How can we live healthier for longer?

When we talk about living a long life today, it’s not just about the number of candles on your birthday cake. It’s about "healthspan", the number of years you spend feeling vibrant, energetic, and healthy.

So, how can we keep our bodies performing at their best as the years roll on? According to Viridian Nutritionist Will Jordan, the answer lies deep inside your body: your cells.

Let’s break down the science of cellular health, what molecules like NAD+ and NR actually do, and how you can support your body naturally as you age.

1. Meet Your Mitochondria (Your Cells’ Power Plants)

Every single cell in your body needs energy to function, repair itself, and keep you feeling your best. This energy is produced by tiny structures inside your cells called mitochondria.

Think of mitochondria as the power stations of your body. When they are healthy, you feel energetic, your brain functions sharply, and your immune system stays strong.

However, as we age, our mitochondria start to slow down. This can lead to increased oxidative stress, lower energy levels, and fatigue. Protecting these little power plants is the key to healthy ageing!

2. Enter NAD+: The Ultimate Cellular Superhero

Have you heard of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)? It’s a vital co-enzyme found in every living cell, and it plays a massive role in:

• Energy Production: Helping convert the food you eat into cellular energy.
• DNA Repair: Powering your body’s natural repair mechanisms to keep cells healthy.
• Controlling Inflammation: Keeping your cellular environment balanced and fighting off age-related decline.

The catch? Just like our energy levels on a Monday morning, our natural levels of NAD+ decline as we get older. This drop is a major driver of cell fatigue and typical signs of ageing.

3. How to Boost NAD+: NR and Vitamin B3

The good news is that you can help your body build back its natural NAD+ levels. This is where "precursors" come in. These are nutritional building blocks that your body turns into NAD+.

• Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3): A non-flushing form of vitamin B3 that acts as a direct precursor to NAD+, effectively helping boost levels in healthy adults.
• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): One of the most thoroughly researched NAD+ boosters available. Studies show that supplementing with NR is a safe and effective way to raise NAD+ concentrations when your baseline starts to dip.

4. Two More Cellular Superstars: Co-Q10 & Vitamin E

NAD+ isn't the only player in the cellular longevity game. Two other nutrients play a massive supporting role:

• Co-enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10): This powerful antioxidant is crucial for cellular energy production. Unfortunately, our natural Co-Q10 production peaks around age 20 and can drop by up to 50% by the time we reach 60. Lower Co-Q10 levels are frequently linked to physical fatigue.
• Vitamin E: While it doesn't make energy directly, Vitamin E acts as a shield. It protects and stabilizes cell membranes (including your mitochondria) from oxidative stress and inflammation, creating a safe environment for your cells to do their job.

Conclusion

Ageing is a natural part of life, but how we age is heavily influenced by how well we take care of our cells.

By supporting your body's energy production, reducing oxidative stress, and choosing targeted supplements like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), Vitamin B3, Co-Q10, and Vitamin E, you can give your cells the support they need to help you feel your best, longer.