By Dr Dan Plews

In this blog I am going to discuss an essential metabolic coenzyme called NAD+, and why it is so essential to your health. Some of you may be aware of NAD+, but it is fair to say that NAD+ metabolism is one of the trickier areas of physiology I have discussed so far. Taking some time to discuss NAD+ is definitely worth it though, as changes in NAD+ appear to have strong implications in the negative effects of ageing and health benefits of exercise.

The physiology of NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a metabolic coenzyme critical to the physiological function of all living cells. NAD exists in two forms: in an oxidised form as NAD+, and in a reduced form as NADH. Those of us that have studied exercise physiology and metabolism may be familiar with the concept of NAD as a means of linking the citric acid cycle to oxidative phosphorylation in the aerobic energy system. Specifically, in the oxidation of fats and carbohydrates, and in the citric acid cycle,...