Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is one of the most important molecules in the human body and is the second most abundant cofactor. It works as a shuttle, transporting electrons to different cells as both a coenzyme and metabolite as needed. NAD+ has a role in several important biological and metabolic processes. It works in the mitochondria to help generate new cells, maintain cell functioning, and repair DNA responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolism, in turn slowing down the aging process.

Additionally, cellular concentrations of NAD+ have been shown to decrease under conditions of increased oxidative damage such as occurs during aging. Altered levels of NAD+ have been found to accompany several disorders associated with increased oxidative/free radical damage including diabetes, heart disease, age-related vascular dysfunction, ischemic brain injury, misfolded neuronal proteins, and Alzheimer’s dementia. Interventions targeted at restoring NAD+ have been shown in animal models to support healthy aging and improve metabolic function, and dementia.