NAD+ What is it and Who Needs It?

When I find the perfect fountain of youthful energy, I’ll be sure to let you know. Until then, this seems like it might be the next best thing. If we go back to the Kreb’s cycle … Yeah, we are never going back to the Kreb’s cycle as I’m still traumatized from learning it in med school. Anyway, what’s important to know is that the conversion of NAD+ to NADH is involved in the generation of energy inside our cells. Deep in our mitochondia - the cell’s powerhouse, it is this conversion that releases energy and powers are cells. We make less NAD+ as we age (up to a 50% decrease by 40 in some studies) and it’s one of the reasons those 20 somethings have more energy than us more mature folks. It also appears to make us fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. This also helps us to have more mental clarity when we are awake because you awaken feeling refreshed. If you have been told you need to exercise more, but don’t have the energy or feel like recovery from working out takes twice as long as it used to, then NAD+ offers you the potential to improve recovery and enhance physical capabilities. NAD+ has also been shown to decrease expression of proinflammatory markers and this helps to reduce fatigue and discomfort. We also know that having extra NAD+ helps to deal with oxidative stress in the body and it is this oxidative stress that causes long term DNA damage and inhibits our cellular repair mechanism.This could be added protection in the long term against neurodegenerative disorders, but more research is needed in this area.

NAD+ was discovered in 1906, but there wasn’t yet a clinical use for it. In the 1960s doctors started using it in treating addiction to help with withdrawal symptoms. It didn’t take long for people to ask if the boost in mental clarity and increased energy were benefits that anyone could achieve. Protocols for addiction management were then adapted to those seeking wellness care and that’s where we find ourselves today. Instead of the 8 hour IV regimens that require you to spend an entire day getting therapy, we now have lower dose protocols that start with small loading doses at higher frequency, then transitioning to maintenance dosing. You should plan on your first infusion taking at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. For people who really want to maximize their potential and go for a higher dose infusion to maximize their benefits, we can certainly develop a treatment plan to accomodate you.

What are the downsides? It’s not the most pleasant infusion and when given to quickly can cause chest pain and discomfort - some describe it as an elephant sitting on your chest. It can also cause you to feel incredibly irritated and generally uncomforable. If we slow down the infusion, alot of this can be alleviated, but it’s important to be aware of it ahead of time so you can be mentally prepared.

Will this make you live longer? There is currently no evidence that it will extend longevity. However, it will likely give you more energy, allow you the feel better and help you accomplish more in the here and now. The biggest problem with doing this type of research is that we are all graded on a curve - what our natural longevity would be. There are also too many factors to count that play a role - diet, excercise, genetics, stress, family, so if this is your only plan without working on the rest of you, it’s probably not the best game plan.

So, how to we get more of this stuff inside of us? There are many studies of taking the precursors as supplements with very mixed results. The most common form NMR has now been removed from free use because a drug company is trying to patent it as I understand it, but the biggest problem with oral supplementation of alot of things is that they get destroyed going through the acid pit in the stomach and denaturation for absorption in the gut. IV therapy is the best way to get these results. It can be given in appropriate doses to improve outcomes. It is also important that we don’t just push the gas pedal without putting some gas in the tank first. For that reason, we recommend doing a Myers cocktail or similar building IV prior to or concurrent with your first NAD+ infusion. It’s also important that we monitor you closely during your first infusion to make sure that you don’t have an adverse reaction and to figure out the speed at which you personally can tolerate the infusion. After your first infusion, this can be given at home (or your preferred location) in order to help you continue getting on with your life.

What about NAD+ injections? The speed at which the therapy is given is critical to it’s safety. There are some people who are good candidates for IM injection, but we should start with IV therapy before doing self injections at home.

In short, this amazing therapy is a great way for you to build your performance, gain more energy and have greater mental clarity. We are excited to offer this at Advanced GYN and Wellness.