Role of NAD+ in Aging and Disease: Review

Synopsis

NAD+ is a key coenzyme for many physiological reactions, particularly those supporting mitochondrial function. Its decline with aging contributes to chronic conditions like cognitive decline, muscle loss, and metabolic disease, all of which involve impaired mitochondrial maintenance systems. Raising NAD+ through vitamin B3 precursors or drugs has become a common strategy to restore cellular balance. This review summarizes advances in understanding NAD+ metabolism, its role in mitochondrial health, results from clinical trials of NAD-boosting therapies, and priorities for translating these findings into real-world treatments.

JOURNAL

npj Metabolic Health and Disease