From the Guidelines
NAD injections are a form of supplementation that delivers nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme found in all living cells, directly into the bloodstream, with typical doses ranging from 500-1000mg per session, although the optimal dose is not well established, with parenteral nutrition (PN) doses of niacin, a precursor to NAD, being 40 mg/day 1. These injections are typically administered intravenously and contain NAD+ in various doses, often given over 1-4 hours. NAD+ plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism, energy production, and DNA repair, as it is a collective term for nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, which is converted into its main metabolically active form, the coenzyme NAD, in all tissues in the body 1. Some of the key points to consider about NAD injections include:
- NAD+ is essential for cellular function, with more than 400 enzymes requiring NAD to catalyze reactions in the body 1
- Natural NAD+ levels decline with age, which some believe contributes to aging and age-related diseases
- Proponents claim these injections may help with energy enhancement, cognitive function, anti-aging effects, addiction recovery, and cellular repair
- However, the scientific evidence supporting injectable NAD+ for these purposes remains limited, and side effects can include flushing, headache, nausea, and chest tightness during administration 1
- These treatments are typically expensive, not FDA-approved for anti-aging or wellness purposes, and should only be administered by qualified healthcare providers after proper medical evaluation.
From the Research
What are NAD Injections
- NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential pyridine nucleotide cofactor present in cells and involved in various biological processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, DNA repair, and gene expression 2.
- NAD injections, or NAD therapy, involve the administration of NAD+ or its precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, to increase NAD+ levels in the body 3.
- The purpose of NAD therapy is to improve various health parameters, including energy metabolism, anxiety, and inflammation, particularly in individuals with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease 2, 4.
Benefits and Side Effects
- Studies have shown that NAD therapy can be associated with improved quality of life, reduced anxiety, and increased muscle insulin sensitivity 2, 4.
- Common side effects of NAD therapy include muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and headaches, although these are generally considered mild and not serious 2.
- The efficacy and safety of NAD therapy have been evaluated in various clinical trials, with results suggesting that it may be a promising treatment for certain conditions, although further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and limitations 2, 5.
Clinical Applications
- NAD therapy has been investigated as a potential treatment for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and age-related diseases 2, 6, 5.
- Some studies suggest that NAD therapy may be beneficial in improving skeletal muscle function and reducing fatigue in individuals with these conditions 3, 6.
- However, more research is needed to determine the optimal method of raising NAD levels, identifying target conditions, and comparing NAD therapy to standard treatments 5.