We know that our NAD+ levels naturally decline as we get older. By age 40, levels of NAD+ have declined by 50% and this increases to 80% by age 60. Extensive research into NAD+ has demonstrated that lower NAD+ levels impact the functioning of our metabolism and are associated with age-related diseases, such as accelerated ageing, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders and various types of neurodegeneration.
However, researchers have found that an excellent way to keep NAD+ levels topped up, even as we age, is through regular exercise.
The new study, led by Riekelt Houtkooper of the University of Amsterdam, looked at the NAD+ levels of 52 people, categorised into the following four groups:
- 12 younger adults (aged 20-30)
- 17 older people (aged 65-80 who reported normal levels of physical activity)
- 17 “trained” older people (reporting above-average levels of physical activity, several hour-long exercise sessions per week)
- 12 older people (described as being physically impaired with very low physical activity levels)
Through their research they surmised that:
“Exercise-trained older individuals had NAD+ levels that were more similar to those found in younger individuals. NAD+ abundance positively correlated with average number of steps per day and mitochondrial and muscle functioning. Our work suggests that a clear association exists between NAD+ and health status in human aging.”
What this research shows then is that ageing, exercise and NAD+ levels are intrinsically linked. It could also indicate a new cause and effect that may not have been considered before.
We previously thought that NAD+ levels naturally declined as we got older, leading to age related diseases that resulted in less exercise and a decline in overall movement. However, this research indicates that moving and exercising less as we age may result in lower levels of NAD+ that leads to poor mental and physical functioning and begins a vicious cycle that we can’t get out of.
So what do we need to do to avoid this cycle?
Well clearly, continuing to exercise as we get older is key, but if it’s too late, and you’re already in the cycle, increasing your NAD+ levels through things like supplements and NAD+ infusions could help you break the cycle and give you the physical and mental capabilities to move and exercise more even into your golden years.
