#418: The Science of NAD+: Why Precursors & IVs Fail Without This Step With Courtney Van Bussum
LONGEVITY with Nathalie Niddam
Intro
Nathalie introduces the podcast, episode topic (NAD) and upcoming guest, plus initial sponsor mentions and listening guidance.
Today, I'm joined by the insightful Courtney Van Bussum, a biomedical engineer and entrepreneur who has become a rising force in longevity science. Courtney shares how growing up in a family of healthcare innovators shaped her journey, and how she pivoted from startup life to tackling age-related challenges—especially when COVID brought her back to her roots and reignited her passion for cellular health.
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Episode Timestamps:
Welcome and introduction to Longevity Podcast ... 00:00:00
Challenging beliefs about aging and cellular health ... 00:12:00
Deep dive into NAD+ biochemistry and cellular function ... 00:13:08
NAD+/NADH balance: Why both matter ... 00:15:24
Why NAD+ declines: Not just aging, but increased degradation ...00:18:26
The role of CD38 and NMNT enzymes in NAD metabolism ... 00:20:14
Controversy and confusion: NAD+ precursors (NR, NMN) and IVs ... 00:22:28
Methylation's hidden importance in NAD supplementation ... 00:30:55
Supplementing 1-MNA: Understanding dosages and applications ... 00:50:54
Assessing NAD+ status: Biomarkers and limitations of testing ... 00:53:01
Lifestyle ROI: Sleep, exercise, and circadian rhythm for NAD preservation ... 00:57:14
Ketones: Beyond performance, supporting cellular energy and longevity ... 01:06:03
Future of NAD science: Anticipating new insights and risks ... 01:11:45
Confidence and humility: Advice for navigating the longevity field ... 01:18:52
Our Amazing Sponsors:
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