What is NAD+? What Is NAD+?——Part One

What is an enzyme? An enzyme is a protein. There are more than 1,000 enzymes in our bodies, which are catalysts for various biological functions in the body. Our saliva, for example, contains the enzyme amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates in food into small molecules that can be absorbed by the stomach and small intestine. In addition to breaking down molecules, some enzymes help build them, including Adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATP Synthase). It is an important enzyme that works with NAD+ to produce energy for the body.

What are "coenzymes"? Coenzymes are non-protein molecules. They temporarily attach to enzymes and catalyze chemical reactions in the body through the transfer of electrons. As a coenzyme, NAD+ and the enzyme ATP Synthase transfer electrons to make energy for the cell. Coenzymes are essentially tiny transporters that repeatedly transfer electrons to the enzyme.

Where do we get the coenzyme? Our bodies make their own coenzymes, and we also get them in the form of vitamins through diet or supplements. Different vitamins have different roles for coenzymes. Some vitamins, such as folic acid and other B vitamins, provide the body with building blocks to make coenzymes. Instead of acting as building blocks, vitamins C and E act independently as antioxidants.

How do we get NAD+? NAD+ is made by the body's own cells. Methods such as fasting and exercise can increase the body's production of NAD+. In addition, we can also increase NAD+ levels through supplements. Eating foods rich in vitamin B3 and taking NAD+ supplements can help maintain NAD+ in the body. If you want to use only foods to help maintain NAD+ levels, you can consider foods rich in vitamin B3, such as milk, mushrooms, fish, green vegetables, and yeast. Since NAD+ cannot enter cells directly, taking NAD+ supplements directly has limited effect on increasing NAD+ levels in the body. A paper in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology shows that our bodies break down oral NAD+ into smaller molecules to get into cells, where it is then reconstituted again. This process of breakdown and assembly requires additional energy and time, so taking NAD+ supplements directly is not an efficient way to increase the body's NAD+ levels.