You’d be NAD not to get to grips with this healthy ageing molecule

As our beloved NHS continues to wobble, anyone with an ounce of sense has turned their attention to preventative healthcare. Time to get intimately acquainted with NAD, then.

It’s a trending ingredient in longevity science and has been lauded as a “can-do” everything molecule. More formally known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD is essentially a bioactive form of vitamin B3 and an essential coenzyme found in every single cell of the human body.

NAD is increasingly being studied for its role in supporting healthy ageing and extending life spans. “NAD metabolism is fundamentally involved in mitochondrial function, cellular repair, oxidative stress regulation and metabolic signalling,” explains Jana Buzkova, NAD scientist and co-founder of Finnish biotech company NADMED, which has developed an innovative blood test.

Supplements might seem like the easiest shortcut for a NAD boost, but popping a pill without insider knowledge might not always be the most effective way to top up levels. This is because the way each body converts the ingredient into active NAD in tissues can significantly vary.

While the body produces NAD naturally, levels are thought to be influenced by a range of lifestyle and environmental factors. Poor diet, stress and sedentary living may all tip the balance, and this is where demand begins to outstrip supply.

Studies also suggest levels of NAD decline as you get older. The research shows this dip can negatively impact mitochondrial function, DNA repair and the activity of longevity-associated proteins known as sirtuins. In response, attention has shifted towards strategies to support NAD levels, with diagnostic testing emerging as a new frontier. The research highlights that identifying the NAD markers linked to energy metabolism, oxidative stress and overall cellular function has the potential to support healthy ageing.

NADMED is among the players leading this space, partnering with UK longevity clinic Altheome to launch consumer NAD testing designed to reveal how NAD-related metabolites are functioning within the body. The blood test takes a deep dive into the balance between oxidative stress and the body’s ability to repair damage.

The NADMED test claims to be the NAD test that meets the EU’s safety requirements available in the UK, and, with a £199 price tag, the test brings laboratory-grade analysis into a consumer setting.

The process is simple: order the test online, book an at-home or clinic-based blood draw, and receive results within 10 working days. What to expect next? A detailed snapshot report of NAD levels, offering personalised insights that may inform supplementation choices, lifestyle adjustments or wellness strategies.

Buzkova cautions that results should be interpreted carefully. “If low NAD levels are detected, the results should be assessed by a healthcare professional alongside other biomarkers, symptoms and medical history.” The bottom line is this: while the test doesn’t diagnose disease, NAD testing offers an intriguing window into your biological ageing. It’s not a crystal ball for longevity, but another crucial piece in the puzzle.