NAD+

How is NAD+ structured?

NAD+ consists of two connected units called nucleotides, building blocks containing a sugar and a phosphate group. One unit contains adenine, while the other contains nicotinamide. The nicotinamide part is particularly important for electron transfer. Its chemical state changes during this transfer. The other parts help the molecule bind to enzymes. Each section therefore has its own place within the overall structure. Together, these connected units form the complete coenzyme that enzymes recognise and involve in their chemical reactions.

What does the research examine?

A major topic is the conversion between NAD+ and NADH, the two forms of the same redox pair. A redox pair consists of compounds that can change into one another through electron transfer. Researchers examine how enzymes guide this process. Research also covers enzymes that split NAD+ during a reaction. These include sirtuins, enzymes that remove certain chemical groups from proteins. Other enzymes transfer part of NAD+ onto a protein. Research therefore covers both electron transfer and reactions that process the molecule itself.

How does it differ from NADH, NMN and NR?

NADH is the reduced form of NAD+, meaning it has accepted electrons. The difference lies in the nicotinamide part of the molecule. NMN and NR are smaller compounds found in pathways that produce NAD+. NR contains some of the building blocks present in NAD+. NMN also has a phosphate group, a chemical group found within NAD+ itself. Further chemical steps connect these compounds to the formation of the complete coenzyme. NAD+, NADH, NMN and NR therefore each have a distinct place within these chemical pathways.

Another product in this field is MOTS-c, a peptide that is produced by the mitochondria themselves; for skin research there is GHK-Cu. How to dissolve the powder with bacteriostatic water is explained in the reconstitution and storage guide. View the full range under Collection G.