**NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)** is a vital coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a crucial role in **cellular metabolism**, **energy production**, **DNA repair**, and **cell signaling**. Here's a breakdown:
 
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### 🔬 **What Is NAD+?**
 
* NAD+ is the **oxidized form** of the molecule (as opposed to NADH, the reduced form).
* It consists of two nucleotides: one with **adenine** and the other with **nicotinamide**.
* It functions primarily as a **coenzyme**, helping enzymes catalyze chemical reactions.
 
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### ⚡️ **Main Functions of NAD+**
 
1. **Energy Production (Metabolism):**
 
   * NAD+ is essential in cellular respiration, especially during the **Krebs cycle** and **electron transport chain**.
   * It carries **electrons** from one reaction to another, which is key to generating **ATP**, the cell’s energy currency.
 
2. **Redox Reactions:**
 
   * NAD+ accepts electrons and becomes NADH, a form that stores energy temporarily.
   * NADH later donates electrons to help produce ATP.
 
3. **DNA Repair:**
 
   * NAD+ is required for the activity of **PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases)**, enzymes that repair damaged DNA.
 
4. **Cell Longevity & Aging:**
 
   * NAD+ activates **sirtuins**, proteins involved in cellular health, stress resistance, and longevity.
   * Declining NAD+ levels are associated with **aging**, **neurodegeneration**, and **metabolic diseases**.
 
5. **Immune & Inflammatory Response:**
 
   * Plays a role in modulating the immune system and inflammatory processes.
 
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### 🧴 **NAD+ Supplementation**
 
* NAD+ levels decline with age, stress, poor diet, and illness.
* Supplement forms include:
 
  * **Nicotinamide riboside (NR)**
  * **Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)**
* **NAD+ IV therapy** is another method to boost systemic levels, often marketed for energy, cognitive function, and recovery.
 
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### 🧠 **Why Is NAD+ Important?**
 
* Vital for:
 
  * Cellular energy
  * Healthy aging
  * Cognitive function
  * Metabolism
  * Muscle and mitochondrial health