May 24, 2025 “What’s with all the NAD+ Hype?”
What's all the Hype? Well besides the long name, NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), has been gaining a lot of attention lately due to its crucial role in various biological processes. Although I’ve been in the medical field for over 30 plus years it wasn’t until the last few years, I've been hearing of NAD+. Since I opened our wellness center, I have attended a lot of IV or health conferences and NAD+ is all the rage. I mean these folks line up for hours at these conferences to get the infusion. NAD+ as a compound has been known for over a century, its administration as a supplement has become more prominent in recent years, especially with the growing interest in wellness, longevity and recreational IV infusions. Before offering anything to my clients I always try them out first and for me, it was all the HYPE and then some! I felt mental clarity and focus immediately. Disclaimer…everyone is different, and my experience may not be yours. Let me break down the hype in a Good, Bad, Ugly way.
The Good
1. Energy Production: NAD+ is crucial for the conversion of food into energy. It plays a central role in the electron transport chain, which is responsible for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell. I had an extremely long week and felt fatigue however I felt a burst of energy very quickly.
2. DNA Repair: NAD+ is involved in the activation of enzymes that help repair damaged DNA. This is essential for maintaining cell health and preventing mutations that could lead to diseases.
3. Cellular Aging and Longevity: NAD+ levels tend to decrease with age, which may contribute to metabolic slowdowns. Supplementing with NAD+ precursors might help restore these levels and support metabolic health. Some studies also suggest that higher levels of NAD+ are associated with healthier aging. It may help activate sirtuins, proteins involved in regulating cellular aging and longevity.
4. Metabolism Regulation: NAD+ plays a role in metabolic processes, helping regulate how the body utilizes fats and sugars. This can have implications for weight management and metabolic health.
5. Neuroprotection: Research indicates that NAD+ may have protective effects on neurons, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
6. Reducing Inflammation: NAD+ may help modulate the body’s inflammatory responses, which can be beneficial for overall health and in preventing chronic inflammatory conditions.
7. Improved Exercise Performance: Some studies suggest that boosting NAD+ levels may enhance physical performance and recovery, as it supports energy production in muscle cells.
8. Support for Mitochondrial Function: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, and NAD+ is vital for their function. Healthier mitochondria contribute to better energy levels and overall cellular health. While the research on NAD+ is promising, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation, as individual responses can vary.
9. Vascular Health: NAD+ plays a role in various cellular processes, including those related to vascular health and endothelial function. Some studies indicate that boosting NAD+ levels could help improve the function of blood vessels, which may contribute to better blood pressure control.
10. Fat Metabolism: Some studies suggest that NAD+ may enhance fat oxidation, which could help in losing weight by promoting the breakdown of fat for energy.
11. Muscle Health: NAD+ is important for muscle function and endurance. Improved muscle health can lead to increased calorie burning, even at rest.
12. Mental Clarity:Support brain health and improve mental clarity by enhancing energy production in brain cells and reducing oxidative stress and helps with depression. While getting my infusion I kept saying I feel like my eyes are brighter. It wasn’t that I could see better, it was that my brain fog was gone, I felt instant relaxation, clearer thinking and I slept like a baby.
13. NAD+ Shot: Don’t have time for an IV infusion, you can get the shot in a much lower dosage.
The Bad
1. Supplement Caution: While there are NAD+ boosters on the market, the effectiveness and safety of these supplements still require more research, and individual responses can vary significantly. Note, IV infusion will be the best absorption and bang for your buck.
2. Cost of Supplements: High-quality NAD+ supplements (IV) can be expensive, which might not be feasible for everyone. Google for yourself, however most places charge between $200-$1500. And more than one infusion is necessary to reap the benefits.
3. Potential Side Effects: Some individuals may experience side effects from NAD+ supplementation, such as flushing, nausea, or digestive issues. I did experience some flushing during the infusion however it was for a very short period.
4. Limited Evidence: While there’s promising research, conclusive evidence on the long-term benefits of NAD+ supplementation is still lacking.
5. Time: Don’t rush the process, NAD+ infusions take 1-5 hours depending on how much NAD+ you receive. My initial infusion of 250mg took 90 minutes. 500mg will take 3 hours and the max you can receive at one time is 1000mg and 5 hours.
The Ugly
1. Misinformation and Hype: The growing trend around NAD+ supplements has led to exaggerated claims in marketing, which can mislead consumers about its benefits.
2. Lack of Regulation in Supplements: The supplement industry is not heavily regulated, so the quality and purity of NAD+ products (like pills, sprays etc.) can vary widely, leading to potential safety concerns.
3. Overemphasis on Longevity: Some may develop unrealistic expectations regarding aging and health based purely on NAD+ supplementation without considering other lifestyle factors.
4. NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) supplements can be beneficial for many people, but there are certain groups who should approach them with caution or avoid them altogether:
Pregnant or Nursing Women. People with specific health conditions, such as liver disease, or those on medications that impact liver function. Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to any ingredients in the supplements should refrain from using them. Patients on certain medications. NAD+ can interact with some medications. It's crucial for anyone on prescription medications to consult a healthcare provider before starting NAD+ supplementation. Individuals under 18. The safety and efficacy of NAD+ supplements in minors have not been fully established, so it's generally not recommended for this age group without medical oversight. Excessive alcohol use can lessen the absorption of NAD+. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
In summary, as you can see from the list, the good has many more benefits. Also, while NAD+ shows great promise in various health aspects, caution should be exercised regarding supplementation due to potential side effects, variability in individual responses, and the need for more extensive research. NAD+ or any other supplement is not the answer to curing your health issues or for losing a lot of weight. However, including supplements like NAD+, Vitamin B12 or any of our other infusions along with exercising and eating healthily can give you the support you need to getting results faster. No Mess
