Welcome to our comprehensive NAD supplement glossary. This resource explains key terms and concepts related to NAD+, its precursors, and supplementation. Understanding these terms will help you better navigate the world of NAD supplements and make informed decisions about your health.
A
- Adenine
- A nucleobase that is one of the building blocks of NAD+ and DNA. It's essential for cellular energy production and genetic processes.
- Aging
- The natural biological process of cellular and organismal decline over time, which can be influenced by NAD+ levels in the body.
- ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
- The primary energy currency of cells, produced through processes involving NAD+.
B
- B3 (Vitamin B3)
- A vitamin that includes several forms of niacin, which are precursors to NAD+.
- Bioavailability
- The extent and rate at which a substance is absorbed and becomes available at its site of action in the body.
- Biosynthesis
- The biological process of producing complex molecules from simpler ones, such as the production of NAD+ from its precursors.
C
- Cellular Energy
- The power that drives cellular processes, primarily in the form of ATP, which requires NAD+ for production.
- Coenzyme
- A non-protein compound that is necessary for the function of an enzyme, such as NAD+ in many metabolic reactions.
- Circadian Rhythm
- The body's 24-hour internal clock, which can be influenced by NAD+ levels and metabolism.
D
- DNA Repair
- The process of fixing damaged DNA molecules, which requires NAD+ and sirtuins.
- Dinucleotide
- A molecule containing two nucleotides joined together, such as in NAD+.
E
- Electron Transport Chain
- A series of compounds that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors, requiring NAD+ as a crucial component.
- Energy Metabolism
- The process by which organisms manage their energy use, heavily dependent on NAD+.
F
- FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide)
- A redox cofactor that works alongside NAD+ in energy metabolism.
- Fasting
- A dietary practice that can increase NAD+ levels and activate sirtuins.
G
- Gene Expression
- The process by which genetic information is used to produce proteins, regulated in part by NAD+-dependent enzymes.
- Glycolysis
- A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose, requiring NAD+ as a cofactor.
H
- Half-life
- The time required for half of a substance to be metabolized or eliminated from the body.
- Homeostasis
- The maintenance of stable internal conditions in the body, partially regulated by NAD+ levels.
I
- Inflammation
- A biological response to harmful stimuli, which can be modulated by NAD+ levels.
- Intermediary Metabolism
- The chemical processes involved in the breakdown and synthesis of molecules in cells.
L
- Lifespan
- The duration of an organism's life, which can be influenced by NAD+ levels and related pathways.
- Longevity
- The length and quality of life, often associated with optimal NAD+ levels and sirtuin activity.
M
- Metabolism
- The sum of all chemical processes in organisms, many requiring NAD+ as a cofactor.
- Mitochondria
- Cellular organelles responsible for energy production, heavily dependent on NAD+.
- Methylation
- A chemical process important in gene regulation and other cellular functions.
N
- NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
- A crucial coenzyme involved in hundreds of metabolic processes and cellular functions.
- NADH
- The reduced form of NAD+, created during cellular energy production.
- Niacin
- A form of vitamin B3 that can be converted to NAD+.
- Nicotinamide (NAM)
- A form of vitamin B3 and precursor to NAD+.
- NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
- A direct precursor to NAD+ and popular supplement.
- NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)
- An advanced form of vitamin B3 that efficiently converts to NAD+.
O
- Oxidative Stress
- Cellular damage caused by free radicals, which can be mitigated by NAD+-dependent processes.
- Oxidation
- A chemical process involving the loss of electrons, crucial in NAD+/NADH cycling.
P
- PARP (Poly ADP-ribose Polymerase)
- Enzymes that use NAD+ to repair DNA damage.
- PARylation
- The process of adding poly ADP-ribose to proteins, which requires NAD+ as a substrate.
- Precursor
- A compound that can be converted into another compound, such as NMN to NAD+.
- Phosphorylation
- A biochemical process that can affect NAD+ metabolism and cellular signaling.
- Proteostasis
- The maintenance of proper protein function and balance, regulated by NAD+-dependent processes.
R
- Redox Reaction
- Chemical reactions involving the transfer of electrons, often utilizing NAD+/NADH.
- Resveratrol
- A compound that can activate sirtuins and work synergistically with NAD+ boosters.
- Ribose
- A sugar molecule that forms part of the NAD+ structure.
- ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species)
- Harmful molecules that can be neutralized by NAD+-dependent antioxidant systems.
S
- Salvage Pathway
- A metabolic route that recycles NAD+ precursors to maintain cellular NAD+ levels.
- Senolysis
- The process of removing senescent cells, which can be influenced by NAD+ levels.
- Sirtuins
- A family of proteins that require NAD+ for their function in regulating cellular health.
- SIRT1
- A specific sirtuin protein that plays key roles in metabolism and aging.
- Substrate
- A molecule upon which an enzyme acts, such as NAD+ for sirtuin enzymes.
- Supplementation
- The practice of taking additional nutrients or compounds to support health.
T
- Telomeres
- Protective structures at chromosome ends, maintained by NAD+-dependent processes.
- Thermogenesis
- Heat production in the body, regulated by NAD+-dependent pathways.
- Transcription
- The process of copying genetic information from DNA to RNA, regulated by NAD+-dependent enzymes.
- Tryptophan
- An amino acid that can be converted to NAD+ through a complex pathway.
U
- Ubiquinone (CoQ10)
- A coenzyme that works alongside NAD+ in the electron transport chain for energy production.
- Uridine
- A nucleoside that can influence NAD+ metabolism and cellular energy production.
V
- Vitamin B Complex
- A group of vitamins that includes NAD+ precursors and supports overall cellular metabolism.
- Vitality
- Overall energy and wellness, often associated with healthy NAD+ levels.
W
- Wellness
- A state of optimal physical and mental health, supported by adequate NAD+ levels.
X
- Xenobiotic Metabolism
- The processing of foreign substances in the body, which often requires NAD+ as a cofactor.
Y
- Youth-Associated Genes
- Genes involved in maintaining cellular health and longevity, often regulated by NAD+-dependent processes.
Z
- Zinc
- A mineral that plays a role in NAD+ metabolism and is often found in combination with NAD+ supplements.
- Zeitgeber
- External cues that help regulate circadian rhythms, which are influenced by NAD+ levels in the body.