Let’s break down some important points about the absorption of 5-amino-1MQ and how it interacts with food.
5-amino-1MQ is an oil-soluble peptide, meaning it may absorb more effectively when taken with a meal that includes fat. Generally, fat-soluble compounds tend to be better absorbed with food, so taking 5-amino-1MQ with meals can potentially enhance its uptake. However, there are mixed recommendations here—some suggest taking it on an empty stomach, while others support having it with food.
Animal studies indicate that 5-amino-1MQ has high oral bioavailability, suggesting it can be effectively absorbed in capsule form, regardless of food intake. But since 5-amino-1MQ is relatively new, we still lack conclusive clinical data on the ideal dosing conditions.
My personal preference is a dosing schedule of 100 mg in the morning with breakfast, followed by 50 mg at lunch. This allows for steady levels throughout the day, and taking it with meals that contain fat may aid its absorption. Given the peptide’s estimated half-life of 4–6 hours, this timing also aligns with the body’s natural peaks in NAD+ production.
NAD+ levels follow a circadian rhythm, rising during the day and falling at night. This rhythm reflects the body’s energy demands, as NAD+ plays a critical role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and cell signaling.
Some factors that effect the production of NAD+ are Proteins like CLOCK and BMAL1. They regulate our internal clock, which in turn influences NAD+ production. These proteins activate in the morning, helping drive cellular energy and metabolic processes during waking hours.
Sirtuins are another factor. They are NAD+-dependent enzymes involved in gene regulation and metabolic health. They use NAD+ for processes like DNA repair and mitochondrial function, so higher NAD+ availability can activate sirtuins, promoting metabolic health and longevity.
CD38 breaks down NAD+, and factors like inflammation and oxidative stress can increase CD38 activity, lowering NAD+ levels. Apigenin, a supplement I recommend at 400 mg taken about an hour before bed, helps inhibit CD38. By doing so, Apigenin preserves NAD+, supporting cellular energy and metabolic health.
NAMPT is another key enzyme in the NAD+ salvage pathway, which recycles NAD+ from precursors like nicotinamide. NAMPT activity also follows a circadian pattern, peaking during the day when NAD+ demand is high. Additionally, NRF2 activation, triggered by mild oxidative stress or fasting, can boost NAD+ levels by increasing cellular antioxidant capacity, indirectly promoting NAD+ production.
NAD+ recycling from nicotinamide is the body’s main NAD+ production method and is highly efficient but influenced by diet and circadian rhythms. While the De Novo synthesis pathway, which converts tryptophan to NAD+, exists, it’s less common and less efficient in adults.
NAD+-consuming enzymes, including PARPs, sirtuins, and CD38, both deplete and replenish NAD+. For instance, PARPs consume NAD+ during DNA repair, but this also activates pathways that work to regenerate NAD+.
Daily peaks in NAD+ are driven by circadian genes, sirtuin activity, the NAMPT pathway, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. Aligning our habits with these natural rhythms, and potentially supplementing with NAD+ precursors, can help optimize NAD+ levels and maximize its cellular benefits.
Together, 5-amino-1MQ and Apigenin create a supportive environment for energy production and metabolism, while also targeting cellular aging pathways in a comprehensive way.
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