NAD+ Knowledge Directory
A comprehensive, empirical guide to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. Navigate through mechanisms, precursors, delivery methods, benefits, and peer-reviewed research.
Science & Mechanisms
The Salvage Pathway
NAMPT recycles nicotinamide back into NAD+
Preiss-Handler Pathway
Niacin enters NAD+ biosynthesis without salvage
De Novo Synthesis
Tryptophan → quinolinic acid → NAD+
Sirtuins (SIRT1-7)
NAD+-dependent deacylases governing cellular stress
PARP Enzymes
The largest NAD+ consumer under DNA damage
CD38
The NAD+ hydrolase that explains age-related decline
Mitochondria
Where NAD+ drives electron transport and ATP synthesis
DNA Repair
NAD+-fueled base excision and strand-break repair
NAMPT
The rate-limiting enzyme of the salvage pathway
NRK1 / NRK2
The kinases that phosphorylate NR into NMN
Precursors
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
NMN
The direct precursor with dedicated intestinal transport
Nicotinamide Riboside
NR
The first orally bioavailable NAD+ precursor to reach market
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
NAD+
The end-state coenzyme — administered directly in clinical IV
Nicotinamide
Nam
The cheap, flush-free B3 that most Nam → NAD+ routes lead to
Niacin
NA
The Preiss-Handler route — the flushing cousin of Nam
Delivery Systems
Benefits & Research
Longevity & Healthy Aging
Cellular senescence, lifespan, and healthspan markers
Cognitive Function
Neuroprotection and memory in aging brains
Metabolic Health
Insulin sensitivity, lipids, and body composition
DNA Repair & Genomic Stability
PARP activation and base excision repair
Muscle Performance
Mitochondrial biogenesis and endurance
Cardiovascular Health
Endothelial function and arterial stiffness
Skin & Dermatology
Chemoprevention and topical applications
Safety & Drug Interactions
Methylation, sirtuin inhibition, and co-therapies
Immune Function
CD38, T-cell metabolism, and immunosenescence
Sleep & Circadian Rhythm
BMAL1/CLOCK-NAMPT loop and sirtuin-driven circadian control
Inflammation & Inflammaging
CD38, SIRT1/SIRT6, and chronic low-grade inflammation
Exercise Performance
PGC-1α-SIRT1 axis and NAD+ kinetics with training
Liver & Hepatic Metabolism
NAFLD/MASLD, alcohol metabolism, and SIRT1 in the liver
Fertility & Reproductive Aging
Oocyte quality, maternal aging, and NAD+ rescue