Signal is designed to target metabolic aging at the cellular level by elevating levels of a key metabolite, NAD+, which declines universally with age, and by activating processes involved in supporting mitochondrial health.

The combination of ingredients in Signal is designed to promote metabolic health, whereas Basis is formulated to target overall cellular aging and DNA maintenance. As metabolic aging is tightly correlated with general aging, there is overlap in the downstream effects of the ingredients in Signal and Basis, and this is reflected in the principal ingredient in both products. As declining NAD+ levels are directly related to general aging and metabolic dysregulation, both Signal and Basis provide an NAD+ precursor molecule to target this decline–Signal contains NMN and Basis contains NR. There is some exciting, early evidence for potential tissue-specificity between the two different NAD+ precursors, as well as varied benefits, suggesting that one precursor may be more dominant in certain tissues than the other. More studies are needed to support this possibility.

In addition to NAD+ precursors, both products provide ingredients that activate sirtuins–a family of enzymes that play a critical role in aging and metabolism. Signal contains Elysium’s SIRT3 Activation Complex, which activates sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a sirtuin that resides in mitochondria and has been shown to be involved in maintaining mitochondrial health and the generation of new mitochondria. Basis, on the other hand, contains an ingredient that activates sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Unlike SIRT3, SIRT1 resides mainly in the nucleus and plays an important role in regulating gene expression and histone modification, pointing to a more complex role for this enzyme in modulating a wide array of processes involved in cellular housekeeping, including DNA maintenance. The SIRT1 activator in Basis has also been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties.

There is preclinical evidence for potential tissue-specificity as well as varied benefits between the two different NAD+ precursors in Basis and Signal. More research is needed to support these findings, but taking both Basis and Signal may help ensure that NAD+ levels are elevated across a broader range of tissues, and that you’re receiving the benefits offered by each NAD+ precursor. In addition, the secondary ingredients in Signal and Basis target different processes in your cells–Signal activates an enzyme that’s involved in mitochondrial function and biogenesis whereas Basis activates an enzyme that is involved in regulating gene expression. We believe that taking both products can lead to a more comprehensive approach to targeting different aspects of aging that includes cellular and metabolic aging.

SIRT3 or sirtuin 3 is a member of the sirtuin family of enzymes that depend on NAD+ to function. SIRT3 enzymes reside in mitochondria and play an essential role in maintaining mitochondrial health and metabolic control, including glucose metabolism, cellular energy (ATP) production, fatty acid oxidation, ketone production during fasting, and amino acid cycling. Mitochondria are central hubs for metabolic reactions and produce ~95% of the cell’s energy. As we age, mitochondrial function and levels of mitochondrial sirtuins decline, leading to metabolic dysregulation. Signal is designed to activate SIRT3 and thus promote mitochondrial and metabolic health.

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is the immediate precursor to NAD+, an essential coenzyme and key metabolite found in every cell of the human body, and involved in over 500 different cellular reactions. NAD+ is synthesized by the cell through various pathways, some more complex than others. The primary pathway for NAD+ synthesis involves the conversion of nicotinamide (NAM) to NMN and subsequent conversion of NMN to NAD+. As the immediate precursor to NAD+, NMN is a highly efficient precursor, requiring the least amount of steps and energy to convert to NAD+.

Metabolic aging is the imbalance or dysregulation of our metabolism as a function of aging. As we age, levels of NAD+ decline dramatically. NAD+ is a key metabolite whose levels are closely monitored by the cell in order to tune and balance its metabolic reactions. Regulating the vast number of metabolic reactions to maintain balance or homeostasis between energy production and usage is critical for cell health. In addition to the decline in NAD+ level, the activity and levels of sirtuins (NAD-dependent enzymes involved in regulating metabolism and maintaining energy homeostasis) also decline. The ingredients in Signal are designed to work synergistically to promote metabolic balance and health by elevating NAD+ levels and activating sirtuin 3.

All of our supplements, Basis, Matter, Format, Signal, Mosaic, and Vision are safe to be taken together. While we have identified no interactions or contraindications to date, if you have questions about a health condition or about making changes to your health routine, we recommend consulting your physician.