NAD+ Peptide: Effects, Benefits and Scientific Substantiation

What is NAD+?

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in every cell in the body. It plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and epigenetic regulation. NAD+ exists in two forms: the oxidized form (NAD+) and the reduced form (NADH). As we age, NAD+ levels in our bodies decrease, which is associated with aging and the development of diseases of aging.

What is NAD+ Peptide?

The term “NAD+ peptide” usually refers to synthetic peptide compounds that stimulate the natural production of NAD+ or mimic its action in cellular processes. These peptides are designed to increase NAD+ levels or activate NAD+-dependent pathways, such as sirtuins.

In the context of anti-aging and regenerative medicine, NAD+ peptides are often used for:

• Cell Rejuvenation

• Mitochondrial function improvement

• Reduction of oxidative stress

• Improvement of cognitive function and energy levels

Effect of NAD+ Peptides

The action of NAD+ peptides can be summarized as follows:

1. Stimulation of NAD+ biosynthesis: Some peptides increase the availability of NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

2. Activation of sirtuins: Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent enzymes involved in DNA repair, inflammation inhibition and metabolism. Elevated NAD+ levels activate these enzymes.

3. Cell metabolism and energy production: NAD+ plays a key role in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) and the electron transport chain, which are essential for the production of ATP (the cell’s energy source).

4. DNA repair: NAD+ is required for the activity of PARP enzymes (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases), which repair damaged DNA.

5. Influencing gene expression: Through epigenetic pathways, NAD+ influences gene expression through histone modifications.

Scientific Substantiation

1. Decrease in NAD+ with aging.

• Aging leads to NAD+ depletion, which promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage.

• Source: Gomes et al, Cell (2013). “Declining NAD+ induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging.”

2. Sirtuins and NAD+.

• NAD+-dependent sirtuins are essential for maintaining cellular health. SIRT1 and SIRT3 improve mitochondrial function and metabolic health.

• Source: Imai & Guarente, Trends in Molecular Medicine (2014). “NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease.”

3. NAD+ supplementation via NMN or NR

• Supplementation with NAD+ precursors such as NMN and NR increases NAD+ levels, improves muscle function and cognitive performance in mouse models.

• Source: Mills et al, Cell Metabolism (2016). “Long-Term Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Mitigates Age-Associated Physiological Decline in Mice.”

4. NAD+ and neurodegenerative diseases

• NAD+ has protective effects in models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.

• Source: Lautrup et al, Nature Reviews Neurology (2019). “NAD+ in brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders.”

5. Clinical studies in humans

• Early clinical trials have shown that NAD+ supplementation is safe and improves biomarkers of aging, including insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and inflammatory markers.

• Source: Martens et al, Nature Communications (2018). “Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ levels in healthy middle-aged and older adults.”

Applications of NAD+ Peptides

• Anti-aging therapies: Slow down aging processes at the cellular level.

• Cognitive support: Potential in memory loss or cognitive decline.

• Detoxification and addiction treatment: NAD+ infusions are being investigated as support for addiction withdrawal.

• Mitochondrial disorders: In diseases characterized by energy problems at the cellular level.

Forms of administration

• Injectable peptides

• Infusion treatments (NAD+ IV therapy).

• Nasal sprays

• Orally in combination with NAD+ precursors

Critical Comments

While the science is promising, there are also critical issues:

• Many studies are preclinical (mice/models).

• Long-term effects in humans have not yet been sufficiently studied.

• Peptide therapy falls under experimental treatments in many countries.

Conclusion

NAD+ peptides represent an emerging field within biotechnology and anti-aging medicine. Science supports the importance of NAD+ for cell health, energy metabolism and DNA repair, and peptides that affect NAD+ pathways hold promise for various applications. Yet further research is needed to fully establish long-term safety and efficacy in humans.