature Communications found that boosting NAD+ levels in mice helped improve their mitochondrial function and metabolic health, potentially reducing risks related to obesity and diabetes.

The science is still evolving, especially when it comes to translating these findings to humans, but the results are promising.

Final Thoughts: Why NAD Matters

So, why care about NAD? Well, it's central to how we age, how our metabolism functions, and how our brains stay sharp. As we get older, our NAD levels drop, but there are ways to boost it, whether through supplements like NMN or just by eating better, moving more, and managing stress.

When I look at the role of NAD in longevity, cognitive function, and overall energy, it’s clear why it’s such a hot topic. It’s one of those molecules that can have far-reaching benefits, and while the science is still unfolding, the potential is massive.

Just like with Adapt’s functional mushroom drinks, it's about finding natural ways to support how our bodies adapt and thrive to modern life. NAD’s role in our wellness is huge—and staying informed about it could make all the difference as we navigate aging, energy, and health.

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NAD: Key Questions Answered – A Neuroscientist’s POV