# Watch my episode with Dr. Charles Brenner

- Channel: [FoundMyFitness](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWF8SqJVNlx-ctXbLswcTcA)
- Published: 2026-02-10
- Source video: [Watch on YouTube](https://youtube.com/watch?v=PL6XVl57Bug)
- Read on ReadTube: https://www.read.tube/p/videos/PL6XVl57Bug
- Language: Original (source language)

## Summary

**NAD’s Real Biological Role**

Dr. Charles Brenner explains why NAD matters far beyond anti-aging hype: it is essential for converting fuel, building molecules, and repairing damage. He also addresses why NAD declines with age, why many people use NAD-boosting supplements, and why a precursor is often used instead of NAD itself.

Dr. Charles Brenner frames NAD as a core coenzyme in biology rather than just an anti-aging buzzword. He says NAD is critical in three broad areas: turning fuel into usable energy, building the molecules the body needs, and repairing damage. That makes its decline with age especially important, since lower NAD may affect many fundamental processes.

The discussion also touches on the rise of NAD-boosting supplements and the science behind them. Brenner notes that his earlier work helped lead to the nicotinamide riboside and broader NAD-boosting industry, and he refers to a 2020 paper with a surprising result. The conversation then turns to exercise recovery and why athletes and trainers have become interested in these compounds.

- NAD is central to energy production, biosynthesis, and repair.
- NAD levels decline with age, driving interest in supplementation.
- Brenner’s research contributed to the nicotinamide riboside field.
- Athletic programs have used NAD-related supplements for recovery.
- A key question is why people take a precursor instead of NAD directly.