A Comprehensive Guide To NAD Injections

NAD, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes and declines as we age. NAD injections aim to increase levels of NAD in the body, potentially slowing aging, increasing energy, improving cognition, and more. This beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know about NAD injections.

What are NAD Injections Used For?

NAD is essential for energy creation, DNA repair, and hundreds of vital enzymatic reactions in cells. Our bodies produce NAD from niacin (vitamin B3) obtained through food or supplements. However, NAD levels fall approximately 50% from youth to middle age.

NAD injections introduce stabilized NAD molecules directly into the bloodstream via intravenous therapy. This rapidly increases NAD concentrations in cells throughout the body. The goal is to restore NAD to more youthful levels so our cells can function optimally.

Potential Anti-Aging Effects

Preclinical studies show boosting NAD rejuvenates stem cells, enhances DNA repair, increases sirtuin activity, reduces inflammation, and lengthens telomeres – changes associated with reversal of aging.

Human research is still in the early phases but it shows promise for improving biomarkers of aging. Participants receiving NAD injections experienced increased NAD metabolites, tighter telomere length, better cardiovascular function, and expanded muscle mitochondria.

Cognitive and Neurologic Benefits

NAD is vital for energy metabolism in the brain. Animal studies demonstrate NAD injections improve cognitive abilities, protect neurons, and promote regeneration of axons critical for neuroplasticity.

Human research links higher NAD levels to enhanced executive function, processing speed, and memory. Those with cognitive impairment may benefit most from NAD therapy.

Increased Energy

Our mitochondria require NAD to metabolize nutrients and generate ATP – the energy currency of cells. Restoring youthful NAD levels with injections can conceivably raise energy levels.

Participants report substantial boosts in energy, stamina, and athletic performance shortly after receiving NAD. However, randomized trials are needed to confirm these benefits.

Early findings also indicate NAD therapy may further help with liver and kidney function, heart health, inflammation and immune function, wood and well-being as well as recovery from addiction or PTSD. However, more research is being done to validate all these benefits in humans.

Considerations for NAD Injections

NAD injections are administered intravenously under medical supervision. Treatments last 30-90 minutes and often involve an initial set of 5-10 sessions over 4-12 weeks. Maintenance injections may follow.

Potential side effects seem mild but include headaches, nausea, and flushing. NAD therapy is generally well tolerated.

At around $500 per session, costs quickly add up. Most insurance does not cover anti-aging treatments. Verify your coverage.

While promising, keep in mind NAD injections are still an experimental therapy lacking conclusive clinical evidence. Work with a trusted provider to understand potential risks and benefits.

Talk to your doctor before undergoing NAD therapy, especially if you take any medications or have a health condition. NAD may interact with blood pressure medications, anesthesia, alcohol, and more.

The Takeaway

NAD injections may turn back the hands of time by restoring youthful levels of this vital molecule. Early research shows potential for improving cognition, energy, biomarkers of aging, and more. However, human data remains limited. Discuss with your doctor if NAD therapy may be right for reaching your health and wellness goals.

Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash