What is NAD+? A foundational cellular coenzyme
NAD+ is a dinucleotide composed of nicotinamide and adenine linked by phosphate groups. It cycles between oxidised (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms as it accepts and donates electrons in cellular metabolism. Beyond redox chemistry, NAD+ is a required substrate for the sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) involved in DNA repair, and CD38/CD157 ectoenzymes. Its central position across metabolism and repair biology makes it one of the most-studied cellular molecules in longevity research.



