While most personal care companies focus on the skin surface, Nestlé Health Science is taking a deeper dive into aging, by focusing on Age Associated Cellular Decline, which is linked to a variety of ailments.

“Declines in energy, strength and stamina, and resilience are commonly reported,” noted Bret H. Goodpaster, PhD, an expert on human aging and senior investigator at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute for Metabolism and Diabetes.

According to researchers, fatigue is reported in approximately a third of U.S. adults over 51 years; muscle strength declines by 1.5% per year between 50 and 60 years and by 3% a year thereafter. And 78% of U.S. adults over age 55 have at least one chronic condition.

AdventHealth is currently recruiting for subjects for a large national study.

Aging research has evolved significantly in recent years, according to Goodpaster. Researchers now know that there is a time-dependent decline of several cellular mechanisms that starts in one’s 40s and accelerates in the 60s. This deterioration can be defined as Age Associated Cellular Decline (AACD). One of the key drivers behind the changes described by AACD is mitochondrial dysfunction.

“Age-related declines often start in the mitochondria and cascade throughout the body,” observed Goodpaster.

That cascade starts with a decline in mitochondrial health and function, which leads to age associated cellar decline, followed by weakened organs or systems (e.g., muscles), which leads to poor health and function (i.e., a lack of energy, strength or stamina).

AACD often starts with a decline in oxidized Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme found in every cell that’s involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. The decline in NAD+ leads to reduced cell energy production, which causes a decline in mitochondrial health and reduced efficiency in fueling muscle cell function.

“You can’t go into a lab and request an NAD+ test,” noted Goodpaster. “But if a patient explains that his energy level is low or that they are fatigued, the practitioner may suggest something to boost NAD+ levels. There are boosters that you can buy off the shelf. I don’t know if they are effective, but there is keen interest.

Several companies market NAD+ supplements, including ChromaDex, Elysium Health and Alive by Nature.

Mitochondria are organelles found in nearly every cell. Mitochondria convert fat and carbohydrates to energy; NAD+ plays an important role in producing ATP (Adenosine 5’-triphosphate), the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells. Mitochondria energy production also generates free radicals which can damage proteins, lipids and DNA.

“NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function have been shown to decrease with age or the onset of many diseases, which may contribute to the decline in daily energy levels,” said Goodpaster. Specifically, NAD declines up to 50% between ages 40 and 60.

Glutathione is a potent intracellular antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals created in the mitochondria. According to Goodpaster, glutathione is key to cellular protection and health. Glutathione synthesis and concentration decreases with age which correlates with increased oxidative stress markers. And this correlates with a decreased cellular level of cysteine and glycine with age.

For more information: www.myaacd.org