People are always looking for new ways to feel healthier and more lively. While there’s no way to turn back time, researchers are finding that there may be some anti-aging supplements that can help slow signs of aging. Currently, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) + hydrogen (H) boosters are being explored as a supplement to improve age-related diseases and symptoms.
But do NAD+ supplements work, and should you be taking them? Here’s everything you need to know.
Jump Ahead:
- What Are NAD+ Supplements?
- What Do NAD+ Supplements Do?
- Who Should Take NAD+ Supplements?
- NAD+ Supplement Benefits
- Interested in NAD+ IV Therapy?
What Are NAD+ Supplements?
NAD is a coenzyme — a compound that specific enzymes in our body need to function. NAD+ is crucial for essential cell reactions that keep us alive, with supportive health benefits. It exists in two forms in the body — NAD+ and NADH. In its oxidized form — NAD+ — the molecule supports cells in modifying nutrients into energy while aiding proteins as they regulate several cellular functions. NADH is the reduced form with the regained electron.
Researchers have been exploring NAD+ since the early 1900s, discovering its role in everything from metabolism to DNA repair and maintaining circadian rhythm. NAD+ production naturally declines as we age, impacting our body’s ability to work efficiently and leading to lower energy production. As a result, there is a causal link between low NAD+ levels and age-related diseases like arthritis, cancer, diabetes, cognitive decline and hypertension.
Many NAD+ supplements are made with precursors or substances that the body can transform into another form during a metabolic reaction. Typically, the precursors our bodies use to create NAD are vitamins or amino acids in certain foods, like aspartic acid, tryptophan and niacin — or vitamin B3.
While you might be able to increase NAD+ levels by eating foods with these precursors, like cucumber and cabbage, another source of NAD+ is a direct line of it to the bloodstream through intravenous (IV) therapy. These NAD+ supplement IV packages can give you the boost of NAD+ that you need, which may help slow down the health changes or diseases associated with aging.
What Do NAD+ Supplements Do?
NAD+ supplements were created to boost levels of NAD+ circulating in the bloodstream. Low NAD+ might cause problems with how mitochondria — the area of cells where energy is created — function. Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to symptoms like:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Stunted growth
- Weakness and low endurance when exercising
- Low blood sugar and diabetes
- Learning problems and changes in cognitive function
- Blindness and hearing loss
- Seizures
- Stroke-like activity
- Increase psychiatric symptoms
- Heart, kidney and liver diseases
NAD+ carries electrons from one molecule to another to support metabolic processes and reactions. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and healthy cell function. As a result, many people take NAD+ supplements to avoid or slow down the above symptoms and conditions from occurring.
Who Should Take NAD+ Supplements?
When taken by mouth, NAD+ supplements are often used by adults in doses of 5-10 mg daily for up to 24 months, though you should reach out to your health care provider to ensure you get the correct dosage for your specific condition.
NAD+ supplements appear safe, and most people do not experience any side effects when taking them. Still, research is in the early stages, so the long-term effects of NAD+ boosters are still unknown. Since there isn’t enough information about whether it is safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid use in these cases.
Adults who are not pregnant and looking for boosted energy, cognitive function, muscle recovery, pain management and improved mood might experience benefits from NAD+ supplements. While further evidence is needed to support its efficacy, some people take NAD+ supplements for:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Athletic performance
- Depression
- Parkinson’s disease
Additionally, studies find that regulating NAD+ levels might benefit metabolic homeostasis, contributing to a longer life span.
NAD+ Supplement Benefits
There are numerous reported benefits of taking NAD+ supplements, though further research is needed to completely understand its effects and efficacy. Here are some of the potential NAD+ supplement benefits:
May Slow Down Aging
One of the most touted claims on NAD+ supplements is their anti-aging benefits. Some studies reveal that it might reverse aging on the cellular level. While we don’t have enough evidence to support these claims, NAD+ supplements show promise.
May Protect Cognitive Function
As we get older, our cognitive health declines, leading to memory loss and difficulty concentrating. NAD+ deficiency can worsen these issues since we rely on mitochondria and NAD+ to supply energy to brain cells.
Clinical trials and animal studies suggest NAD+ can improve memory and learning. Research shows NAD plays a role in gene expression, DNA repair and repairing cells. DNA damage can increase your risk for neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Consequently, many people take NAD+ supplements to potentially protect against these conditions or slow their progression.
May Boost Energy Levels
As discussed, NAD is responsible for mitochondrial function and energy production. Ultimately, taking NAD+ supplements might have a positive impact on energy.
May Reduce Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular conditions like stroke, heart attack, heart failure and atherosclerosis. Some research shows that NAD+ supplements can affect blood pressure, reducing stiffness in the aortic artery, helping protect blood vessels and other conditions that take a toll on artery health.
Research also shows NAD+ might help lower cholesterol levels and improve liver health to reduce the risk of heart problems.
May Reduce Cancer Risk
As NAD+ depletes as we age, it interferes with DNA and cell repair, which may increase our risk for cancer-causing errors to occur. For example, in animal studies, NAD+ deficiency increased sensitivity to UV rays, impairing the ability to heal skin cells after sun damage and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Interested in NAD+ IV Therapy?
If you are interested in discovering the benefits of NAD+ IV therapy, Mobile IV Medics will deliver treatment directly to your door. When you select the NAD+ drip bag, we’ll send a registered nurse to your home with the supplies needed for a comfortable, sanitary session. In many cases, we can send an RN to your home on the same day.
Your nurse will set up supplies, prepare your room and perform a quick physical evaluation. During a one- to four-hour IV therapy session, you can relax on any chair, couch or bed you’d like. Your nurse will then administer a direct line of NAD+ to your bloodstream.
Contact us today if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.
