The Benefits of NAD+ Injections
Energy and repair at the cellular level, for comfort and longevity
I worked with a functional neurologist in Vancouver who helps athletes with brain injuries. One of the first therapies she suggests for any neurological condition is an NAD+ IV (that’s Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide).
NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme—a molecule that catalyzes enzymes to perform their functions—and it’s found in every cell, playing a vital role in many different processes, including DNA repair, cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function (energy or ATP production), and inflammation reduction. As we age, our natural NAD+ levels decline—by about half at my age—which has led researchers to investigate its potential benefits as a longevity supplement. NAD consists of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin); and adenine, which is a building block of DNA and RNA.
She warned me that the IV therapy is a little nauseating and exhausting, but that the benefits were worth it. I tried it and—yep—can confirm that it’s a nauseating hours-long marathon, but the week-long boost it gave me was incredible. I also tried supplements, but there was no noticeable effect and it’s known to have limited bioavailability that way.
Then I discovered a more efficient delivery method than that: in Winnipeg, I found a naturopath who administers NAD+ subcutaneously in ONE MINUTE for a fraction of the price of an IV ($40 per injection). And no nausea. Kinda burns going in, but I highly recommend this over the IV.
Here’s what NAD+ can do to improve neurometabolic health, with potential applications to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular health, Alzheimer’s, MS, and a host of other common problems:
1. Boosting energy and reducing fatigue. This is the big one. It enhances cellular energy production and even helps with mitochondrial biogenesis (creating powerhouses), with potential benefits for anyone with a chronic fatigue element to their suffering, including those with long COVID.
2. Cognitive improvement and mood boost. With the improvement to overall cellular health comes an improvement in brain function at the cellular level. I can say from my own experience that it enhances mental clarity, focus, and performance. It also improves the mood as neuroinflammation comes down.
3. Anti-aging properties. Lots of folks are fixated on this particular aspect of the molecule. It appears to slow down the ageing processes by gently improving all of your foundational systems at the cellular level.
4. Cellular and DNA repair. In addition to improving the engines of our cells, it improves other cellular components, too. It facilitates DNA repair by interacting with sirtuins, supporting telomere preservation, and contributing to overall cellular longevity.
5. Detoxification. NAD+ assists in natural detoxification processes by improving cellular respiration, supporting Phase 1 detoxification (turning fat-soluble into water-soluble compounds), and maintaining the redox balance, reducing oxidative stress.
6. Overall metabolic health. The compound supports the efficient metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, with further potential benefits for weight management.
7. Immune support. By providing energy to cells, improving inflammatory responses, and improving the cellular redox balance, NAD+ improves the immune response, too.
8. Skin and tissue health. Again, because of the cellular benefits, NAD+ also repairs skin, which is why it’s sometimes directly injected into the face. For the heart, it has the potential to mitigate cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
It’s still early days for NAD+ injections, but the evidence (and my own experience) is promising. I’m sort of shooting in the dark as far as the optimal dosage and timing is concerned, but I’ll continue to go a couple of times a week for a few weeks and then reduce it to maintenance doses once I’ve hit a stride.
Overall, the most noticeable benefits day-to-day for me include improvements to energy and therefore also to mood, which makes it possible to function and even spend more time at the gym. This in turn further reduces systemic inflammation and naturally improves NAD+ levels, which creates a virtuous cycle. All the common vices deplete NAD+, including alcohol, a lack of sleep, or poor dietary choices.
Since one of my most stubborn lingering problems is visual impairment, it's also been really exciting to notice an improvement in my ability to discern patterns and fine details. Perhaps, with regular injections, the gains will remain.