What is NAD+ Therapy?

Inquiring minds want to know

IV therapy and vitamin injections seem to be the new trend lately. There are wellness clinics that offer them everywhere. But are they worth it?

I recently read

Your Medical Data Scientist

- Sara Sousi’s post on Longevity and IV Drips and it got me thinking about the certain therapies offered. I have read up on the immune boosting effects of IV therapy but most intriguing to me is the NAD+ IV or injections and its treatment and use in chronic diseases and inflammatory conditions such a osteoarthritis.

**Disclaimer - I have never tried IV/injection therapy, but would not be opposed to it, it needed**

So what exactly is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (that’s quite a mouthful) is a co-enzyme found in all living cells. It is involved in so many essential chemical reactions within our bodies. NAD stores decline as we age mainly because of lifestyle and environmental influences.

“As we get older, we lose NAD+. By the time you’re 50, you have about half the level you once had when you were 20,” says David Sinclair of Harvard University

NAD is derived from vitamin B3 (Niacin) and directly and indirectly influences so many key cellular functions in our body such as DNA repair and immune cell function.

What is a co-enzyme?

A non-protein compound that binds to an enzyme to produce a cellular reaction. Examples of other co-enzymes in your body would be vitamin C and B Vitamins. Two of the most important co-enzymes are NAD and co-enzyme A.

If you want to be more science-y, and learn more about how all these reactions work in the body. Check out this link.

What are the Benefits of NAD+?

With NAD being such an important co-enzyme in the body, it is involved in so many health benefits.

• Restores mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, reducing chronic disease and anti-again

• Helps to repaid cells and damaged DNA

• Helps repair blood vessels and management of high blood pressure, high cholesterol

• Improves muscle function

• Improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning

• May help with weight management by regulating production of stress and appetite related hormones

• Helps to reduce inflammation

• Supports the detoxification process

Now I know you are asking…

Where Do We Get NAD+ From?

Well we can get it from 2 sources. First is food. Specifically from eating protein, (cow’s milk, beef, eggs, poultry, to name a few sources) and we can get it from supplementation ( oral capsules, IV therapy, injection or now even a nasal spray). The important thing to remember is to research the source. Quality matters. And determine what form of NAD + will work best for you. If you are looking for a more immediate treatment, then the IV or injection might be your choice. Supplementation is a better option for ongoing benefit.

Currently, I had suggested a family member try NAD+ injections as well as as Immune Boost blend of glutathione, vitamin C and zinc to see if that would help with flare up symptoms of osteoarthritis as the current medical recommendations where not adequate. After the first injection, the swelling in her hands were noticeably less, pain was less and there was more movement in the joints. This is very promising and will follow a treatment plan for the next month, along with diet changes. (no sugar, no grains, high protein, high fat). I will keep you updated on the progress.

For more reading…

NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing - PMC (nih.gov)

What is NAD+? A Molecule for Energy, Longevity, & More - The Bioneer

What is NAD+? | Why Is It Important? | NMN.com

Now that you have learned a bit more about NAD+, would you hesitate to try it if needed?

Danni

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