Can NAD+ and Sirtuins Extend Your Lifespan?
Can boosting NAD+ through biohacking unlock a longer, healthier life? NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) and sirtuins, a family of longevity proteins, are critical for cellular health, DNA repair, and metabolism. This article explores their connection to aging, evidence-based benefits, and biohacking strategies like NMN supplementation and lifestyle changes to promote anti-aging and longevity.
TL;DR: Longevity with NAD+ and Sirtuins
NAD+ is a coenzyme fueling over 500 cellular processes, including DNA repair and metabolism, while sirtuins regulate aging pathways. NAD+ declines with age, impairing sirtuin function and accelerating aging. Biohacking with NMN or NR supplements, calorie restriction, and exercise boosts NAD+ levels, enhancing sirtuin activity to support longevity, reduce inflammation, and prevent age-related diseases like cancer and cardiovascular issues.
Table of Contents
-
What Are NAD+ and Sirtuins?
-
Science Snapshot: NAD+ and Sirtuins in Biohacking
-
How Do NAD+ and Sirtuins Work Together?
-
Why Do NAD+ Levels Decline with Age?
-
How Do Sirtuins Promote Longevity?
-
Biohacking Strategies to Boost NAD+ and Sirtuins
-
Conclusion: Biohacking Longevity with NAD+ and Sirtuins
-
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Glossary of Terms
-
About the Author & Last Updated
Science Snapshot: NAD+ and Sirtuins
NAD+ and sirtuins are pivotal in biohacking for anti-aging, as supported by research (e.g., 2018 Cell Metabolism study, DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.04.001). Key points include:
-
NAD+ Role: Fuels over 500 enzymatic processes, including DNA repair and mitochondrial function.
-
Sirtuin Function: Seven proteins regulate epigenetic modifications, metabolism, and inflammation, requiring NAD+ to function.
-
Anti-Aging Benefits: Boosting NAD+ via NMN enhances sirtuin activity, reducing cancer risk and improving cardiovascular health.
-
Lifestyle Impact: Calorie restriction and exercise increase NAD+, amplifying sirtuin-driven longevity.
Biohacking Tip: Use NMN supplements with a polyphenol-rich diet to optimize NAD+ and sirtuin activity for longevity.
What Are NAD+ and Sirtuins?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells, discovered in 1906. It converts nutrients into ATP (energy) and supports vital processes like DNA repair and mitochondrial function, crucial for biohacking longevity.
Sirtuins are a family of seven proteins (SIRT1–SIRT7) that regulate cellular health, acting as "CEOs" of the cell. They control epigenetic modifications, metabolism, inflammation, and DNA repair, but depend on NAD+ to function. Low NAD+ levels impair sirtuins, accelerating aging.
Biohacking Tip: Boost NAD+ to enhance sirtuin activity and slow aging. Learn how they work together.
How Do NAD+ and Sirtuins Work Together?
NAD+ is the fuel for sirtuins, enabling their role in longevity. Dr. Leonard Guarente’s analogy likens cells to a company: sirtuins, like CEOs, direct tasks (e.g., DNA repair, metabolism regulation), but need NAD+ as their "finances" to operate. Without NAD+, sirtuins cannot regulate:
-
Epigenetic modifications for gene expression.
-
Cellular metabolism for energy balance.
-
DNA repair to maintain genomic stability.
-
Inflammation to prevent chronic diseases.
A 2018 study (DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.04.001) showed that NAD+ depletion impairs sirtuin function, contributing to age-related decline. Biohacking with NAD+ precursors like NMN restores sirtuin activity, supporting anti-aging.
Biohacking Tip: Use NMN to boost NAD+ and empower sirtuins. Explore boosting strategies.
Why Do NAD+ Levels Decline with Age?
NAD+ levels naturally decrease with age, reducing sirtuin activity and accelerating aging hallmarks like genomic instability and mitochondrial dysfunction (2013 Cell study, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.05.039). Causes include:
-
Increased NAD+ consumption by repair enzymes.
-
Reduced NAD+ synthesis due to aging metabolism.
-
Oxidative stress from environmental factors.
This decline impairs DNA repair, metabolism, and inflammation control, leading to conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Biohacking Tip: Counter NAD+ decline with supplements and lifestyle changes. See strategies.
How Do Sirtuins Promote Longevity?
Sirtuins are longevity pathways, regulating key processes to extend healthspan. Their benefits include:
Benefit |
How It Works |
Longevity Impact |
---|---|---|
Epigenetic Regulation |
Modifies gene expression, ensuring proper cell function |
Prevents age-related gene misexpression |
Cancer Prevention |
Maintains genomic stability and chromatin structure |
Reduces cancer risk, a leading cause of early death |
Cardiovascular Health |
Inhibits oxidative stress, regulates blood pressure |
Lowers risk of heart disease |
Metabolic Boost |
Regulates glucose/fat metabolism |
Maintains energy balance, enhancing longevity |
Neurological Function |
Boosts memory, reduces neuroinflammation |
Protects against Alzheimer’s and synaptic damage |
A 2020 study (DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x) linked sirtuin activity to extended lifespan in animal models via epigenetic and metabolic regulation.
Biohacking Tip: Enhance sirtuin activity with NAD+ precursors like NMN or Preservage. Learn about supplements.
Strategies to Boost NAD+ and Sirtuins
Boosting NAD+ and sirtuin activity is a cornerstone of biohacking for longevity. Evidence-based strategies include:
Strategy |
How It Works |
Tips/Recommendations |
---|---|---|
NAD+ Precursors |
NMN/NR converts to NAD+, fueling sirtuins |
Use Youth & Earth sublingual NMN (250–500 mg daily) |
Polyphenol Supplements |
Resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin boost NAD+ and sirtuins |
Take Preservage (trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, Bioperine) |
Calorie Restriction |
Increases NAD+ via AMPK activation |
Reduce calories by 10–30% or practice intermittent fasting |
Exercise |
Boosts NAD+ and sirtuin activity |
Include HIIT or resistance training; aim for 150 min/week |
Nutrient-Rich Diet |
Provides NAD+ precursors and polyphenols |
Eat fish (e.g., salmon), vegetables (e.g., broccoli), fruits (e.g., berries) |
Stress Management |
Reduces NAD+ depletion |
Practice meditation or yoga to lower oxidative stress |
Biohacking Tip: Combine NMN, Preservage, and intermittent fasting to maximize NAD+ and sirtuin-driven longevity. Explore Preservage benefits.
Conclusion: Longevity with NAD+ and Sirtuins
NAD+ and sirtuins are essential for cellular health, regulating DNA repair, metabolism, and inflammation to promote longevity. As NAD+ declines with age, sirtuin function falters, accelerating aging. Biohacking with NMN, Preservage, calorie restriction, and exercise boosts NAD+ levels, enhancing sirtuin activity to combat age-related diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. Start today with small changes—research shows even modest exercise improves health markers in older adults (2013 Finnish study). Partner with Youth & Earth for cutting-edge anti-aging supplements to revitalize your health.
Longevity Checklist:
-
Supplement with NMN (250–500 mg daily) to boost NAD+.
-
Use Preservage to activate sirtuins with resveratrol and curcumin.
-
Practice calorie restriction or intermittent fasting to enhance NAD+.
-
Exercise regularly (HIIT, resistance training) to support sirtuin function.
-
Eat a nutrient-rich diet with fish, vegetables, and berries for NAD+ precursors.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician before starting any new regimen. Do not ignore or delay seeking medical advice based on this content or Youth & Earth products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are NAD+ and sirtuins?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme fueling cellular processes like DNA repair. Sirtuins are seven proteins regulating longevity, dependent on NAD+.
How do NAD+ and sirtuins promote longevity?
NAD+ fuels sirtuins, which regulate epigenetic modifications, metabolism, and inflammation, reducing risks of cancer and Alzheimer’s (DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x).
Why do NAD+ levels decline with age?
Aging increases NAD+ consumption and reduces synthesis, impairing sirtuin function and accelerating aging hallmarks.
Can biohacking boost NAD+ and sirtuins?
Yes, NMN, Preservage, calorie restriction, and exercise increase NAD+ and sirtuin activity, supporting longevity.
What supplements enhance NAD+ and sirtuins?
NMN, NR, and Preservage (resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin) boost NAD+ and sirtuin function for anti-aging benefits.
Glossary of Terms
-
NAD+: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, a coenzyme fueling over 500 cellular processes, including DNA repair and metabolism, critical for longevity.
-
Sirtuins: Seven proteins (SIRT1–SIRT7) regulating epigenetic modifications, metabolism, and inflammation, requiring NAD+ for anti-aging functions.
-
NMN: Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, an NAD+ precursor boosting sirtuin activity for longevity.
-
Epigenetics: Modifications to gene expression; sirtuins regulate this to maintain cell function and prevent aging.
-
Biohacking: Using supplements (e.g., NMN, Preservage) and lifestyle changes to optimize health and longevity.
About the Author & Last Updated
About the Author: Ed Van Harmelen is the founder of Youth & Earth and a passionate advocate for biohacking and anti-aging since 2017. He has been featured in numerous podcasts and wellness publications for his insights on longevity, biohacking, and the science behind supplements. Ed is widely regarded as a pioneer in bringing cutting-edge anti-aging tools to everyday consumers, making the benefits of advanced biohacking science both accessible and actionable. He is also the founder of optimallyme.com, a leading B2B health optimisation platform, and V14, an all-in-one longevity supplement.
Last Updated: Sunday, August 3, 2025, 09:28 PM BST