Does NAD+ Actually Boost Longevity?

NMN, NR, Sirtuins - do they enhance longevity?

There is much talk on NAD+ precursors such as NMN and NR and how they could extend lifespan. The truth is that the data might not be as convincing. Yes, there are some studies that have shown small lifespan benefits with NR, but when the Interventions Testing Program (ITP) tested for NR in mice, it had no effects on lifespan. And NMN has not shown to boost longevity in mice either.

For reference, the Interventions Testing Program is considered the gold standard for longevity testing. They use genetically heterogenous mice and test in 3 different labs using rigorous protocols.

(I have a special podcast coming up with Richard Miller, who runs the ITP and talks about all the supplements that have shown to boost longevity in mice and the ones that don’t work. Stay tuned for that and if you wish, you can also subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify to be notified.)

Similarly, sirtuins have received hype too and some scientists believe that NAD+ works towards improving longevity because it boosts sirtuin activity, enzymes which are involved in several important functions in the body including mediating autophagy and DNA repair.

Matt Kaeberlein, a previous guest on my podcast and distinguished scientist studying the effects of Rapamycin on longevity, was the one who discovered Sirtuins. He has also been around the field of aging for a long time and has a rigorous way of approaching science. In my interview with him, I asked him the following 2 questions:

1. Have sirtuins shown to boost longevity in yeast, worms, and mice? (In particular, he talks about SIRT6)

2. Do sirtuins boost NAD+ activity? Do NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR boost longevity?

His answers are in the clip below and may surprise some people who are in the NAD+ camp. I wanted to create this clip to show that a lot of “anti-aging” supplements deserve more of a critical eye since results that show any enhancement of longevity are bleak for many of them. As consumers, it’s easy to fall prey to hyped marketing, but it’s important for us to examine the research rigorously as well.

(The clip has been taken from my entire conversation with Matt, which you can find here or on my website.)

Stay in good health,

Aastha