NAD (exists as both NAD+ and NADH) and is a coenzyme in many cells. The letters stand for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. NAD is created in the body from tryptophan and is critical for energy production. Theoretically the more NADH we have, the more efficient the energy production will be. Verwey in 2002 said, “The greater the amount of usable NAD energy, the higher the quality of life and functioning”. That sounds pretty good! To quickly find out more about GIV Mobile IV and our NAD+ offers, click here.
Why do we need NAD?
- Brain/Nervous System:Sensory/motor function
- Liver: Gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation
- Vasculature: Endothelial function
- Heart: Cardioprotective
- Lymphoid Tissue: Immunity and anti-inflammatory
- Reproductive Organs: Fertility
- Kidney: Renoprotection
- Pancreas: Insulin secretion
- Muscle: Insulin sensitivity, fatty acid oxidation
- Adipose Tissue: Lipogenesis
NAD IV is also known to help with:
- DNA Repair
- Mitochondrial function
- Neuroprotective effects
- Anti-aging effects
- Possesses lipid lowering effects
- Alleviating opiate withdrawal symptoms/craving
- Improving exercise capacity
- Assisting with weight loss based on energy production
Every 20 years, NAD+ levels drop by 50%. NAD+ can also decrease due to:
- Heart Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Obesity
- Multiple other specific organs decrease levels over time
- Genetics/mitochondrial disorders/nutrient deficiencies/liver diseases
Depleted levels of NAD+ and accumulation of NADH, or a low ratio of NAD+/NADH, can create problems for your mitochondria and your cells.
How can NAD levels be raised?
- Oral route
- Nicotinamide riboside
- Nicotinamide mononucleotide
- Niacin/niacinamide
- Nasal spray
- Topical (iontophoresis)
- IV administration
The most direct method is through IV admin and is currently the only recognized means of increasing NAD+ levels at this time.
There are 3 big areas of interest in NAD therapy discussed below in more detail. This includes anti-aging, exercise, endurance and neuroprotective effects. There are other areas of interest, such as: depression and anxiety treatment but these are areas of study that are still in their infancy.
NAD IV as an Anti-Aging Molecule
Medical researchers have known for quite some time that a group of enzymes called sirutins play a crucial role in how the body ages. SIRT enzymes appear to switch off genes that promote aging such as those that cause inflammation, fat synthesis and storage, and blood sugar management issues.
Up until now the only way we knew to positively impact these SIRT enzymes was to go on a very low-calorie diet, but NAD+ IV supplementation may have a positive effect on these sirutins leading to decreased cell aging and death.
So is NAD+ a fountain of youth? It could be. But one thing is clear: NAD+ has an impact on your body at the cellular level, and could turn back the hands of time.
NAD IV Role in Exercise and Endurance
ATP levels are depleted in muscles while exercising and NAD+ has been implicated in this process.
A study done in 2010 showed that intense exercise decreases NAD+. Study participants took an antioxidant supplement containing pycgnogenol (which stimulates NAD+ production and protects it from turning into the inactive, oxidized form of the molecule). As a result, NAD+ levels increased, exercise performance was enhanced, and “time to fatigue” also improved. This is exciting news for those looking to better their exercise endurance!
NAD IV Role in Reversing Chronic Illness and Neurodegenerative Disease
If the mitochondria in your cells aren’t functioning properly or they are producing too little energy, you are going to experience adverse symptoms. When the problem becomes too severe it can turn into illness and often chronic and long term.
The link between NAD+, energy production, and chronic illness really couldn’t be clearer. Low NAD+ results in low ATP levels. Low ATP levels quickly depletes your cell’s energy reserves. Left unchecked, this can lead to cell death.
If nerve cells are affected, the lack of energy may manifest itself as depression, anxiety, fatigue and lack of focus. In severe cases where the nerve cells are dramatically impacted or even die, neurodegenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis may manifest themselves. In the worst cases—like mass cellular death—this may lead not only to transient symptoms such as tremors, spasms, tingling, numbness and blurred vision, but to permanent and irreversible disability.
How long does NAD IV take:
- 250mg typically takes around 2 hours and there is a range depending on how each client tolerates the infusion. We have also found that repeat infusions week after week tend to be able to run a little quicker generally speaking.
- 500mg typically takes around 4 hours and again this depends on how you feel during the infusion but we have had clients be able to complete the infusion in 2 hours. We want you to start slow and see how you respond. We can always speed things up as tolerated.
To find out more about GIV Mobile IV and our NAD+ offers, click here.
Typical side effects of NAD IV that can be seen during infusion:
- Headache
- Chest Pressure
- Tingling throughout the body
- General anxious feeling
- Stomach rumbling and diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Tremor
Side effects are rate dependent and turning it down or off temporarily will immediately stop the side effects.
References:
- NAD use in depression (mice study)
- NAD/ATP levels in the bipolar brain/those at risk in the family
- Chance, Britton, et al. “Intracellular Oxidation-Reduction States in Vivo The microfluorometry of pyridine nucleotide gives a continuous measurement of the oxidation state.” Science 137.3529 (1962): 499-508.
- Imai, Shin-ichiro, and Leonard Guarente. “NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease.” Trends in cell biology 24.8 (2014): 464-471.
- Shetty, Pavan K., Francesca Galeffi, and Dennis A. Turner. “Nicotinamide pre-treatment ameliorates NAD (H) hyperoxidation and improves neuronal function after severe hypoxia.” Neurobiology of disease 62 (2014): 469-478.
