4 Questions On NAD/NADH Testing Answered

Unlocking the Secrets of Cellular Energy

Cellular energy is the energy that cells use to form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) are crucial molecules needed for cellular energy production.

Understanding NAD and NADH

Niacin or nicotinic acid and its amide, nicotinamide, are the forms of vitamin B3 occurring in foods. Active coenzyme forms of the vitamin are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) that function as coenzymes in oxidation and reduction reactions, typically known as Redox reactions.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its reduced form, NADH, are essential coenzymes involved in countless biochemical reactions within our cells. During cellular respiration, NAD+ accepts electrons from the breakdown of glucose.  NAD+ and NADP undergo rapid cycling between their oxidized and reduced forms and the ratios (NAD+/NADH) is a measure of cell viability.

NAD+ plays a crucial role in glycolysis, a key metabolic pathway for breaking down glucose to produce energy where NAD+ acts an electron acceptor to reduce NAD+ to NADH. The NADH generated in glycolysis carries high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain in the mitochondria.

NAD+ regulates gene expression for enzymes that regulate apoptosis, DNA repair, stress resistance, metabolism, and endocrine signaling.

NAD+ plays a crucial role in the synthesis of tryptophan, an essential amino acid precursor to Serotonin. The relationship between tryptophan and NAD+ is complex and bidirectional dependent of the availability of tryptophan. The kynurenine pathway, which involves the conversion of tryptophan to NAD+, is a critical pathway with implications for various physiological processes.

Sirtuins are a family of proteins that are activated by NAD+ to promote longevity. The interplay between NAD+ and sirtuins has led to the development of NAD+ boosters and sirtuin activators as potential anti-aging interventions.

NAD+ to NADH. They play a pivotal role in:

• Energy production: NAD+ acts as an electron acceptor in cellular respiration, the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. NADH carries these electrons to the electron transport chain, where they are used to generate ATP, the primary energy currency of cells.
• DNA repair: NAD+ is a crucial substrate for enzymes involved in DNA repair, helping to maintain genomic stability.
• Cellular signaling: NAD+ and its metabolites are involved in various signaling pathways that regulate cellular processes, including inflammation and aging.

Why Test NAD/NADH Levels?

Testing NAD/NADH via a DIY Blood spot collection can provide valuable insights into:

• Cellular energy status: Measuring NAD+ and NADH levels can help assess mitochondrial function and identify potential energy deficiencies.
• Aging and age-related diseases: Declining NAD+ levels are associated with aging and age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic diseases.
• Metabolic disorders: Imbalances in NAD+/NADH ratios can contribute to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity.
• Response to interventions: Monitoring NAD+/NADH levels can help evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at boosting cellular energy and mitigating age-related decline, such as NAD+ precursors or lifestyle modifications.
  

Who Should Consider NAD/NADH Testing?

Consider testing NAD+ testing for individuals who:

• Experience chronic fatigue or low energy levels
• With age-related health concerns and chronic complex health conditions
• Have metabolic disorders, inflammation, metabolic syndrome
• Wish to optimize health span, cellular health and longevity

How is NAD/NADH Testing Performed?

NAD+ testing is performed with a blood spot test. The report includes a measure of NAD+, NADH, NADP, NADPH and Nicotinamide.

A comprehensive assessment of health span can be best measured in:

• NAD+ testing with Organic Acid Metabolomic Mapping and Telomere/Biological age testing.
• Organic Acid Metabolomic Mapping identifies the metabolic blocks in the production of energy in the form of ATP in the mitochondria. This urine spot collection identifies 63 organic acid metabolites.
• Telomere blood testing identifies telomere length associated with life span and health span expressed as biological vs chronological age.

Conclusion

NAD/NADH testing offers a unique window into cellular energy and metabolism. While NAD+ assessment is an emerging field, this test with a repertoire of associated longevity tests holds promise for improving our understanding of aging and age-related diseases, as well as guiding personalized interventions to enhance cellular health and vitality.

References

Xie, N., Zhang, L., Gao, W. et al. NAD⁺ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Sig Transduct Target Ther 5, 227 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-020-00311-7

Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021 Feb;22(2):119-141. doi: 10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x. Epub 2020 Dec 22. PMID: 33353981; PMCID: PMC7963035.

Yang Y, Sauve AA. NAD(+) metabolism: Bioenergetics, signaling and manipulation for therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2016 Dec;1864(12):1787-1800. doi: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2016.06.014. Epub 2016 Jun 29. PMID: 27374990; PMCID: PMC5521000.