Our office is excited to offer a promising new form of NAD+ supplementation: intravenous Nicotinamide Riboside ( NiagenR) , given in a simple, 30 minute infusion. More on this exciting new approach below
NAD+ supplementation has become popular in recent years, and has been associated with a number of benefits, including improved energy and mental focus, improved mood and cognitive function, help with weight control, strength and muscle improvement and longevity benefits1.
Many of you may have heard about NAD+ and have questions about whether to supplement for our health and wellness. There are a number of products on the market intended to increase NAD+ levels and lots of discussion on social media and amongst celebrities about how best to do so, including oral, injectable and intravenous products 1,2. So, let’s look into the facts!
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) has emerged as a molecule of significant interest in the realms of health, wellness, and anti-aging. Its role in cellular metabolism and energy production is crucial, and as we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to decreased cellular efficiency and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases. This has sparked a growing interest in finding ways to boost NAD+ levels to harness its potential benefits3,4.
Why Increase NAD+ Levels?
The interest in increasing NAD+ levels primarily stems from its involvement in several critical biological processes3:
- Mitochondrial Function NAD+ is essential for the proper functioning of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, which produce the energy needed for various cellular processes 5.
- DNA Repair NAD+ plays a role in repairing damaged DNA, which is vital for maintaining cellular health and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases like cancer 5.
- Activation of Sirtuins Sirtuins are proteins linked to longevity, and their activation by NAD+ is associated with improved metabolic health and extended lifespan5.
- Metabolic Health NAD+ is involved in many essential metabolic processes, and its decline is linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance.
In addition, there are a number of reported benefits with NAD+ supplementation:
- Boosting energy and vitality
- Recovery from exercise and physical stress
- Assisting weight management
- Improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic flexibility
- Improved mood and cognitive function
- Reduction of inflammation and support of pain management
- Improved sleep quality
- Healthy Aging 3,4
Methods to Boost NAD+ Levels
There are several strategies to increase NAD+ levels, ranging from lifestyle changes to supplementation:
- Why not simply supplement with NAD+? Oral NAD+ cannot be absorbed by our GI tracts, so we instead seek other means to elevate levels 5. Furthermore, NAD+ cannot be directly incorporated into our cells. It must be broken down to nicotinamide or nicotinamide Riboside(NR) first, then absorbed into cells via membrane transporters before being converted back into NAD+ inside the cell.
- Diet and Exercise Consuming foods rich in vitamin B3 (niacin), such as turkey and peanuts, can support NAD+ production. Niacin is a precursor molecule for NAD+. Strategies such as calorie restriction and maintaining a consistent circadian rhythm can also help maintain NAD+ levels6.
- NAD+ Precursors8 One problem with supplementing with niacin is that high doses often cause side effects, like flushing, itching and even liver injury. Instead, supplements like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are popular for boosting NAD+ levels. These precursors are converted into NAD+ within the body and have shown promise in preclinical studies. While these supplements are not associated with the adverse effects often seen with Vitamin B3, there is some uncertainty whether they are actually effective in increasing intracellular NAD+ levels in the body
- IV Therapy Some clinics offer NAD+ IV therapy, providing a direct and substantial increase in circulating NAD+ levels. This method is often touted by celebrities for its potential anti-aging benefits1. A problem with the IV route is that infusion reactions, such as muscle and joint aches, nausea, and flushing are common. Although these reactions are temporary and transient, many patients find these reactions quite unpleasant, though they typically report feeling energized and alert afterwards. Subcutaneous injections of NAD+, taken daily, may have fewer adverse effects.
- What about IV Nicotinamide Riboside(NiagenR)? Oral NR has been available for quite some time, but the optimal dose is unknown. Moreover, along with NMN, it is extensively metabolized in the gut and liver and thus may be inefficient in increasing body NAD+ levels. The potential advantage of IV NR is the opportunity to obtain high serum levels of NR, which can then be incorporated into cells and converted to NAD+. Another advantage is the lack of adverse reactions during IV administration—NR can be infused quickly, over 30 minutes. In contrast, NAD+ infusions must be administered over 2-3 hours to reduce the side effects7.
Evidence Supporting NAD+ Supplementation
While the theoretical benefits of boosting NAD+ are compelling, the scientific evidence, particularly in humans, is still evolving9,10. These products appear to be quite safe, but most of the experience with the various forms of NAD+ supplementation is anecdotal. While many recipients report feeling more energy, better sleep quality, improved strength, recovery, skin and hair quality, high quality human studies are lacking.
- Animal Studies Numerous studies in mice have shown that NAD+ precursors can improve symptoms of age-related diseases, reduce obesity, and protect against cognitive decline.
- Human Trials Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated that NAD+ precursors like NR and NMN are safe and can somewhat increase circulating NAD+ levels in healthy individuals. But it is difficult to measure NAD+ levels inside the cells, where the magic happens. The long-term benefits and optimal dosing require further investigation.
- Potential Benefits Some studies suggest that NAD+ supplementation may improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function, although more robust clinical evidence is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
The Bottom Line
The pursuit of increased NAD+ levels is part of a broader interest in enhancing healthspan and longevity. In addition, people struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, long COVID, and chronic Lyme+ syndromes may find NAD+ supplementation a valuable strategy to incorporate into their treatment regimen. Keep in mind that while the potential benefits of NAD+ are supported by promising preclinical data, the translation of these findings into human health benefits is still underway10. As research progresses, NAD+ supplementation could become a valuable tool in the quest for improved health and vitality. However, it is essential to approach these therapies with an informed perspective, considering both the potential benefits and the current limitations of scientific evidence. In time, we will learn more.
Contact us about our IV NiagenR Program7
I am excited about getting started with the intravenous Niagen ( nicotinamide riboside/NR) infusion program which offers an opportunity to substantially raise NAD+ levels with a 30 minute infusion , virtually free of side effects.
If you are seeking an opportunity to increase your energy levels and seek the additional potential benefits of raising NAD+ levels, contact our office about scheduling a treatment.
Citations:
[1] https://theosteocenter.com/nad-plus-infusions-celebrity-energy-youth/ [2] https://www.nmn.com/precursors/what-is-nad [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7963035/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9512238/ [5] https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/13/9/247 [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7752291/ [7] https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.06.24308565v1.full [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7558103/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10721522/ [10] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00134-0
