If you keep up with the latest in anti-aging, then you have likely heard about NAD+. It has been shown to affect cellular repair, help with inflammation, and even boost energy levels. In addition to asking what are the benefits of NAD, we also look at research and potential side effects.
What is NAD?
NAD stands for Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and is an essential enzyme in every living cell. The complexities of enzymes, coenzymes, proteins, and other essential components required for proper bodily maintenance cannot be discussed here. This blog will concentrate on the therapeutic use of NAD+.
Many factors contribute to the healthy aging of the body, including lifestyle, family genetics, disease history, eating habits, and others. Of the factors that are required for a healthy body, NAD+ is a vital cofactor for metabolism and ATP production, which helps cells with respiration and energy production.
During normal aging, lower levels of NAD+ have been seen in tissues of various organisms (including humans), including the brain.
The Cellular and Neurological Role of NAD+
NAD+ has many different functions in the body. It’s been well established that it holds anti-aging potential. Many of the natural biological processes that happen constantly are also influenced by NAD+. Apart from energy levels and the appearance of the skin, NAD+ also plays a role at a cellular level, even in the brain.
The role that NAD+ plays in maintaining mitochondria becomes particularly important here. These are like power generators that live inside cells. As we age, NAD+ levels start to decline. This can contribute to a degradation of mitochondrial function, and that can affect the aging brain.
How Research is Examining NAD+ in Humans
There is no doubt that NAD+ is necessary for bodily and brain health and proper functioning. Until recently, most people used vitamin B3 to help in NAD upregulation (increase the amount of NAD+ present in the body.) While numerous studies have been conducted on rats, it was not until recently that scientists began examining NAD+ infusions and their impact on human health. Thus far, research on NAD+ and humans has focused on those with neurodegenerative diseases, immunological disorders, and chronic inflammation. These include:
- Acute kidney injury
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Dementia
- Hyperphosphatemia (levels of phosphate in the blood)
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Photoaging of skin
- Psoriasis
- Skin Cancers
- Type I Diabetes Mellitus
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Schizophrenia
How One Gets NAD+ into the Body
Researchers know that B3 is a building block for NAD+, as well as NMN. Now, NMN is actually a precursor for NAD+. This is how we mainly get NAD+ levels to increase. Foods like cabbage, broccoli, milk, eggs, and more contain some NMN.
We can also get it as a supplement.
Supplements require close monitoring, proper dosage, and regular intervals to maintain optimal health. The latest supplement booster is now NAD+ shots. These can theoretically benefit the aging body by increasing cellular health, enhancing DNA repair capacity, and improving energy and brain function.
Additional Ways to Increase NAD+
As stated earlier, lifestyle can increase or decrease the levels of NAD+ in the body. Besides eating more of the foods listed above, engaging in cardio and strength workouts helps increase or preserve NAD+ levels. Ensuring that skin is protected from UV rays while outside is another way to protect NAD+ levels.
Potential Side Effects
While there are several benefits to using NAD+, it’s also important to understand the potential adverse reactions that can develop. This gives you a better view of what you can expect from these supplements and injections.
A common form of NAD+ is through intravenous infusion therapy. Some of the side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flushing
- Headaches
- Chest tightness
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
These are usually short-lived symptoms that a person only experiences temporarily.
It’s also possible for side effects to develop at the site of administration. This may include swelling, redness, and pain where the IV was inserted.
Apart from side effects, it should be noted that NAD+ can interfere with some drugs. If you use blood pressure medication, for example, talk with your doctor first.
How Can Androgenix Help?
Androgenix specializes in helping patients get access to highly personalized treatment and therapy programs. If you’re asking, what are the benefits of NAD, and want to explore its potential effects for you, reach out. We can help determine if this is the right treatment for you. Our staff creates programs that they tailor to the needs of your body.
