While Vibrant does not offer a direct measurement of NAD, on the Organic Acids Test measuring the organic acids in the Krebs Cycle Citric Acid Cycle can serve as surrogate markers for NAD production. In the Krebs cycle, NAD+ is reduced to NADH, which carries electrons to the respiratory chain.
- NADH Production: The cycle directly produces NADH, which must be converted back into NAD+ in processes like oxidative phosphorylation. Therefore, levels of intermediates such as succinate, fumarate, and malate, which are linked to the generation of NADH, can indicate the functional status of NAD+ regeneration.
- Metabolite Levels: Metabolites like succinyl-CoA, oxaloacetic acid, and alpha-ketoglutarate are part of the cycle and are critical for the efficient functioning of the cycle and subsequent NADH production. Alterations in their concentrations can suggest changes in NAD+/NADH levels.
- Enzymatic Activity: Enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase are directly involved in reactions that produce NADH. Measuring the activity of these enzymes can provide insights into the rate of NADH production.
Thus, by measuring these markers on the Organic Acids Test, you could assess the activity of the Krebs Cycle Citric Acid Cycle and, by extension, the production and utilization of NAD/NADH within cells.
