Lindgren Functional Medicine is proud to offer NAD+ IV infusions in Green Bay. This powerful molecule can boost your energy, immunity, and recovery. Keep reading for an in-depth FAQ!
NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It’s a crucial player in cellular metabolism and is involved in a wide range of biological processes, from energy production to DNA repair. If you have a finger on the pulse of the wellness space, you may already be familiar with its importance, but if you don’t, understanding NAD can be a game-changer in improving your overall health.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is a coenzyme, meaning it works alongside enzymes to facilitate biochemical reactions. It’s derived from Vitamin B3 (niacin) and has two forms: NAD+ and NADH (the reduced form). These two forms are essential for transferring electrons in redox reactions, which are critical for energy production in the mitochondria—the powerhouses of our cells.
Why is NAD+ Important?
NAD+ plays a central role in cellular energy production. It acts as a carrier of electrons during the breakdown of nutrients, helping convert them into energy that cells can use to perform their functions. But its importance goes beyond just energy production.
DNA Repair: NAD+ is essential for the activation of sirtuins, a family of proteins involved in DNA repair. Sirtuins help maintain the stability of your genes and protect against age-related diseases by promoting healthy aging at the level of individual cells.
Cellular Communication: NAD+ is crucial for signaling pathways that regulate inflammation, cell survival, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). It helps cells communicate their energy status to ensure proper function and balance within the body.
Metabolic Regulation: NAD+ influences the activity of enzymes involved in various metabolic pathways, including those that regulate lipid and glucose metabolism. This regulation is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing metabolic disorders like diabetes.
Brain Health: NAD+ is involved in neuronal function and cognitive processes. It supports the production of neurotransmitters and has been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
The Decline of NAD+ with Age
One of the challenges with NAD+ is that its levels naturally decline with age. This decline is associated with many age-related conditions, including decreased energy levels, cognitive deficits, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Factors such as poor diet, stress, and environmental toxins can further deplete NAD+ levels, accelerating the aging process.
Benefits of NAD+ Supplementation
Given its central role in maintaining optimal cellular function, NAD+ supplementation has definitely caught the attention of the wellness community. Here’s how it can benefit the body:
Enhanced Energy Production: By boosting NAD+ levels, supplementation can enhance mitochondrial function, leading to increased energy levels, improved stamina, and reduced fatigue.
Improved Cognitive Function: NAD+ supports brain health by promoting the repair of neurons and protecting against oxidative stress. Supplementation has been linked to better memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.
Anti-Aging Effects: Increasing NAD+ levels can activate sirtuins, which promote healthy aging by supporting DNA repair, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic function. This makes NAD+ a promising tool in the fight against age-related diseases.
Metabolic Health: Supplementing with NAD+ can improve insulin sensitivity, support healthy weight management, and reduce the risk of metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity.
Cellular Detoxification: NAD+ supports the body’s natural detoxification processes by aiding in the repair of damaged DNA and proteins, which helps eliminate harmful substances and reduce oxidative stress.
How to Supplement NAD+
NAD+ can be supplemented in several forms. When you visit our practice in Green Bay, we can recommend the best method for your situation.
Oral Supplements: These typically include precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), which the body can convert into NAD+. Encapsulated NAD+ is not stable enough to take in an oral form, but some liposomal formulations might effectively cross the mouth’s mucosa if applied under the tongue.
Intravenous (IV) Therapy: This delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and allowing immediate absorption at higher concentrations. Because of this rapid delivery, however, intravenous NAD+ is associated with more potential side effects.
Potential Side Effects of IV NAD+ Supplementation
- Flushing and Warm Sensations: A common side effect is a sensation of warmth or flushing during the infusion. This is due to the rapid increase in NAD+ levels, which can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).
- Nausea and Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Some individuals may experience nausea, stomach cramps, or other gastrointestinal symptoms during or shortly after the infusion. This is often related to the speed of the infusion, as higher doses delivered too quickly can overwhelm the body.
- Chest Tightness and Palpitations: Rapid infusion of NAD+ can occasionally cause chest tightness or palpitations. This is generally due to the increased demand placed on the cardiovascular system and may be more pronounced in individuals with preexisting heart conditions.
- Headaches: Headaches are relatively common, possibly due to changes in cerebral blood flow or alterations in neurotransmitter levels influenced by NAD+. Slowing down the infusion rate can often mitigate this effect.
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Some patients report feeling dizzy or lightheaded during the infusion, likely due to changes in blood pressure or alterations in central nervous system activity.
- Fatigue or Feeling Overwhelmed: While NAD+ is intended to boost energy, some individuals may feel paradoxically fatigued or overwhelmed during or after the infusion. This can be attributed to the body’s increased metabolic activity as it rapidly processes the additional NAD+.
- Muscle Cramps or Tension: Some people report muscle cramps, tension, or spasms during the infusion. This may be related to the impact of NAD+ on cellular metabolism and nerve signaling.
- Injection Site Reactions: As with any IV therapy, there is a risk of localized pain, swelling, bruising, or infection at the injection site. Proper technique and hygiene can minimize these risks.
- Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): NAD+ can influence blood pressure regulation, and some individuals may experience a drop in blood pressure, leading to feelings of faintness or dizziness.
- Anxiety or Restlessness: Some patients report a sense of anxiety or restlessness during the infusion, potentially due to rapid metabolic changes affecting neurotransmitter systems.
Subcutaneous Injections: Similar to IV therapy, subcutaneous injections bypass the gut’s breakdown system. These injections are typically self-administered in smaller doses more frequently (three days per week), providing a more steady-state level of NAD+ in the bloodstream than larger bolus IV administrations. Because smaller doses are administered, the potential for side effects is significantly diminished.
Transdermal Application: NAD+ can now also be administered through the skin. The Push Patch is a new, FDA-approved, NAD+-infused delivery system that utilizes iontophoresis to drive NAD+ painlessly through the skin and directly into the bloodstream. The Push Patch provides a consistent delivery of NAD+ over 14 hours, greatly improving its overall tolerability.
Diet and Lifestyle: Consuming foods rich in niacin (e.g., fish, poultry, avocados) and engaging in activities that boost NAD+ (like exercise and fasting) can also support NAD+ levels.
Experience the Benefits of NAD+ in Green Bay
NAD+ is more than a molecule—it’s a cornerstone of cellular health and vitality. By understanding its role in the body and exploring ways to maintain or boost its levels, we can take proactive steps toward enhancing our health, longevity, and overall quality of life. Incorporating NAD+ strategies into patient care could be a powerful tool in optimizing health outcomes. By understanding the importance of NAD+ and its potential benefits, we can take control of our health, support our body’s natural processes, and embrace a more vibrant, energetic life.