Researchers publishing in Cell Metabolism deplete skeletal muscle NAD+ by 85% in adult mice and observe preserved contractile strength, stable metabolic markers, and intact DNA repair, challenging the belief that NAD+ replenishment is essential for functional aging. The findings contrast with current IV and supplement approaches and underscore hormetic stressors as viable alternatives.
Key points
- Researchers achieved an 85% reduction of NAD+ in adult mouse skeletal muscle with targeted enzymatic depletion and monitored contractile strength, mitochondrial respiration, and epigenetic markers.
- Seven-day cold water immersion boosted cellular autophagy by 127% and reduced inflammation by 26%, demonstrating the potency of hormetic stress over single-molecule approaches.
- Niagen Bioscience’s pharmaceutical-grade NAD+ IV protocol delivered 20% higher coenzyme levels with 75% shorter infusion times compared to conventional treatments.
Why it matters: The study overturns the assumption that boosting NAD+ is vital for aging interventions, redirecting focus to lifestyle-driven hormesis.
Q&A
- What is NAD+?
- How did researchers deplete NAD+ without harming muscle function?
- What are hormetic stressors?
- Why might NAD+ supplementation be overrated?