General Information on NAD+

First discovered in the early eighteenth century, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) is an essential ingredient in metabolic processes and reactions that occur in cells within the human body. All significant cellular events within the human body cannot
occur without the presence of NAD. Examples of some processes that are dependent on NAD are glycolysis (the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate and hydrogen), citric acid or tricarboxylic acid cycle (the release of stored energy from carbohydrates, proteins and fats through the oxidation of acetyl CoA), the oxidation or breakdown of fatty acids, DNA repair, inflammatory responses, among many other processes. NAD usually undergoes either oxidation or reduction as it exerts its effects on the body's metabolic processes; the oxidized variant of NAD is referred to as NAD+.

Benefits of IV NAD Therapy

Given the integral role that NAD+ plays in all the body's major processes as detailed in the previous section, it is essential to ensure that NAD+ levels are optimal. If there are signs of NAD+ deficiency, such as in pellagra, which manifests as dermatitis, dementia, or diarrhea, supplemental IV NAD therapy may be warranted. In addition to signs of NAD+ deficiency, there are other reasons for which an individual may consider receiving intravenous NAD+ supplementation; some of these reasons include the following:

1) Addiction Therapy
One of the most common reasons why IV NAD+ therapy may be considered in some individuals is in the management of addiction. IV NAD+ may benefit patients weaning off opioid, alcohol, chemical, or prescription drug dependencies; it may also serve to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms. While the mechanism of how NAD+ works in this regard is still under investigation, it is believed that IV NAD+ helps flush drugs out of the body and reduce cravings.

2) Improved Cognition
As has previously been stated, NAD+ has been shown to exert both protective and stimulatory effects on the brain. For this reason, IV NAD+ therapy may be administered
to potentially enhance memory, improve concentration, improve the ability to focus, enhance brain regeneration, and improve overall neurological function. Studies are still ongoing regarding the precise means by which exogenous NAD+ supplementation exerts these effects.

3) Chronic Fatigue
IV NAD+ therapy has been used in the management of individuals with chronic fatigue and low energy levels. NAD+ is an essential cofactor in the glycolytic pathway and tricarboxylic acid pathways; these pathways result in Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) production, which is the energy source of the human body. Through exogenous NAD+ supplementation, ATP levels in the body are increased which may have a resulting effect in boosting energy levels and reducing feelings of fatigue.

4) Athletic Performance
Due to its role in ATP production, some athletes have used IV NAD+ therapy to enhance their athletic capabilities and performance. IV NAD+ supplements may boost energy levels, improve cognition, and increase reaction times in athletes during
competitions or other athletic events. In addition, studies have shown that NAD+ supplementation may assist in muscle development as well as muscle repair, leading to muscle hypertrophy and muscle hyperplasia.

5) Pain Management
One of the more novel reasons why some individuals receive IV NAD+ therapy is in managing pain. NAD+ is known to exert significant anti-inflammatory actions within body and may be used to reduce the inflammation that typically occurs with pain and, thereby, offer some relief from pain. Studies into the use of supplemental NAD+ as a form of pain control are still ongoing and the results so far are not yet definitive.

References:
About NAD, "Improving NAD Status to Support Cellular Resilience".
Available: https://www.aboutnad.com/nad-benefits
Mehmel, M., Jovanovi, N., Spitz, U., "Nicotinamide Riboside—The Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses", Nutrients, vol.12 issue 6, pp. 1616.