The Central Cofactor of Cellular Respiration

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is not a peptide but a coenzyme involved in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, contributing to an estimated 90% of cellular ATP production.

Why NAD+ Levels Decline With Age

Several studies describe an age-related decline in cellular NAD+ levels, which has motivated basic research into metabolism and energy homeostasis.

Direct Administration vs. Precursors

Most published human studies examine oral NAD+ precursors such as NMN or NR, not direct administration of NAD+ itself. For direct injectable use, the evidence base is considerably thinner.

Sources

  • Yoshino M, et al. Science. 2021;372(6547):1224–1229. PMID 33888596
  • Martens CR, et al. Nature Communications. 2018;9(1):1286. PMID 29599478

References without a PMID can be located via the respective publisher.