What are the functions of β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinuclotide (NAD)?

β-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinuclotide (NAD) is a vital molecule that acts as a fundamental fuel for our cells. Its primary job is to serve as a shuttle, capturing high-energy electrons from the food we eat and transporting them to the cellular powerhouses, the mitochondria, where they are used to generate ATP—the main energy currency that powers everything we do. Beyond this critical role in energy production, NAD+ also functions as a raw material for key enzymes that manage cellular health and maintenance. These enzymes are responsible for repairing damaged DNA, regulating gene expression to adapt to stress, and controlling vital signaling pathways. Because NAD+ is consumed in these essential repair and regulatory processes, its availability is directly linked to the cell's ability to stay healthy and resilient.

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