A novel study published in Nature Metabolism has revealed the key role that the mitochondria play in regulating NAD levels during cellular stress and/or ageing.
Together, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that a reduction in the mitochondrial NAD levels can contribute to metabolic imbalance and age-related neurological conditions.
This effect, according to first author Fiona Fitzpatrick, is much more pronounced than the impact of lowering NAD levels in the cell as a whole, highlighting the key role the mitochondria play in cellular NAD homeostasis.
NXT USA and its partner Blue Helix Health have highlighted this key finding, as they believe that NAD-boosting nutraceuticals are the key to supporting the metabolism, as well as cellular functioning.
The importance of NAD in the body
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, is a key metabolic coenzyme involved in energy balance, healthy cellular function and DNA repair.
As we age, our NAD levels naturally deplete, though this research has revealed that while cells can reasonably adapt to NAD decline caused by ageing, a reduction in mitochondrial NAD levels has a severe impact on the body.
Researchers believe that mitochondrial NAD acts as a "buffer", allowing all cellular compartments to maintain sufficient NAD levels during periods of stress, nutrient deprivation and ageing.
On top of this, they also identified key transporters and enzymes that regulate cellular NAD availability, potentially leading to the development of solutions that can target mitochondrial health.
“The main takeaway is that NAD decline is generally well tolerated by cells unless it originates in mitochondria. Mitochondria act as a cellular buffer for NAD, and their dysfunction may exacerbate neurodegenerative diseases known to involve mitochondrial
deficiencies,” said Dr. Mathias Zeigler, one of the paper’s authors and a professor of biomedicine at the University of Bergen, Norway.
The potential of NAD ingredients moving forward
With a further understanding of the role that the mitochondria play in maintaining cellular health, the pharma and nutraceutical industries alike could develop ingredients that act on this cellular element specifically.
By targeting this crucial cellular component, businesses could unlock solutions that can target the negative symptoms of ageing.
This can allow users to support their mental acuity, memory and overall neurological resilience, according to Blue Helix Health.
“This research reinforces the significance of maintaining healthy NAD levels, which is vital for health and longevity. Our BluNAD Booster is designed to support NAD by promoting its availability and naturally slowing its decline. By targeting key pathways that influence NAD
balance, BluNAD Booster helps optimize cellular energy and promote overall well-being,” concluded Elise Kaiser, Chief Growth Officer of Blue Helix Health.
Reference
1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-024-01174-w