NAD+: Benefits, Side Effects & Everything You Need to Know

NAD+ is the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes and is necessary to produce energy for the body. NAD+ plays a key role in most biological processes that regulate energy levels, aging, circadian rhythm, and cognitive function. 

According to research, NAD+ primary function in the body is to move electrons between molecules. It is therefore necessary for cell renewal, metabolic regulation, and sleep pattern regulation. In this article we will discuss about NAD+, its benefits and possible side effects to gain complete understanding of it. 

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme essential to metabolism. Its main function is the movement of electrons between molecules. More than 500 enzymatic activities require NAD, which is present in all living cells. There are two types of NAD: oxidized and reduced, which are denoted by the acronyms NAD+ and NADH, respectively. NAD can be synthesized through tryptophan or aspartic acid. Alternatively, more complicated coenzyme components are absorbed from dietary amino acids, such as niacin for its synthesis. 

Age and other factors can cause NAD+ levels to drop, which results in decreased energy and poorer functioning. Numerous types of NAD+ therapies have been introduced to raise its level in the body. Raising your NAD+ levels could improve your general health and possibly even slow down the aging process.

Types of NAD+ treatment:

1. Nasal NAD+ treatment:

In the case of nasal treatment, NAD is given through the nasal tissue. This approach allows NAD to be rapidly absorbed and enter the body directly. Since nasal NAD therapies bypass the digestive tract, they may be more bioavailable and begin to act more quickly.

2. Oral NAD+ treatment: 

The most popular and well-known way to treat NAD is by oral administration. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are examples of NAD supplements. These precursors transform into NAD once they enter the body. Oral NAD therapies have a long history of use and are accessible and convenient.

3. Intravenous (IV) NAD treatment: 

In this treatment, NAD is given intravenously (IV) by injecting the coenzyme straight into the bloodstream. NAD can then be swiftly and efficiently administered without passing through the digestive system. As a result, the coenzyme is guaranteed to be highly bioavailable. IV NAD therapies are frequently given under a doctor's supervision in clinical settings.

4. Topical NAD+ treatment: 

Topical NAD treatments include applying creams, lotions, or patches to the skin containing NAD+. Applying NAD to the skin will encourage quicker absorption while bypassing the digestive tract. For minor areas, such wounds or aged skin, this technique might be helpful.

5. Innovative ideas: 

As the expanding field of NAD treatment evolves, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to its management. These include transdermal patches that release NAD in a regulated manner, intranasal drops, and soluble versions that dissolve under the tongue. The goal of the introduction of new NAD therapies is to maximize its potential advantages, increase its absorption, and make it easier to administer.

NAD+ benefits:

There are numerous benefits of NAD+ therapy, let’s discuss 5 in depth:

1. NAD+ for cellular repair: 

NAD+ is essential for a number of basic functions in your body, including DNA repair and cell-to-cell reactions. NAD+ therapy can help lower the risk of age-related disorders in addition to helping with the aesthetic aspects of aging and cell renewal. Additionally, it can help lower the likelihood of psychological issues, which may lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

By raising your body’s NAD+ levels through intravenous therapy, you can boost energy extraction and promote younger cell activity. As more electrons are being transferred between cells via the mitochondria. As a result, it might affect your quality of life and possibly promote longevity.

If the NAD+ levels in the body fall, the amount of energy generated in the mitochondria may decrease. This may cause age-related illnesses in addition to visual aging. NAD+ IV therapies may help you live a longer, better, and more satisfying life by reducing your risk of normal negative effects of aging.

2. NAD+ anti-aging benefits:

To maintain cell homeostasis and guard against age-related deterioration and depletion, our bodies include a class of proteins known as Sirtuins. NAD+ may be able to reverse the effects of aging since it promotes the growth of these proteins.

Cell rejuvenation can lessen, stop, or even reverse the signs of aging. We now possess a tool that can facilitate the process of cell renewal without exposing the body to harmful chemicals. People have reported feeling more energized and confident after just one NAD+ IV therapy treatment, as well as seeing noticeable skin changes. 

3. Have a better sleep cycle:

We all are aware of the importance of sleep for our overall health. Treatment with NAD+ can significantly improve your sleep habits. It has significantly impacted people's circadian rhythms, or how they sleep, according to a number of studies. It has been demonstrated to have long-lasting impacts on people's capacity to sleep deeper and fall asleep more quickly. It also enhances people's ability to concentrate and think clearly on a regular basis.

4. NAD+ for energy:

People are always searching for methods to increase their energy levels, motivation, and physical activity. The potential benefits of NAD+ treatment for all of these medical problems have been well studied.

Nutrients included in NAD+ are vital for maintaining bodily processes. Participants in NAD+ therapy have reported experiencing more regular sleep patterns and significant boosts in energy and brain performance throughout the day.

5. Improved reaction time:

Your body may be able to gain more muscle, perform better, and recover more quickly if you incorporate NAD+ therapies into your training regimen. Every time we work out, we burn glucose and calories. Research suggests that NAD+ treatments can raise blood glucose levels, allowing you to work longer and more effectively.

Additionally, having high NAD+ levels may speed up reaction times. Participating in a high-intensity sport or physical activity can thereby enhance performance and outcomes. Including NAD+ Therapy treatments in your routine is also anticipated to promote muscle growth and recovery time.

How to increase NAD+ levels naturally?

While we are young, NAD+ is abundant in our bodies. However, several tissues may become dysfunctional as we age due to decreased NAD+ production and increased NAD+ consumption. We can get high NAD+ levels by making a few basic lifestyle adjustments. 

• One of the simplest and most straightforward methods to improve our general health and raise our bodies' NAD+ levels is to engage in regular exercise. Our bodies respond to regular exercise by creating more NAD+, which is needed for energy.

• Increasing the amount of NAD+ naturally through our diet is also possible. Your body can naturally produce NAD+ if you give it NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide mononucleotide, tryptophan, and niacin (vitamin B3). Foods high in vitamin B3, such as salmon, avocados, eggs, and meat, can provide you with these minerals.

• Additionally, since fermented foods and beverages like kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut naturally contain NAD+, think about including them in your diet.

NAD+ Potential risk and side effects:

Despite the fact that NAD IV therapy is typically safe and well-tolerated, it's crucial to be aware of any potential side effects.

• One of the most frequent adverse effects of NAD+ therapy is flushing, which is characterized by simultaneous redness and warmth of the skin. Blood vessel dilatation is caused by the rapid release of prostaglandins.

• Some people might have stomach pain, gastrointestinal issues, or a slight sense of nausea. Usually temporary, these side effects go away on their own without medical help.  

• One adverse effect of NAD+ treatment is headaches. They often go away quickly after the infusion and are moderate and transient. Hydrating properly both before and during the procedure lowers the risk of headaches.

Conclusion:

NAD+ is a potent chemical that is essential to preserving your health and energy. It has many advantages, including increasing vitality, enhancing cognitive function, and delaying the aging process. Even if using it has some minor adverse effects, these can typically be controlled with the right care.

If you're thinking about taking supplements or NAD+ therapy, be sure to consult a healthcare provider so that the treatment may be customized for you. With the correct strategy, you may use NAD+ to your advantage for increased longevity and health!