Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the energy source that all cells rely on to properly function. Structurally, ATP is composed of 1 ribose, 1 adenine group, and 3 phosphate groups. The third phosphate group is bound by a high energy phosphodiester bond. When the bond is broken, we generate Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) + 1 inorganic free phosphate (Pi). This reaction of ATP –> ADP + Pi breaks that high energy bond and releases a tremendous amount of energy. Cellular respiration is a multi-stage process in which we generate ATP, providing our cells with the necessary fuel to continue keeping our bodies happy and healthy.
Related Reading: SUPPLEMENTS FOR ENERGY SUPPORT AND BRAIN HEALTH
Is all “Energy” the same?
Now, you might be wondering if there is ATP in your coffee or favorite energy drink? Cellular Energy is different than the “energy” people feel from their carbonated beverage or morning cup of joe. That perceived “energy” boost comes as a result of the caffeine content in these drinks. Caffeine is a stimulant which has neurological implications. It is structurally similar to the molecule adenosine. This allows caffeine to bind to your adenosine receptor, blocking the normal neurological adenosine response. Adenosine is responsible for initiating feelings of sleep and relaxation.1 Despite this increased feeling of wakefulness, caffeine does not really give us more energy per se, instead it just delays the inevitable feelings of exhaustion.
Cellular Energy on the other hand is the internally produced fuel that drives our cells to function optimally. Our mitochondria, classically referred to as, “the powerhouse of the cell,” have earned this designation for the role they play in ATP production. Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria. Therefore, our cells need healthy and functioning mitochondria to keep producing the energy they so vitally need. NAD+ is the critical and dynamic coenzyme which drives each phase of cellular respiration. So important, that without NAD+, our body would begin to shut down. Maintaining adequate NAD+ levels can be challenging as we age.2 In order to support our NAD+, many have begun utilizing supplemental NAD+ boosters like Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN). NMN serves as an NAD+ precursor, converting into NAD+ inside of our cells. This process helps our body to generate cellular energy.3
How can I maintain Cellular Energy?
Cellular Energy production is a result of cellular respiration. This metabolic process breaks down macromolecules in the foods we eat and converts them into usable cellular components and ATP, the energy currency for all cells. Stress, an inevitable aspect of aging exhausts our supply of energy which is why it is so important to take the proper steps to support your cells whenever you can.3,4
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Sleep:
Proper sleep allows for your cells to recharge as we reduce the amount of stress they endure. Easy steps to optimize your sleep patterns and regulate a proper circadian rhythm include minimizing blue light exposure as you approach bedtime and striving to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Might even want to take Melatonin gummies to help get to sleep. Prioritizing sleep will go a long way to benefit and support your overall health in the long run.
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Exercise:
Staying active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle is beneficial towards maintaining proper mitochondria levels. If we refuse to activate these mitochondria, they tend to become dormant, no longer generating ATP.5 Keeping our bodies moving is a key step in preventing mitochondrial decline.
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Proper Nutrition:
Choosing nutrient dense options such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins are useful tools for supporting overall cellular metabolism. Metabolic pathways like cellular respiration generate viable ATP and convert excess nutrients into forms of storable energy. Avoiding highly-processed foods, reduces the stress we put our cells under. Foods that contain antioxidants, help to reduce the oxidative stress from free oxygen radicals that tend to build up over time. Vitamins and minerals are also helpful tools to support proper cellular functioning.
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Supplements:
NMN, an NAD+ boosting supplement, may enhance the available NAD+ required to empower our metabolism.3 As we age, our NAD+ levels decline.2 Taking a daily dose of NMN supports NAD+ production, supporting the development of youth-like NAD+ levels. This cellular energy supplement supports our ability to create more ATP, cellular energy our body needs to survive and function optimally.
References
- Ribeiro JA, Sebastião AM. Caffeine and adenosine. J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;20 Suppl 1:S3-S15. doi:10.3233/JAD-2010-1379.
- Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, Guest J, Farnsworth B, Guillemin GJ. Age-associated changes in oxidative stress and NAD+ metabolism in human tissue. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42357. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042357.
- Okabe K, Yaku K, Uchida Y, et al. Oral Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Is Safe and Efficiently Increases Blood Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Levels in Healthy Subjects. Front Nutr. 2022;9:868640. Published 2022 Apr 11. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.868640
- Yang F, Deng X, Yu Y, et al. Association of Human Whole Blood NAD+ Contents With Aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022;13:829658. Published 2022 Mar 21. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.829658
- Safdar A, Hamadeh MJ, Kaczor JJ, Raha S, Debeer J, Tarnopolsky MA. Aberrant mitochondrial homeostasis in the skeletal muscle of sedentary older adults. PLoS One. 2010;5(5):e10778. Published 2010 May 24. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010778
