In recent years, health and reproductive research has yielded many important discoveries about the role of NAD+ in the human body. It not only plays an essential role in metabolic processes, but also directly affects the aging process and fertility. Therefore, NAD precursor supplementation has become a topic of interest, with the potential to help improve reproductive health and enhance the chances of pregnancy for women, especially those with fertility difficulties. pregnant or in late reproductive age.
1. What does NAD+ and its precursors include?
NAD+ is an important molecule involved in many biochemical processes in cells, including energy production, DNA repair and regulation of aging. However, natural NAD+ levels in the body decrease over time, especially as people age. To increase NAD+ in the body, it can be supplemented through precursors, which are compounds that can be converted into NAD+.
The nad precursor Main include:
- Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Nicotinamide Riboside is a derivative of vitamin B3 (niacin), and is considered one of the most effective precursors in increasing NAD+ levels in cells. NR can be easily converted to NAD+ in the body and has been studied for its positive effects on aging, cellular health and fertility.
- Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): NMN is also a direct precursor of NAD+ and has great potential in stimulating NAD+ production. Studies show that NMN can improve cellular function and overall health, especially in vital organs like the heart and brain, and it may also help with reproductive health.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3 or Nicotinic Acid): Niacin is a natural form of vitamin B3, capable of converting into NAD+. However, when supplemented in high doses, niacin can cause some side effects such as skin redness and burning sensation.
- Nicotinamide (NAM): Nicotinamide is another form of vitamin B3, and it can also be converted into NAD+. However, nicotinamide can inhibit some NAD+-dependent enzymes, so its use should be considered.
These precursors help the body naturally regenerate NAD+, which in turn supports important functions related to cellular energy, DNA repair and may contribute to improved reproductive health.
2. Characteristics and process of NAD+ biosynthesis in the body
2.1. Characteristics of NAD+
NAD+ is an essential coenzyme in the body, involved in many biological processes, including:
- Cellular metabolism: NAD+ plays an important role in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) and the electron transport chain, helping to create ATP – the main energy source of cells.
- DNA Repair: NAD+ participates in the DNA repair process, helping to protect cells from damage and mutations.
- Gene regulation and cell longevity: NAD+ activates sirtuins, a group of enzymes involved in gene regulation, aging, and adaptation to cellular stress.
- Immune and inflammatory processes: NAD+ regulates inflammatory responses and immune processes in the body.
2.2. NAD+ biosynthesis process
NAD+ can be synthesized in the body through three main pathways: the de novo pathway, the salvage pathway, and the Preiss-Handler pathway. These pathways help convert precursors to NAD+.
De novo pathway (from the amino acid tryptophan)
- Raw material source: The amino acid tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in many foods, is the starting material source.
- Process: Tryptophan is converted through several steps to Quinolinic acid, which is then converted to Nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN), Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NaAD), and finally NAD+.
- Role: This pathway is often used when the body needs to synthesize NAD+ from scratch, but it is not as effective as other pathways.
Salvage pathway (from Nicotinamide and Nicotinamide Riboside)
- Raw material source: Nicotinamide (NAM) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), are two precursors mainly recycled from NAD+ after use in biological processes.
- Process: Nicotinamide Riboside is phosphorylated to Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), then NMN is converted to NAD+. Similarly, Nicotinamide can also be resynthesized into NAD+ through enzymes such as NAMPT.
- Role: This is the main pathway that helps the body regenerate NAD + from used precursors, especially important in maintaining stable NAD + levels.
Preiss-Handler pathway (from Niacin or Nicotinic acid)
- Raw material source: Niacin (or nicotinic acid) and other forms of vitamin B3 such as Nicotinic acid.
- Process: Niacin is converted into Nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NaMN), then further into Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NaAD), finally converted into NAD+.
- Role: This pathway is one of the important pathways for NAD+ replenishment from niacin-rich diets.
2.3. NAD+ depletion and effects on the body
NAD+ levels in the body tend to decrease with age and environmental stress. When NAD+ decreases, metabolic, DNA repair, and immune functions also decline, leading to cellular aging, increased risk of chronic diseases, and decreased fertility. Therefore, maintaining stable NAD+ levels through precursors such as NMN or NR is considered a potential solution in protecting health and improving important functions of the body.
3. How does supplementing NAD+ and precursors help fertility?
Supplement nad+ and the precursors NR and NMN may significantly benefit female fertility through a variety of biological mechanisms. Recent studies show that NAD+ plays an important role in maintaining cell health, reproductive organ function, and may even affect egg quality and fertilization. Here are some ways that supplementing NAD+ and its precursors can support fertility:
3.1. Improves egg cell function
As women age, NAD+ levels in the body gradually decrease, reducing metabolic and energy capacity in egg cells. This affects the quality and viability of eggs. Supplement NAD+ helps enhance energy production in cells through the electron transport chain, thereby supporting the function of mitochondria – important organs that provide energy for egg cell development.
3.2. Reduces DNA damage and supports DNA repair
NAD+ plays an important role in DNA damage repair by activating NAD+-dependent enzymes such as PARPs (Poly ADP-ribose polymerases), which are responsible for repairing damage on DNA molecules. DNA damage is one of the causes of reduced egg quality and poor fertilization ability. Maintaining adequate NAD+ levels helps protect and restore DNA in egg cells, contributing to maintaining egg quality, especially in women who are older or exposed to factors that cause cell damage.
3.3. Activates the Sirtuins enzyme and supports the aging process
NAD+ is an essential cofactor for sirtuins enzymes, especially SIRT1 and SIRT3, which play a role in regulating cell lifespan and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Sirtuins help regulate the aging process by maintaining mitochondrial function and preventing cell death (apoptosis). In egg cells, supplementing NAD+ helps activate sirtuins, thereby improving the survival and activity of these cells, contributing to increased fertilization.
3.4. Supports a healthy reproductive environment
NAD+ also affects the production of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play an important role in maintaining the menstrual cycle, supporting ovulation and preparing the uterus for embryo implantation. When NAD+ levels decrease, these processes can be disrupted, reducing your chances of conception. Supplementing NAD+ precursors can help balance hormones and improve the reproductive environment.
3.5. Protects oocytes from oxidative stress
Reproductive cells, especially eggs, are sensitive to oxidative stress, a process caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress not only damages DNA but also reduces the ability of eggs to survive and develop. NAD+ acts as an indirect antioxidant, helping to protect egg cells from these harmful agents, thereby improving egg quality and improving fertilization ability.
3.6. Enhances the health of reproductive organs
In addition to egg cells, NAD+ also plays a role in maintaining the health of reproductive organs such as the ovaries, uterus, and the pituitary gland – the organ that regulates reproductive hormones. Supplementing NAD+ can help these organs function more effectively, reducing the risk of fertility-related problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, rejuvenating reproductive organs and other other hormonal disorders.
In summary, supplementing with NAD+ precursors such as NR and NMN may benefit the fertility of women, especially those who are older or have difficulty fertilizing. These benefits include improving oocyte function, reducing DNA damage, supporting cell repair, protecting eggs from oxidative stress, and promoting reproductive hormone health.
References: Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Sciencedirect.com
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Nguyễn Thị Thu Uyên
Both the university and the hospital are places where I have spent significant time studying and practicing to build a solid knowledge foundation. With continuous efforts in learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in medical literature, I always maintain an open and flexible mindset in response to the constant changes in the field. My work experience has given me deep insights into various professional aspects, from complex terminologies to sophisticated medical procedures. However, I realize that this knowledge is often too difficult for many people to access due to its dry and complex nature. As a healthcare professional, this has driven me to seek a new approach, transforming complex medical knowledge into something more understandable and relatable for everyone. Writing is the tool I chose to achieve this goal. I do not merely see writing as a means to convey information, but also as a way to connect with readers, patients, and help them access medical knowledge more easily and naturally. I always strive to turn difficult medical terms into memorable, practical stories. My passion for writing stems from a love of sharing knowledge and a desire to bring real value to the community, not just within the hospital. I believe that in a world full of information, the accurate and easy-to-understand dissemination of medical knowledge is extremely important. With every article, I hope to contribute a small part to raising health awareness, helping people better protect themselves and their families. Especially in today's era, when weight loss and beauty according to medical standards are of great interest to many, the Drip Hydration Vietnam project is an information channel that helps me convey the best knowledge and solutions to everyone.
