The Full Monty

NAD+ added to our Signature drip

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells and is involved in various metabolic processes, including energy production. NAD+ plays a crucial role in cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients into usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Here's how NAD+ contributes to energy production:

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1. Role in Cellular Respiration: NAD+ is a key player in both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, two major pathways involved in cellular respiration. In glycolysis, NAD+ accepts electrons from glucose-derived molecules, which are then transferred to the electron transport chain (ETC) during oxidative phosphorylation. This transfer of electrons ultimately generates a proton gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane, driving ATP synthesis.

2. Mitochondrial Function: NAD+ is involved in the function of mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses responsible for ATP production. Within mitochondria, NAD+ participates in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, also known as the citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle. In this cycle, NAD+ accepts electrons from intermediate molecules, facilitating the oxidation of nutrients (e.g., glucose, fatty acids) and the generation of reducing equivalents (NADH and FADH2), which feed into the ETC to produce ATP.

3. Regulation of Metabolic Pathways: NAD+ serves as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in metabolic pathways, including those responsible for glycolysis, the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation. By donating and accepting electrons, NAD+ helps regulate these pathways to ensure efficient energy production and metabolic homeostasis.

4. DNA Repair and Sirtuin Activation: NAD+ is a substrate for enzymes called sirtuins, which play roles in cellular processes such as DNA repair, gene expression, and stress response. Sirtuins require NAD+ as a cofactor for their enzymatic activity. Activation of sirtuins through NAD+ supplementation or other means may have beneficial effects on energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and longevity.

5. Anti-aging Effects: NAD+ levels tend to decline with age, which has been associated with impaired mitochondrial function, decreased energy production, and age-related diseases. Boosting NAD+ levels through supplementation with precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has been proposed as a potential strategy to mitigate age-related decline in energy metabolism and promote healthy aging.

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Overall, NAD+ plays a critical role in cellular energy production, mitochondrial function, and metabolic regulation. Maintaining adequate NAD+ levels is essential for optimal energy metabolism and overall cellular health