NAD+ Supplementation: A Potential Breakthrough in Treating Aging Diseases

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) supplementation is emerging as a promising avenue for treating accelerated aging diseases, particularly in the context of Werner syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by premature aging. Research conducted by Dr. Sofie Lautrup, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oslo, highlights the critical role NAD+ plays in cellular metabolism and energy production, which deteriorate as individuals age. The findings were published in the esteemed journal Aging-US on July 4, 2025.

Werner syndrome, often referred to as adult-onset progeria, leads individuals to exhibit signs of aging—such as greying hair and wrinkles—by their 20s and 30s. Patients with this condition face a plethora of age-related diseases and complications, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Dr. Lautrup notes that individuals with Werner syndrome typically have lower levels of NAD+ in their mitochondria, the organelles responsible for energy production.

In a groundbreaking study, Dr. Lautrup and her team analyzed cellular samples from Werner syndrome patients and discovered that NAD+ levels were markedly decreased compared to healthy individuals. This deficiency in NAD+ appears to contribute to the abnormal cellular metabolism observed in these patients. "Our research has found that one reason for this is that they have lower levels of NAD+ in their mitochondria, the body's cellular powerhouse," Dr. Lautrup explained.

To explore whether NAD+ supplementation could mitigate these effects, the research team administered NAD+ precursors to patient-derived stem and skin cells. Remarkably, the results indicated that NAD+ supplementation stimulated stem cell growth and inhibited the aging process in these cells. "We found that supplying NAD+ can stimulate stem cell growth and inhibit the premature aging process in stem and skin cells from patients," Lautrup elaborated.

The implications of these findings extend beyond Werner syndrome. As natural aging progresses, NAD+ levels in the body decline, leading researchers to consider whether NAD+ supplementation could also aid healthy aging in the general population. "We use Werner syndrome as a model for normal aging. We're continually hopeful that our research will provide insights for studies on typical aging; however, we still do not know if NAD+ can help slow down natural aging in humans," Dr. Lautrup stated.

Furthermore, the research touches on the phenomenon of 'zombie cells'—senescent cells that lose their ability to proliferate and function effectively, contributing to various age-related conditions. Dr. Lautrup describes these cells as being in a state neither fully alive nor dead, which can impede tissue repair and regeneration. In their studies, the team found that NAD+ treatment was effective in reducing the number of these cells, representing a significant breakthrough in reversing some of the cellular damage associated with aging.

The research has garnered attention on an international scale, prompting clinical studies currently underway in Japan to further investigate the potential of NAD+ supplementation in treating Werner syndrome. "We hope that this study, combined with our previous work on Werner syndrome and NAD+, will pave the way for new treatments not only for Werner syndrome but potentially for other aging-related diseases," Dr. Lautrup concluded.

In summary, as research unfolds, the scientific community remains optimistic that understanding the role of NAD+ in cellular health and combating zombie cells will open new avenues for promoting longevity and enhancing health in aging populations. The collaborative project involves institutions such as the University of Oslo, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shiba University in Japan, and Bergen University, and has been supported by NordForsk, a collaboration among Norway, Sweden, and Japan.

The findings underscore the importance of NAD+ as a critical factor in cellular function and aging, suggesting that supplementation may not only provide therapeutic benefits for specific genetic disorders but also offer insights into the broader aging process. Further research is crucial to determine the efficacy and safety of NAD+ supplementation in the general population, as well as its potential role in extending healthy lifespan.