NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide , a vital coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a central role in metabolism

. It is composed of two nucleotides joined by their phosphate groups-one containing adenine and the other nicotinamide

. NAD exists in two forms:

• NAD⁺ (oxidized form) : acts as an electron acceptor in redox reactions, becoming reduced.
• NADH (reduced form) : carries electrons and donates them in metabolic processes

Its primary function is to transfer electrons during enzymatic reactions, which is crucial for generating cellular energy

. NAD is involved in over 500 enzymatic reactions including those related to energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling

. NAD levels naturally decline with age, which is linked to aging and age- related diseases such as cognitive decline, cancer, and metabolic disorders

. This decline affects energy metabolism and cellular health, making NAD a focus of anti-aging and wellness research

. NAD can be synthesized in the body from amino acids like tryptophan or aspartic acid or obtained from dietary sources such as niacin (vitamin B3)

. It is also a precursor to NADP, another important coenzyme involved mainly in anabolic reactions

. In summary, NAD is an essential molecule that:

• Facilitates electron transfer in metabolism
• Supports energy production in cells
• Plays roles in DNA repair and immune function
• Declines with age, impacting health and aging processes

This makes NAD critical for maintaining cellular function and overall health.