07/18/2026
Let's talk NAD+...
What is NAD+ and What does it do?
NAD+ plays several important roles in the body:
Energy Production: It's a coenzyme that helps convert food into usable energy by playing a crucial role in the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain inside the mitochondria, the energy-producing components of cells.
DNA Repair: NAD+ is essential for the activity of sirtuins, proteins that help repair damaged DNA and promote longevity by regulating cellular processes such as inflammation and stress responses.
Cellular Health: NAD+ helps with cellular repair, especially by activating enzymes called poly(ADP-Ribose) polymerases (PARPS), which repair damaged DNA.
Metabolism: NAD+ is involved in regulating metabolic processes, including the conversion of fats and sugars into energy and maintaining insulin sensitivity.
Circadian Rhythms: NAD+ levels help regulate the body's internal clock, affecting sleep patterns and overall circadian rhythms.
Why do NAD+ Levels Decline?
As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decrease, and this decline has been associated with several aging-related conditions, including:
Decreased energy levels
Impaired DNA repair
Metabolic Problems
Increased Inflammation
Neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
disease).
What should You know as a patient?
If you are considering NAD+ supplementation or therapy, here are some key points to keep in mind.
1. Ways to Boost NAD+
There are several methods to boost NAD+ levels, including:
NAD+ infusions: Some clinics offer intravenous (IV) NAD+ therapy, where NAD+ is directly administered into the bloodstream, potentially providing a more rapid increase in NAD+ levels.
NAD+ supplements: Oral supplements are available, including precursors that help the body produce more NAD+, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These are thought to help increase NAD+ levels indirectly by providing the body with the building blocks necessary to synthesize it.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially high intensity interval training (HIIT), has been shown to naturally boost NAD+ levels by promoting the activation of certain enzymes involved in NAD+ production.
Caloric Restriction and Fasting: Intermittent fasting or caloric restriction has been shown to promote NAD+ production as part of the body's response to energy deficits.
Diet: Eating food's rich in NAD+ precursors, such as those high in Vitamin B3 (niacin) like turkey, tuna and avocado, may also help support NAD+ levels.
2. Potential Benefits of NAD+ Therapy
Increased Energy: By boosting NAD+ levels, people report feeling more Energetic, as NAD+ is crucial for cellular energy production.
Improved Brain Function: NAD+ is important for brain health, and increasing it's levels may help improve mental clarity, focus, and memory, potentially offering benefits for cognitive decline associated with aging or neurodegenerative diseases.
Better Metabolic Health: NAD+ therapy has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, help regulate blood sugar, and support fat metabolism, which could be helpful for those with metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes or Obesity.
Anti-Aging Effects: Some research suggests that by increasing NAD+ levels may promote longevity by supporting DNA repair, reducing inflammation, and activating sirtuins, which are associated with extended lifespan in various organisms.
Athletic Performance: Some Athletes use NAD+ therapy to help improve endurance and recovery time, as it may enhance cellular function and energy production during exercise.
3. Side Effects and Risks
While NAD+ Therapy and Supplementation are generally considered safe, there are potential side effects and risks:
Injection Site Reactions ( for NAD+ infusions): If you're receiving NAD+ via IV therapy, you might experience discomfort, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Nausea or fatigue: Some people report nausea, headache, or fatigue after receiving NAD+ infusions or taking supplements, especially at higher doses.
Flushing: Some forms of NAD+ supplements, particularly those containing niacin, can cause a temporary flushing sensation (warmth, redness) on the skin.
Interactions with Medications: NAD+ supplementation may interact with certain medications, especially those affecting blood pressure, blood sugar, or cardiovascular health. Always inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before starting NAD+ therapy.
