NAD+ 101

Benefits of Exogenous NAD (NAD+ Supplementation and Therapy)

Exogenous NAD refers to increasing the body’s NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels through external means, such as supplements or intravenous (IV) therapy. NAD+ is a crucial molecule involved in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and regulation of various metabolic and aging processes. At Nervana Medical, we offer NAD via IV, IM or even as “Vitality by the Vial” for you to inject from the convenience of your own home!

Evidence-Based Benefits

• Metabolic Health and Weight Regulation
  
  • Exogenous NAD can suppress appetite and reduce weight gain in animal studies, particularly by acting on the hypothalamus to regulate hunger-related genes and pathways2.
    
  • Supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy metabolism, which is especially relevant for those with metabolic disorders or insulin resistance35.
    
• Cellular Energy and Performance
  
  • NAD+ is essential for mitochondrial function and energy production. Increasing NAD+ levels can enhance energy, stamina, and overall physical performance35.
    
• Healthy Aging and DNA Repair
  
  • NAD+ supports DNA repair and the activity of sirtuins, proteins that regulate aging and cellular health. Supplementation may help delay signs of aging and promote longevity by maintaining cellular integrity and reducing inflammation35.
    
• Brain Function and Neuroprotection
  
  • NAD+ is vital for neuronal health, cognitive function, and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by supporting DNA repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing mitochondrial function in brain cells35.
    
• Cardiovascular Health
  
  • By improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, NAD+ supplementation may support heart health and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases35.
    
• Muscle Recovery and Physical Health
  
  • NAD+ aids muscle recovery and may help maintain muscle health, particularly as you age3.
    
• Immune System Support
  
  • NAD+ is involved in immune cell activation and cytokine production, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections and reduce the frequency and severity of illnesses5.
    
• Addiction Recovery
  
  • NAD+ IV therapy has shown promise in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, supporting recovery from substance abuse by optimizing cellular repair and function5.
    

Human Studies and Individual Response

• Clinical studies have demonstrated that NAD+ supplementation can significantly increase NAD+ levels in the blood, though individual responses vary widely4.
  
• Most benefits are supported by a combination of animal research, preclinical studies, and growing clinical evidence, but more large-scale human trials are needed for definitive conclusions345.
  

Summary Table: Key Benefits of Exogenous NAD

Benefit Area	Evidence Level	Key Findings
Metabolic health	Animal/Human	Appetite suppression, improved insulin sensitivity, weight regulation
Energy & performance	Human/Preclinical	Enhanced cellular energy, stamina, muscle recovery
Healthy aging	Preclinical/Human	DNA repair, sirtuin activation, delayed aging processes
Brain function	Preclinical/Human	Improved cognition, neuroprotection, reduced inflammation
Cardiovascular health	Preclinical/Human	Enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced risk factors
Immune support	Preclinical	Improved immune cell activation, infection resistance
Addiction recovery	Clinical reports	Reduced withdrawal symptoms, cravings, support for recovery

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Conclusion

Exogenous NAD, delivered via supplements or IV therapy, shows promise for supporting metabolism, healthy aging, brain and cardiovascular health, immune function, and addiction recovery. While animal and early human studies are encouraging, more robust clinical trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety for routine use2345. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting NAD+ supplementation or therapy.

Citations:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326607
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30179604/
3. https://coramedregen.com/nad-supplement-benefits/
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-023-00134-0
5. https://thedearingclinic.com/post/nad-iv-therapy
6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/exogenous-ketones
7. https://www.reddit.com/r/ketoscience/comments/8nr81q/exogenous_ketones_review_of_benefits_and_drawbacks/
8. https://ketonutrition.org/benefits-and-applications-of-exogenous-ketone-supplements/
9. https://draxe.com/nutrition/exogenous-ketones/
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10103874/

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NAD+ Therapy Protocols: Key Approaches and Guidelines

NAD+ therapy protocols vary based on administration method (IV, injection, oral) and intended use. Below are evidence-based protocols derived from clinical studies and medical guidelines.

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1. Intravenous (IV) Infusion Protocols

Addiction Recovery (BR+NAD™ Protocol)

• Initial Phase: 500–1000 mg/day infused over 4–8 hours for 5–10 days to manage acute withdrawal symptoms (e.g., opioid, alcohol, benzodiazepine dependence)68.
  
• Maintenance: Follow-up infusions every 6–8 weeks (250–500 mg) to reduce cravings and support long-term recovery67.
  

Neurodegenerative/Cognitive Support

• Loading Phase: 500 mg infused over 4 hours, administered 4 times over 2–3 weeks for conditions like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s7.
  
• Maintenance: Monthly 250–500 mg infusions to sustain benefits7.
  

General Wellness/Anti-Aging

• Dosing: 250–1000 mg per session, infused at 125 mg/hour (2–8 hours)7.
  
• Frequency: Weekly or biweekly sessions, depending on energy goals and tolerance37.
  

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2. Subcutaneous Injection Protocol

• Initial Dose: 50 mg (0.5 mL) once weekly for 4 weeks.
  
• Titration:
  
  • Tolerated: Increase to 100 mg/week after 4 weeks.
    
  • Side Effects: Reduce to 50 mg/week or discontinue.
    
• Max Dose: 100 mg/week.
  
• Injection Sites: Rotate between abdomen, upper arm, and thighs to prevent tissue irritation.
  

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3. Oral Supplementation

• Precursors: Nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) at 250–1000 mg/day2.
  
• Combination Therapies: Often paired with antioxidants (e.g., resveratrol) to enhance NAD+ bioavailability2.
  

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Key Considerations

• Contraindications:
  
  • Severe liver/kidney impairment, cardiovascular disease, cancer history, or NAD+ hypersensitivity46.
    
  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited safety data)4.
    
• Side Effects:
  
  • IV: Transient flu-like symptoms, injection-site discomfort37.
    
  • Injections: Localized pain or nodules4.
    
• Monitoring: Track NAD+ levels (blood/tissue), energy metrics, and symptom journals26.
  

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FDA Recognition and Safety

• Acknowledged for benzodiazepine/opioid withdrawal and chronic fatigue38.
  
• Not yet FDA-approved for most uses; considered investig
  

Citations:

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7558103/
3. https://biorestorehealth.com/newtown-connecticut/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-nad-iv-therapy-session/
4. https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/nad-therapy/
5. https://southernketamine.com/iv-therapy/nad-infusions/
6. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/nad-therapy-addiction
7. https://newdrugloft.com/intravenous-nad-therapy-what-clinicians-should-know/

How Long Does It Take to See Results from NAD+ Therapy?

Onset of Benefits

• Many people report feeling increased energy, improved mental clarity, or enhanced well-being within hours to a few days after NAD+ IV therapy or injections.
  
• For others, especially when using oral NAD+ precursors (like NR or NMN), it may take several weeks to notice significant changes in energy, cognition, and overall wellness.
  

Typical Timelines by Administration Method

• IV NAD+ Therapy: Some individuals experience benefits almost immediately or after the first session, while most notice significant improvements within one to two weeks of starting treatment.
  
• NAD+ Injections: Effects can be felt within a few days, with more consistent improvements in energy, focus, and sleep quality developing over two to four weeks6.
  
• Oral NAD+ Precursors: Noticeable effects generally take a few weeks to develop.
  

Cumulative and Lasting Effects

• The benefits of NAD+ therapy are often cumulative, with improvements becoming more pronounced after multiple sessions.
  
• After a series of treatments (such as five IV sessions over two weeks), people commonly report better energy, mental clarity, and even physical changes like improved skin tone or endurance.
  

Factors Influencing Results

• Individual response times vary based on age, baseline health, lifestyle, dosage, and frequency of administration.
  
• Hydration, diet, and overall health can also impact how quickly results appear.
  

How Long Do Results Last?

• Effects from a single NAD+ IV or injection can last from several days to several weeks, while regular maintenance sessions may be needed to sustain benefits.

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Summary Table: Expected Timeline for NAD+ Therapy Results

Administration Method	When to Expect Results	Duration of Benefits
IV NAD+ Therapy	Hours to 1–2 weeks	Several days to weeks
NAD+ Injections	Days to 2–4 weeks	3–5 days per injection
Oral NAD+ Precursors	Several weeks	Ongoing with continued use

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In summary:
Most people notice some benefits from NAD+ therapy within a few days to two weeks, especially with IV or injection methods. Effects are often cumulative and influenced by individual health factors, with maintenance sessions recommended for lasting results. If you are in Sandy Utah, or surrounding states including Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona or even Colorado, we’ve got your NAD needs covered