Multiple studies suggest our NAD levels are nearly cut in half by the time we hit the age of 50. One of the reasons scientists are so fixated on NAD is due to the decline in NAD levels as we age. Much like NAD, you’ll find NADP in both NADP+ and NADPH. The only real difference here is NAD will generally be used in catabolic reactions, while NADP is used in anabolic reactions. NADP is simply NAD with a phosphate connected to it. In this case, NAD will be used to donate high-energy electrons to stimulate the process.Īnother thing to note here is the difference between NAD and NADP. Since not all food will be broken down completely, some of it will be used to build and provide structure to cells. Instead of using transferred energy, these reactions count on stored energy. On the other hand, anabolism is referred to as the chemical reactions that create larger molecules from smaller ones. This is where ATP is produced, which is how your cells get the energy to function (heart beat, muscle contractions, brain power). From there, NADH transfers the energy through the electron transport chain in mitochondria. When food is broken down, the energy is passed on to NAD+ - converting it into NADH. One of the most notable forms of catabolism is called cellular respiration, which is the process of producing ATP - the energy molecule used to generate and transfer energy. Once broken down into molecules, they can be used for energy or building larger molecules.Ĭatabolism is referred to as the chemical reactions involved in breaking food down into energy. A body’s metabolism refers to the hundreds of chemical reactions that break down the food we eat. You’ve probably heard of metabolism, but not anabolism or catabolism. How Does NAD Improve Anabolism And Catabolism? When NAD is looking for a hydride (package) to deliver, it’s called NAD+ (it has a positive charge that will eventually cancel out when a hydride is found). When NAD is inhabited by and transferring energy, it’s called NADH (because it’s carrying a hydride). The process of going from oxidized state to reduced state, then back to oxidized state, is known as Redox.Īs you can see, the difference is simple. On the other hand, NADH is simply the mailman that has packages in the truck and is “in-transit.” The H stands for hydride, which is the energy package the NAD is carrying. Since NAD is working around the clock, it’s going to need more energy to transfer - in other words, the mailman can go pick up more packages to deliver.
Think of NAD+ as a mailman with no more packages to deliver. Going back to the mailman metaphor, we can start to understand this difference. The difference between NAD+ and NADH is actually pretty simple, though there’s quite a bit of science behind it. What’s The Difference Between NAD+ And NADH?Īs we now know, NAD is the “original” form before the molecule it is broken down or added to.
We’ll also let you know our choices for the best NAD supplements so you can find the one that is right for you.ĭon’t worry, we’ll break it down into layman’s terms. Today, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about these supplements and whether they’re worth your hard-earned money. Now nearly 120 years after its discovery, scientists are still hard at work trying to understand every last thing about NAD.Īlthough research continues, we have learned enough about NAD to start seeing supplements designed to increase those very levels in the body. Originally discovered in 1906, it wasn’t until the 1960s that scientists started to really understand this molecule. One of the major reasons is due to a molecule found in all living cells inside the body - NAD. This will start to show in most people around the age of 50, but there are a variety of reasons why it might happen much sooner for some people. It’s no secret that our bodies start to decline as we age. Some people start to feel more tired than they used to, while others might see changes in their physical or mental abilities. If you’re like most people in the world, you can almost feel yourself getting older every year.