Mitochondrial Health
Introduction
Scientists have been searching for answers to what internal mechanisms lead to ongoing health as well as health decline. This led to the discovery of a critical coenzyme called NAD+, which controls cellular communication, and sirtuin proteins, which play a key role in our long-term health. Sirtuin proteins require NAD+ to function, and our NAD+ levels naturally decline over time, leading to a decline in cellular health. With a focus on NAD+ and sirtuins, we can help to sustain their function over time and support the health of the building blocks of our body -- our cells. This is the purpose of Basis.
More on NAD+
Cellular Detoxification
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Cellular Detoxification is a core function of the body.
Exposure to everyday stresses and toxic elements damages cells.
Sirtuins and NAD+ contribute to the mechanisms that protect cells in stressful and toxic environments.
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DNA Repair
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DNA Repair is a core function of the body.
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The efficiency of our DNA repair systems, which protect our biological and genetic information, decreases over time, leading to an increased likelihood of mutations and health complications. DNA repair is an NAD+ dependent process, and research has shown that DNA repairs faster and more efficiently in an environment with greater levels of NAD+.
Sleep
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Sleep is a core function of the body.
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Without sufficient sleep, the brain is unable to rid itself of toxic free radicals produced during the day. Sleep impacts concentration, memory, and fat-burning systems that regulate weight. Optimizing levels of NAD+, supports circadian rhythm maintenance. Additionally, the mitochondrial sirtuin, SIRT3, which is NAD+-dependent, protects certain neurons of the brain against damage due to insufficient sleep.
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Protein Folding
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A protein's function is determined by its shape. Proper protein folding ensures proteins develop the correct functional shape to perform their designated tasks.
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Proteins perform a range of vital tasks, from structural tasks such as enabling the body to move, to transporting molecules and catalyzing metabolic reactions. Protein homeostasis, or proteostasis, refers to the proper function of the cellular pathways that govern the production, folding, degradation of proteins. This process is essential and organismal survival and healthy aging. Dysfunction in this area has been associated with protein aggregation and age-related degenerative diseases. Both NAD+ and sirtuins are linked closely to cellular proteostasis, as SIRT1 activates mitochondrial biogenesis via NAD+.
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Energy Production
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Energy production is a core function of the body, important to all metabolic processes.
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Energy originates in our cells within our mitochondria, which are responsible for cellular respiration and ATP production. The number and function of mitochondria decreases over time, impacting the body’s ability to produce energy.
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Optimizing NAD+ supply supports the production of ATP, the chemical energy in cells, and improves the efficiency of existing mitochondria. NAD+ also helps to form mitochondria, fueling SIRT1, which regulates processes to produce new mitochondria.
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Cognition
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Cognition is a core function of the body, enabling us to acquire and retain knowledge.
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As we age, cognitive function declines impacting memory, clarity of thought, reasoning and decision making.
Activating the sirtuin SIRT1, has been shown to promote memory function. This activation strengthens synapses based on activity patterns and allows for increased signal transmission. Basis provides a deterrent against degeneration of the brain’s neurons.
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Possible Remedies
Nicotinamide Riboside
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The most direct precursor to NAD+. It is the most readily usable and effective building block for creating more NAD+ inside the cell. NAD+ plays a crucial role in regulating core metabolic functions including cell function, DNA repair and energy production. NAD+ supplies decline naturally with age, thus reducing a cell’s ability to function optimally and potentially impacting baseline health.
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Pterostilbene
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A powerful antioxidant created by plants to protect against internal and external stresses, such as disease and the sun. It is closely related to resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and red wine, but more bioavailable, or easier, for the body to incorporate. Research has shown that pterostilbene, like NAD+, stimulates enzymes called sirtuins. They relate to critical cellular processes, from aging to circadian clocks to energy production.
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Scientific Support & Reference Citations
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