Why NAD+ sits at the centre of ageing research
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — NAD+ — is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a fundamental role in energy metabolism, in DNA repair processes, and in the regulation of a family of proteins called sirtuins. Research consistently reports that NAD+ concentrations in human tissue decline with advancing age, which is one reason the molecule has drawn so much attention in ageing research.
How NAD+ works in the body
NAD+ operates as a molecular shuttle, transferring electrons during the metabolic reactions that produce ATP — the energy currency of the cell. It also serves as a substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1–SIRT7), which are involved in gene expression and cellular stress responses, and for PARP enzymes, which participate in the repair of damaged DNA strands.
How the body maintains its NAD+ levels
Adult cells maintain NAD+ mainly through the so-called salvage pathway, in which nicotinamide — a form of vitamin B3 — is recycled back into NAD+ via the enzyme NAMPT. Two further routes exist: the de novo pathway from tryptophan, and the Preiss-Handler pathway from nicotinic acid. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are two other compounds that feed into this metabolism and are the subject of ongoing research. In the EU, NR chloride is authorised as a novel food; NMN currently is not.
What the evidence does and does not show
Human research on NAD+ precursors is still developing. Trials have looked at whether oral supplementation raises measurable NAD+ levels in blood, and results in that narrow question have been encouraging. Whether that translates into the broader outcomes often claimed in marketing is a separate question, and one the published evidence does not currently settle. We think it is worth saying that plainly rather than overstating it.
Where REVVY stands
REVVY® NAD+ Premium uses nicotinamide, the form of vitamin B3 that feeds the salvage pathway, together with vitamin E and a set of plant extracts. Under EU food law we may state the following about these nutrients:
- Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
- Niacin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Niacin contributes to normal psychological function
- Niacin contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
Everything beyond that is science we find interesting, not a promise about what the product will do for you.
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Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
