What is NAD+ and what does it do?

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a critical coenzyme found in every cell in your body, and it is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. However, NAD+ levels decline with age. NAD+ has two general sets of reactions in the human body: helping turn nutrients into energy as a key player in metabolism and working as a helper molecule for proteins that regulate other cellular functions. Therefore, increasing NAD+ levels in the body can help with energy and potentially act as an anti-aging treatment. NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) can be taken orally, or NAD+ can be taken intravenously or via subcutaneous injection.

NAD+ injections have emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to replenish cellular NAD+ levels and combat age-related diseases. Injection delivery allows for higher bioavailability and potentially enhanced therapeutic effects compared to oral NAD+ precursors because the NAD+ goes directly into the tissue and bypasses the liver. NAD+ injections are not FDA approved.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

While robust clinical trials examining the efficacy and safety of NAD+ injections in humans are still limited, some potential mild and transient side effects may include: Fatigue, Nausea, Headache Dizziness, Mild injection site pain or bruising, Flushing, Dyspepsia, Diarrhea.

Serious adverse events appear rare based on available data, but could theoretically include: Allergic reactions, Phlebitis at the injection site, Infection at the injection site (anytime the skin is punctured, there is a risk of infection despite all precautionary measures), Hypotension, Arrhythmia

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NAD+ injections may be contraindicated in the following situations:

Studies have shown that higher levels of nicotinamide riboside could potentially increase the risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer and may cause the cancer to metastasize to the brain. Therefore, you should NOT use NAD+ in any treatment if you have cancer or a history of cancer. If any of these contraindications apply to you, inform your Healthcare Provider before starting treatment.

ALTERNATIVES

The use of NAD+ Injections is voluntary and elective. Potential alternatives to NAD+ injections include, but are not limited to: No treatment, Oral supplementation with NAD+ precursors, Intranasal NAD+, Regular vigorous exercise, which may help maintain NAD+ levels with age, Dietary change (certain foods contain trace amounts of NAD+ precursors, such as small amounts of NMN in vegetables like broccoli, cucumber, and cabbage, as well as some fruit. NR is also found in foods, particularly milk, but the amounts are in the “low micromolar range” according to studies. This may help provide enough NAD+ for functioning, but not enough to replace what’s lost with age)

NAD+ is now available at Island Balance Clinic!

Contact us for a complimentary phone consultation for NAD+ injection!