From the Guidelines
NAD injections are typically administered through intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes, with IV being the preferred method for faster absorption and higher bioavailability. When considering the administration route for NAD injections, it's crucial to prioritize methods that ensure effective delivery and minimize potential side effects. According to the espen micronutrient guideline published in Clinical Nutrition in 2022 1, the parenteral route, including IV or IM, may be indicated for rapid correction of a deficiency, especially where absorption is poor.
Administration Considerations
- IV administration allows for slower infusion over 15-30 minutes, reducing the risk of side effects like flushing or headache.
- IM injections are an alternative when IV access is not available but may cause more discomfort at the injection site.
- The dosage can range from 100-500mg per session, depending on the condition being treated and clinical protocols.
Clinical Context
The decision on the administration route should be made by qualified healthcare professionals, considering the patient's overall health status, the presence of any inflammatory response 1, and the need for proper preparation, sterile technique, and monitoring for adverse reactions. The espen micronutrient guideline emphasizes the importance of integrating clinical assessment and laboratory investigation, including the presence and magnitude of a concomitant inflammatory response, for rational interpretation of abnormal laboratory results 1.
Safety and Efficacy
NAD injections aim to replenish cellular NAD+ levels, supporting cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic processes. Given the potential for side effects and the need for precise administration, these injections should only be administered in clinical settings by qualified professionals. Subcutaneous administration is not recommended due to poor absorption and the potential for local irritation.
From the Research
NAD Injection Route
- The studies provided do not specifically focus on the NAD injection route, but rather on the effects and distribution of NAD and its precursors in various clinical conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study examined the distribution of intravenous nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and its metabolite nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in normal and ischemic stroke mice, finding that NMN accumulated earlier than NAD in the brain 3.
- Another study found that orally and intravenously administered NMN and NR were rapidly degraded and converted to nicotinic acid (NA) through gut microbiota-mediated deamidation, which was then used in the liver to synthesize NAD+ 5.
- The studies suggest that NAD and its precursors can be administered through various routes, including oral and intravenous, but the optimal method of raising NAD levels is still unclear and requires further research 2, 4, 6.
Administration Methods
- Oral administration of NADH has been associated with an increase in general quality of life and improvement in health parameters, such as a decrease in anxiety and maximum heart rate 2.
- Intravenous injection of NMN has been shown to reduce cerebral infarction and exhibit safety and therapeutic effects on acute ischemic stroke injury 3.
- The studies highlight the need for further research to determine the optimal method of raising NAD levels and to compare the effects of different administration methods 4, 6.