Science behind NAD

 

In this fascinating episode of Peak Human Labs, Dr. Sanjeev Goel explores one of biology’s most essential yet misunderstood molecules, NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), with Jari Närhi, CEO of the Finnish biotech company NADMED. Often called the “molecule of life,” NAD powers every cell in the body by fueling mitochondria to produce ATP, the body’s fundamental energy currency. As Jari explains, our cells recycle an astonishing 45 kilograms of ATP every day, a process entirely dependent on NAD’s electron-carrying function.

 

The conversation dives deep into how NAD works, why it is vital for cellular energy and repair, and what happens when levels drop. Jari explains that while NAD levels tend to decline with age, this is driven less by aging itself and more by chronic inflammation, illness, and metabolic stress that consume NAD. He also unpacks why measuring NAD has historically been so difficult and how NADMED’s breakthrough technology now makes accurate testing possible.

 

Dr. Goel and Jari discuss the science behind popular NAD supplements like niacin, NR, and NMN, the debate surrounding IV NAD+ drips, and the risks of pushing NAD levels too high, which can disrupt the delicate NAD+/NADH balance. The key takeaway is clear: NAD is central to life and longevity, but science is still catching up to understand how best to optimize it fully. With innovations in testing and continued research, NAD measurement could soon become a standard marker of health alongside cholesterol and glucose.

 

Our Guest: Jari Närhi, M.Sc, Chief Executive Officer, NADMED Ltd

 

Jari Närhi has broad executive-level experience in international business in the fields of medical technology, health services, information technology, and management consulting. He has worked in very large global enterprises as well as the very small, having co-founded several start-up companies. He also has rich experience in regulatory affairs and new product launches in the global market. In addition to his native country Finland, Jari has lived and worked in the USA and Japan.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• NAD is the essential molecule powering every cell’s energy production through ATP.
• NAD levels decline with inflammation and disease, not necessarily with age itself.
• NADMED’s innovation enables accurate blood testing for all NAD forms, once nearly impossible.
• Oral supplements like niacin, NR, and NMN can raise NAD levels, but more is not always better.
• IV NAD+ drips may not directly increase NAD inside cells; their mechanism remains unclear.
• Healthy diet, exercise, and reduced inflammation naturally support optimal NAD function.
• Measuring NAD could soon become a standard biomarker in clinical testing, much like cholesterol or hemoglobin.

In This Episode:

 

• [00:00] Introduction to ATP and NAD
• [00:20] Podcast and guest introduction
• [02:09] Jari Närhi’s background and NADMED
• [03:02] Purpose and innovation of NADMED
• [03:51] Basics of NAD measurement
• [05:34] What is NAD?
• [06:33] NAD forms and cellular function
• [07:03] NAD in the Krebs cycle and energy production
• [08:22] Other NAD forms and functions
• [08:47] NAD levels and aging
• [09:43] Inflammation and NAD depletion
• [10:19] Challenges in measuring NAD
• [10:38] NAD synthesis pathways
• [11:37] Difficulties in NAD testing
• [12:25] Effectiveness of oral NAD supplements
• [13:29] Benefits of restoring NAD to a healthy range
• [14:32] Risks of excessive NAD supplementation
• [15:37] IV NAD+ therapy
• [17:04] NADMED’s research on IV NAD+
• [17:31] NADMED’s next steps and clinical use
• [18:56] Supplementation recommendations
• [20:25] Natural ways to boost NAD
• [21:12] How to get NAD tested
• [22:40] Contacting NADMED
• [22:56] Conclusion and takeaways

 

Resources and Links

Peak Human Labs