63. Charles Brenner: NAD, Energy, and Longevity: The Secret Nobody Told You About

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

What if the reason you're tired, inflamed, or not recovering the way you used to has nothing to do with aging, and everything to do with your NAD system being under attack?

In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Charles Brenner, the scientist who discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) and one of the leading experts on NAD metabolism. We unpack why NAD is so critical for energy, repair, and resilience, and why simply “taking NAD” isn’t the solution most people think it is.

We also break down the key lifestyle factors quietly draining your NAD levels, the real difference between NMN, NR, niacin, and IV NAD, and why NR may be the safest and most effective way to support your body’s natural repair systems. Dr. Brenner also shares the science behind NAD’s role in inflammation, immunity, and recovery, and why placebo-controlled research is the missing piece in so many longevity conversations.

Dr. Charles Brenner is the Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation Chair in Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope and a leading authority on NAD metabolism. His work bridges fundamental science with real-world application.

We Also Discuss:

• Why NAD Is the Missing Link in Energy, Repair, and Longevity

• The Truth About NAD Decline—and What’s Really Draining Your Levels

• NR vs. NMN: The NAD Debate That Actually Matters

• Is Oral NR Better Than IV NAD? Here’s What the Research Says

• How NAD Impacts Inflammation, Immunity, and Recovery

• The Gaps in NAD Science and Why They Matter

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Charles Brenner:

Website: brennerlab.netInstagram: @charlesmbrenner