Phil Newman of Longevity Technology recently spoke with Dr. Charles Brenner, a leading expert in NAD+ research and the scientist behind the discovery of nicotinamide riboside (NR) as a precursor to NAD+.
Dr. Brenner, currently the chair of the Department of Diabetes and Cancer at City of Hope in Los Angeles and the Chief Scientific Advisor at Chromadex, provided valuable insights into the role of NAD+ in cellular health, aging, and metabolic resilience.
With NAD+ levels naturally declining as we age, Dr. Brenner highlighted how Niagen, a patented NR product, can be essential for maintaining health and resilience in the face of metabolic stress.
Here’s a glimpse of the key topics discussed in the interview, or you can watch the full conversation for deeper insights.
Key topics covered
The science behind NR and NAD+
NAD+ plays a foundational role in cellular health, acting as a coenzyme in processes that convert food into energy and maintain critical biological functions.
Dr. Brenner explained that NAD+ enables mitochondria to produce ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. Beyond energy production, NAD+ is crucial for repairing damaged DNA, neutralizing harmful free radicals, and synthesizing key molecules such as RNA, DNA, and proteins.
Dr. Brenner’s discovery of NR as a precursor to NAD+ was groundbreaking. His work revealed that NR, found in trace amounts in certain foods, is efficiently absorbed by cells and converted into NAD+.
Unlike other precursors, NR offers a direct pathway to boosting NAD+ levels, making it an effective option for combating age-related declines. This discovery has paved the way for targeted approaches to maintaining cellular function and longevity.
Addressing misconceptions about NAD+ boosters
The debate over NR versus NMN as NAD+ boosters has fueled much discussion in the scientific community. Dr. Brenner provided clarity, emphasizing that NR has unique advantages.
Unlike NMN, which must undergo an additional metabolic step to be converted into NR before it can enter cells, NR is absorbed directly. This makes NR a more efficient and reliable option for increasing NAD+ levels.
Dr. Brenner also highlighted the regulatory distinctions between the two. NR, as Chromadex’s Niagen, has been extensively tested and is approved as a dietary supplement.
It holds designations such as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) and “New Dietary Ingredient” (NDI) status from the FDA.
In contrast, NMN is classified as a drug candidate in the United States, with its safety as a supplement still under scrutiny. These differences underline why NR stands out as a trusted and scientifically validated option for supporting NAD+ levels.
Real-world applications of Niagen
Dr. Brenner emphasized that maintaining NAD+ levels with Niagen can have a wide range of benefits for health and aging.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that NR supplementation helps mitigate inflammation, improve metabolic resilience, and support recovery in challenging conditions.
For instance, one trial on patients with peripheral artery disease showed that NR improved walking speed, a critical metric for quality of life.
He also discussed Niagen’s potential in weight loss, particularly for individuals using GLP-1 receptor agonists.
While Niagen is not a direct weight-loss solution, it enhances metabolic health and supports skeletal muscle mass, addressing common challenges associated with rapid weight reduction.
Maintaining muscle function during weight loss is critical for long-term health, and Niagen’s anti-inflammatory properties further support this process.
Moreover, NR’s anti-inflammatory benefits have been documented in multiple human studies, making it a promising intervention for conditions linked to chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration.
Dr. Brenner explained how NR could also enhance cognitive function, protect against oxidative stress, and potentially aid in neuroprotection. These findings position Niagen as a key tool for fostering resilience and promoting healthy aging.
Modern challenges to NAD+ levels: Stress, lifestyle, and aging
Everyday activities and environmental factors can deplete NAD+ levels, making supplementation increasingly important.
Dr. Brenner noted that seemingly enjoyable habits – like spending time in the sun, consuming alcohol, or staying up late – can inadvertently disrupt the NAD+ system.
While robust physical exercise helps maintain NAD+ levels, many aspects of modern life create additional challenges. Metabolic stress, environmental toxins, and even episodes of inflammation can all lead to episodic declines in NAD+.
Dr. Brenner’s research highlights the importance of addressing these disruptions proactively.
Niagen offers a safe and effective way to replenish NAD+, supporting cellular health and ensuring that vital biological processes remain intact despite the pressures of modern living.
Insights on the future of NAD+ research
Dr. Brenner expressed optimism about ongoing research into NAD+ and its potential applications. He highlighted the progress being made in areas such as wound healing, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory interventions.
One particularly exciting development involves the use of NR to support cognitive function in aging populations.
Positive results from trials on neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, are driving interest in larger, more comprehensive studies.
Looking ahead, Dr. Brenner sees opportunities for NR in treating skin conditions, improving fatty liver health, and enhancing metabolic recovery.
With over a decade of human research backing its safety and efficacy, Niagen continues to open doors for innovative therapies that could redefine how we approach aging and longevity.
Closing thoughts
Dr. Charles Brenner’s insights into NAD+ and NR highlight the critical role these molecules play in maintaining health as we age.
By incorporating Niagen into daily routines, individuals can support cellular resilience, counteract metabolic stress, and promote long-term vitality.
As scientific research advances, the potential applications of NR in fostering healthy aging continue to grow, offering hope for a future where aging no longer equates to a decline in health and function.
