#418: The Science of NAD+: Why Precursors & IVs Fail Without This Step With Courtney Van Bussum

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

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