NAD+ and Brain Cellular Energy
NAD+ is known for its broad role in cellular energy metabolism, including in the brain, one of the body's most energy demanding organs.
As the science unfolds, NAD+ is emerging as a molecule of interest for the cellular energy the brain relies on.
What NAD+ Does in Cells
It plays a critical role in mitochondrial energy production and is involved in DNA maintenance and in sirtuin function; sirtuins are enzymes involved in metabolic regulation.
Neurons rely on a constant supply of cellular energy.
NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and research is exploring how that decline relates to cellular energy in the brain.
Supporting healthy NAD+ levels supports the cellular energy processes neurons rely on.
What the Research Explores
Research on the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside, summarized in Nutrients (PMC8394119), has examined markers of energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and muscle function. It is important to note that this research was conducted on the precursor nicotinamide riboside, not on liposomal NAD+ products, and these findings describe the study outcomes rather than what any particular supplement delivers.
These outcomes focus on physical metrics, and the cellular processes behind energy metabolism are also relevant to the brain.
In addition, NAD+ is a substrate for sirtuins and PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases), enzymes involved in DNA maintenance and cellular maintenance. In neurons, these pathways are part of normal cellular maintenance.
How NAD+ Relates to Brain Cells
Neurons depend on mitochondria for energy.
The brain is exposed to everyday oxidative stress, and NAD+ is used by enzymes involved in normal DNA maintenance.
Together, these pathways are why NAD+ is of interest for the cellular energy the brain relies on across life stages.
NAD+ Across Life Stages
Younger adults often focus on productivity, while older adults often focus on healthy aging.
Preclinical studies have examined NAD+ pathways and neuronal function in laboratory models. These are early-stage findings in animal and cell models, and human research is ongoing (PMC8394119).
Advanced Delivery Matters: Protecting a Fragile Molecule
NAD+ is a fragile molecule that degrades when exposed to light, heat and water, breaking down into nicotinamide and ADP ribose.
Early testing of a non encapsulated NAD+ solution in water showed degradation of about 1.22% per day, even under refrigeration.
Liposomal encapsulation made a clear difference to stability compared with non encapsulated forms.
Independent HPLC testing has shown that our liposomal NAD+ formulation demonstrated no measurable degradation after 30 days under refrigerated storage, measuring 92.3 mg/mL on day 1 and 91.8 mg/mL on day 30.
Room temperature testing showed a 10% decrease over three weeks, highlighting the importance of proper storage.
Upcoming in vitro release profiling assays are expected to further characterize how the formulation releases NAD+.
Final Thoughts: Cellular Energy and the Brain
NAD+ sits within these systems, supporting mitochondrial energy and energy metabolism and taking part in DNA maintenance.
With growing interest in NAD+ and healthy aging, supporting healthy NAD+ levels represents an interesting area in wellness science.
As research expands, NAD+ may increasingly be viewed as one part of supporting cellular energy across the lifespan.
Want to Learn More?
Read our post on: NAD+ and Mental Clarity: How Cellular Energy Supports Focus
References
- Elhassan, Y.S. et al. (2021). Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-Inflammatory Signatures. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8394119/
- Oprah Daily. What Are the Benefits of NAD Supplements? https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a65667844/nad-supplement-benefits/
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