NAD has been identified as one of the most important targets for longevity. NAD is critical for producing energy in our bodies and also controls enzymes that are key in repairing DNA. Some experts claim that NAD is so vital for all life that no organism would survive without it for longer than 30 seconds. With age, however, this crucial molecule progressively declines, albeit differently in different people. Stress, alcohol, and an unhealthy lifestyle deplete it faster, while an active lifestyle and nutrient restriction can help slow down this decline.

The decline in NAD results in various traits of aging, including loss of vitality, and an increase in the likelihood of aging-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Thus, restoring youthful NAD levels could help prevent or ameliorate these manifestations of old age. 

Multiple clinical studies have indeed shown that restoring NAD ameliorates symptoms of many age-related diseases. It has been even shown that replenishment with NAD+ may extend the longevity of many model species. 

NMN's effect on hallmarks of aging 

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has been shown in pre-clinical (and some clinical) trials to ameliorate most of the hallmarks of aging (HoAs). It is naturally produced in cells and used to synthesize nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule that plays an essential role in the production of energy metabolism and DNA repair. Among the hallmarks of aging affected by NMN are:

• Counteracting DNA damage (HoA #1): NMN may help to repair DNA damage by increasing the activity of DNA repair enzymes such as PARP1. By helping to repair DNA damage, NMN may help to reduce the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer.

• Fighting telomere shortening (HoA #2): NMN has been shown to increase the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that helps to maintain the length of telomeres. By increasing telomerase activity, NMN may help to slow the shortening of telomeres, which is a hallmark of aging.

• Reversing epigenetic alterations (HoA #3). NMN supplementation promotes an anti-aging miRNA expression profile in the aorta of aged mice, predicting epigenetic rejuvenation and anti-atherogenic effects.

• Increasing proteostasis (HoA #4): NMN may help to maintain proteostasis by increasing the activity of proteins involved in protein synthesis and degradation.

• Improving mitochondrial function (HoA #6,7). NMN alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction in muscles and rescues cellular senescence by the NAD+/Sirt3 pathway in stem cells.

• Fighting stem cell loss (HoA #8): NMN has been shown to increase the activity of stem cells in animal studies, potentially helping to maintain their function and enhance tissue repair.

• Reducing inflammation (HoA #9): NMN has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, and it is thought that these effects may be mediated through its ability to increase NAD+ levels.

It is important to note that the evidence for the anti-aging effects of NMN is preliminary as it mostly comes from pre-clinical research, and more clinical trials are needed to fully understand its potential benefits and the mechanisms by which it may target the hallmarks of aging.

 Health benefits 

Restoring NAD+ levels yield substantial benefits for muscle strength, heart and vasculature health, brain function and cognition, overall metabolism, eyesight, stem cell rejuvenation, and reproductive health to name a few. 

Muscles are the biggest organ in our bodies that enables us to move, interact with the environment and maintain balance. With age, however, muscles start losing their cells and strength, a condition called sarcopenia. Recent clinical trials with NMN indicate that by replenishing NAD+, increases muscle strength in elderly men, and thus might be able to reverse sarcopenia. It can also enhance exercise endurance in middle-aged runners and increase blood flow and mitochondrial function in the muscles. 

The heart is the only incessantly working muscle in our body, pumping blood to the rest of our organs. Thus, as one can expect, it also benefits from the ingestion of NMN. Researchers identified several ways in which NMN can improve heart function. First, it protects the heart muscle from oxidative damage that reduces NO production, necessary for blood flow control. Second, it protects the heart from lack of oxygen (ischemia), which may occur due to blockage of blood vessels surrounding the heart: NMN has been shown to protect mice from heart failure in mice. In addition, NMN can recover heart function by reducing scarring caused by a heart attack. Finally, NMN improves overall heart metabolism and protects against heart failure, in part by rejuvenating mitochondria. 

Blood vessels lose their elasticity as we age, which causes elevated blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke. NMN can increase blood vessel elasticity by helping eliminate senescent cells. Since senescent cells are sources of inflammation, eliminating them NMN can also reduce inflammation. 

Brain function declines with age and many older adults suffer from cognitive impairments, such as the inability to learn, remember, and think properly. These age-related cognitive impairments have been prevented by NMN in mice. Alzheimer’s disease, a devastating condition that cripples patients' cognition can also be improved by NMN in animal models of Alzheimer’s: NMN reduces brain plaques and neurodegeneration in rodents.

 One of the causes of declining brain function is blood vessels becoming dysfunctional as we age. NMN can increase brain blood flow and improve cognitive function in mice. NMN has also been shown to delay stroke and mitigate stroke damage, and improve cognition and mitochondrial health after stroke in rodents.

Side effects. When supplementing with NAD+ precursors (boosters) one has to be aware of the fact that an increase in NAD+ may result in the accumulation of homocysteine, which in turn might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This can be remedied by adding TMG, as in our Vitality Booster formulation. Please, see your doctor if you're experiencing undesirable symptoms.

 Drug Interactions. Supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

TMG/betaine is an amino acid found in various foods including beets, quinoa, and spinach.

 Methyl donor. It can offset undesirable methyl group depletion when consuming NAD precursors. The methyl groups are used in methylation critical for many physiological processes, such as the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine. Methionine is used for the synthesis of creatine, which boosts muscle strength levels in athletes.

 Improving insulin sensitivity. TMG supplements could improve insulin resistance, a condition that impairs your body’s ability to use the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

 Heart. Supplementation with NAD precursors results in excess production of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to higher risks of heart disease. Trimethylglycine helps lower the levels of homocysteine and thus reduces the risk of heart disease and strokes by reducing arterial plaque formation by homocysteine. 

Muscle. TMG can boost muscle power, and endurance, and promote muscle growth. It can also facilitate fat loss. TMG functions similarly to creatine and stimulates creatine synthesis. This makes TMG a good creatine-support ingredient to fight sarcopenia.

 Digestion. TMG has been shown to help improve symptoms in patients with low stomach acidity. Maintaining stomach acidity leads to healthier digestion and efficient nutrient absorption.

 Liver. Studies show TMG can help reduce fatty acid accumulation in the liver caused by alcohol and other abuses. Some evidence even indicates that liver damage patients can recover by taking TMG.

 Brain. Taking TMG can stimulate the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine which has brain health and cognitive benefits. An increase in TMG levels has been found to correlate with better reaction time, memory, and brain function.

 Side effects. In larger quantities, TMG may cause nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and cramps. Please, see your doctor if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

 Drug Interactions. Supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

The most important bioactive compound in ginger, 6-gingerol, is responsible for many of ginger’s beneficial properties. Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body. It also shows a strong senolytic effect helping eliminate senescent cells (that can't divide anymore). 6-gingerol activates AMPK, and SIRT1,6 and results in attenuation of the inflammatory molecule production, and induces a substantial hypoglycemic effect.

 Conclusion: Gingerol can effectively target the following hallmarks of aging: (1) improves genomic stability via activation of SIRT6, (5) improves nutrient-sensing and metabolic syndrome, (6) improves the function and stimulates thermogenesis in mitochondria, (7) addresses cellular senescence via senolytic action, (8) protects stem cells, and (9) ameliorates altered intercellular communication by reducing inflammation.

 Other benefits ginger supplementation can significantly reduce body weight, waist-hip ratio, and hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity. 

Supports Digestion. Ginger has long been used as a digestive aid, as it helps to relax the intestinal tract and speed up digestion. It can also help reduce nausea, bloating, and indigestion. 

Reduces Pain and Inflammation. Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can reduce pain from arthritis, muscle soreness, and other conditions. 

Prevents Cold & Flu Symptoms. The antioxidants in ginger can help boost the immune system and protect against colds or flu. It is also known to help reduce congestion and other symptoms associated with colds or flu. 

Promotes Heart Health. Studies have shown that ginger can help lower cholesterol levels, protect against blood clots and improve circulation. All of these factors can contribute to a healthy heart. 

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels. Ginger has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down digestion and reducing the absorption of sugar in the stomach. 

Relieves Stress & Anxiety. Studies have found that ginger can act as a mild sedative, helping reduce stress and anxiety levels in people who consume it regularly. 

Boosts Brain Function. Ginger may also improve cognitive performance by increasing blood flow to the brain, which helps improve memory, focus, concentration, and overall mental clarity.

Side effects. Please, see your doctor if you're experiencing any of the side effects.

 Drug Interactions. Supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

 C3G has been shown to activate sirtuins. Specifically, C3G activates SIRT1 and SIRT6. Activation of SIRT1 is associated with increased cellular stress resistance, enhanced metabolic rate, and increased lifespan in animal models. Activation of SIRT6 is associated with improved cellular health, reduced levels of oxidative stress, and improved longevity in animal models. While both sirtuins are activated by C3G, the effects on longevity may differ depending on the specific sirtuin being activated.

 Other C3G benefits include Diabetes and Obesity. Cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) has been shown to reduce fat tissue and cells in diabetic mice with high blood fat levels: Cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3g) has been shown to increase fat cell differentiation, resulting in reduced fat tissue and cells in diabetic mice with high blood fat levels. This can help improve overall blood sugar control in people with diabetes.  C3G has also been seen to reduce leptin levels, causing weight gain reduction.  It further enhances the production of ATP, inducing transformative on of white adipose to brown adipose tissue for improved metabolic activity.  Studies have also indicated that C3G improves survival rates of cancer and mimics life-extending benefits seen in calorie-restriction diets. 

Reducing insulin resistance. C3G has been observed to decrease fasting blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, as well as increase insulin secretion and decrease postprandial blood glucose levels compared to untreated groups. This suggests it may be a helpful supplement for people with diabetes.

 Lowered cholesterol levels and increased HDL cholesterol in rats: C3g has been found to reduce cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet. This could potentially help improve heart health.

Side effects. High-dose polyphenol supplements have been linked to negative health effects in animal studies, including damage to the kidneys and an imbalance of thyroid hormones. Additionally, these supplements may interact with medications and reduce the absorption of certain nutrients. Consult your doctor before increasing your dose beyond the one recommended.

Drug Interactions. Supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

NAC recently received quite a bit of publicity as a remedy that can reduce both the severity and duration of COVID-19 symptoms.

 Glutathione is involved in many body processes, including tissue building and repair, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and immune system function. People use it to reduce 

Other Benefits

Detoxification.  NAC is very important for detoxification in the body. It is a beneficial supplement because it can prevent negative side effects from taking drugs or being exposed to toxins. Doctors often give intravenous NAC to people who have overdosed on acetaminophen to reduce the risk of kidney and liver damage. Additionally, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, NAC is also used as a treatment for other problems related to the liver.

 Reducing heart disease risk.  Heart disease is a serious condition that is often caused by oxidative damage to heart tissues, resulting in strokes, heart attacks, and other health issues. NAC has been known to reduce the risk of such diseases by reducing oxidative harm to the heart and increasing nitric oxide production which allows for improved blood flow. In a test-tube study that combined NAC with green tea, it was observed to reduce damage from oxidized LDL cholesterol which further decreases one's risk of developing heart disease.

 Improves fertility.  Approximately 15% of couples trying to conceive are affected by infertility, with male infertility being the primary contributing factor in nearly half of those cases. This is often due to an insufficient number of antioxidants in the reproductive system, which can cause cell death and decreased fertility. Studies have shown that NAC supplementation can improve fertility in men with varicocele (29Trusted Source) and other issues. Researchers suggest that this combined supplement may be a viable treatment option for male infertility. Additionally, NAC has been shown to improve fertility in women with PCOS, although further research is needed.

 Improves respiratory function.  NAC supplements have been found to improve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, thinning mucus in the air passageways. It helps to replenish glutathione levels in the lungs and reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes and lung tissue, which can help those suffering from COPD or chronic bronchitis. Studies have shown that taking 600mg twice a day can significantly improve lung function and symptoms in those with stable COPD, with higher doses being more effective. Furthermore, NAC may also be beneficial for other lung and respiratory tract conditions such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as providing relief from nasal and sinus congestion due to allergies or infections.

 Fighting hyperglycemia.  Research in animals shows that NAC may help to stabilize blood sugar levels by reducing inflammation in fat cells and improving insulin resistance. This can help to keep insulin receptors intact and functioning to properly remove sugar from the bloodstream. Further studies in humans are necessary to confirm these results.

 Brain function.  NAC has the potential to regulate glutamate, a major neurotransmitter in the brain that is essential for normal functioning. But if there is an excess of glutamate and glutathione is depleted, this may lead to brain damage and could consequently be linked to mental health problems, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and substance use disorder. Regarding bipolar disorder and depression, NAC may be able to reduce symptoms and improve overall functioning. Additionally, research suggests that it may be useful in managing moderate to severe OCD. In an animal study, it has been observed that NAC may reduce certain symptoms associated with schizophrenia like social withdrawal, apathy, and reduced attention spans. 

 Research suggests that NAC may be beneficial in the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Studies on animals have shown that it could potentially slow down the decline of cognitive abilities in those with Alzheimer’s, while it appears to improve dopamine function and reduce symptoms associated with Parkinson's.

 Furthermore, preliminary studies point out that NAC might help lessen marijuana and nicotine use as well as cravings. People affected by these conditions often don't have many treatment options available to them; however, NAC may prove to be beneficial. Nevertheless, more research is necessary since most of the studies done on this topic are rather old.

Side effects.  Adults can usually safely take NAC when prescribed by a doctor, although high doses may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Inhaling can cause swelling in the mouth, runny nose, drowsiness, and chest tightness. People with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinning medications should avoid NAC as it may impede clotting. Furthermore, its unpleasant smell makes it difficult to consume. Please, see your doctor if you're experiencing any of these symptoms.

Drug Interactions. Supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

 L-Serine is a nonessential amino acid that has a significant and diverse role in the body. From creating proteins, DNA, and cell membranes to being used in research to treat brain diseases, the benefits of serine are vast. Serine is a powerful tool for improving overall health and well-being.  A key function of L-serine is contributing to the synthesis of a fundamental antioxidant, glutathione which is depleted with age. This function is the reason for including it amongst our nutraceuticals.

 Additional benefits

Brain Function. L-serine supports brain function in several ways. It plays a vital role in the synthesis of phosphatidylserine, a component of neurons in the brain, and it’s known to have a critical role as a neuromodulator in the brain. L-serine is essential for the synthesis of phosphatidylserine, a type of lipid, critical for memory and cognition.

 Helps Relieve Stress. Serine is used in the production of the amino acid tryptophan which in turn is used to make serotonin, a "good mood" neurotransmitter that occurs naturally within our bodies. Serum serotonin levels also correlate with mental health status. Because serine is crucial for the production of tryptophan and serotonin, maintaining normal levels may help relieve symptoms of stress.

 Improves Sleep. Studies conducted in Japan found that taking L-serine before going to bed may improve sleep initiation and sleep maintenance.

 Immune System. Amino acids are needed for the regulation of the body’s immune system. Serine plays a role in the production of immunoglobulins and antibodies that are used by the immune system.

Side effects. Please, see your doctor if you're experiencing any of the side effects.

 Drug Interactions. Supplement-drug interactions can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

 When taken with certain dietary supplements, piperine can significantly boost their absorption and bioavailability. Clinical studies have demonstrated that adding 5 mg of piperine to 120 mg of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for two weeks increases the blood level of CoQ10 by 30 percent. It has also been observed that the addition of piperine in beta-carotene, vitamin B6, and selenium supplements yields a similar result. The most common application of piperine is as an additive to curcumin supplements, as it has been observed to increase their bioavailability by up to 20 times.

Drug Interactions. The same processes, stimulated by piperine, that improve the bioavailability of supplements can lead to undesirable effects on drugs. Piperine has been known to interfere with various medications, including beta blockers, barbiturates, theophylline, and sildenafil (Viagra). This could lead to increased toxicity levels and undesirable side effects. While this is a potential downside, piperine could also theoretically be used to increase the effectiveness of these drugs by allowing for lower dosing. Consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.