HealthMap

Overview of NAD

• Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a vital coenzyme found in all living cells.
• It is a derivative of vitamin B3 (niacin).
• It plays a fundamental role in metabolism and cellular energy production.

Primary Biochemical Functions

• Redox Reactions: NAD acts as an electron carrier, shuttling electrons from one metabolic reaction to another.
• Coenzyme Activity: It alternates between two forms: NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced).
• Energy Metabolism: Essential for glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria to produce ATP.

Cellular and Health Significance

• Enzyme Cofactor: Serves as a substrate for enzymes like sirtuins, which are linked to aging, gene expression, and DNA repair.
• PARP Activation: Involved in DNA repair mechanisms via poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases.
• Homeostasis: Critical for maintaining metabolic health, cellular stress resistance, and overall longevity.