Introduction to NAD

The first time I heard about NAD, it was from Joe Rogan, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. However, it kept popping up in my social media feeds, podcasts, and even from people whose opinions I value. At a skin care event, I met Jessi Butterfield, a makeup artist and mom of two, who shared that she started taking NAD after hearing about its brain fog-lifting abilities from her clients. She told me that it helped her regain mental clarity and improved her energy levels.

What is NAD?

NAD, or nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found naturally in the body. It plays a crucial role in hundreds of metabolic processes and is involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. The NAD that people are usually referring to is NAD IV therapy drips. Some people, like Hailey Bieber, have even claimed that it’s the key to never aging.

Why Do People Need NAD?

As we age, our natural NAD production declines, starting from our twenties. Lifestyle choices, stress, and pollution can further deplete our NAD levels, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and poor sleep. Supplementing with NAD is thought to fill up the proverbial tank and give us back the molecule that we had when we were younger.

How NAD Works

According to Amanda Kahn, MD, a board-certified internist, NAD gives us back the molecule that we had when we were younger, which is responsible for keeping our cells optimized, particularly the mitochondria, the cell powerhouse. When our mitochondria slow down, it can lead to cellular aging, which can have a cascading effect on other surrounding cells.

Benefits of NAD

While some people claim that NAD is the fountain of youth, many others are more interested in its health-related benefits, such as boosting immunity, managing pain and inflammation, supporting metabolic health, and improving energy and cognitive function. Pre-clinical studies have shown that NAD can help prevent or reduce T-cell exhaustion in mice with sepsis.

Forms of NAD Therapy

There are two main ways to take part in NAD therapy: taking NAD itself (NAD+ or NADH) or taking a NAD precursor (NMN or NR), which helps the body produce its own NAD. However, the use of NMN in supplements is currently unlawful under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), and its legal status is still being debated.

Controversy Surrounding NAD

Doctors are divided on what form of NAD is optimal, how it should be administered, and whether supplementation is effective or safe in humans. Some doctors, like Andrew Ahn, MD, have not prescribed or suggested NAD supplementation to their patients, citing a lack of evidence.

Conclusion

While NAD may have potential benefits, it’s essential to approach it with a critical and nuanced perspective. More research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health, and individuals should consult with their healthcare providers before considering NAD therapy.

FAQs

• What is NAD?
  NAD, or nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found naturally in the body that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and DNA repair.
• What are the benefits of NAD?
  NAD may help improve energy and cognitive function, boost immunity, manage pain and inflammation, and support metabolic health.
• How is NAD administered?
  NAD can be administered through IV therapy drips or taken as a supplement in the form of NAD+ or NADH, or as a NAD precursor (NMN or NR).
• Is NAD safe and effective?
  The safety and effectiveness of NAD supplementation are still being debated, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human health.