Is NAD+ the “Fountain of Youth”?
Aging is definitely not for me… so I’m using NAD+ as my new found “fountain of youth.” I don’t like aging any more than the next guy and recently I’ve been noticing little reminders everywhere: not keeping up with the 20-year-olds playing basketball at the gym, the soreness after a workout that lasts 3–4 days now, the fatigue that sets in earlier and earlier in the day and that irritable mood that comes more often now and colors everything in my life pessimistic.
If it’s aging, then I don’t like it. Surely science has an answer to that by now right?
NAD+: the Aging Antidote
Science’s answer might be this “new” thing called NAD+. (Well, it’s not actually “new.” It’s just been rediscovered and finally made available)
A relative of the B3 vitamin Niacin, NAD+ is a co-enzyme found in every living cell. It hangs out in the mitochondria, the little factories that make energy in all of our cells. NAD+ shuttles electrons back and forth and helps convert energy into it’s usable form: ATP.
"NAD+ is a co-enzyme found in every living cell. It hangs out in the mitochondria, the little factories that make energy in all of our cells. NAD+ shuttles electrons back and forth and helps convert energy into it's usable form: ATP."
To help understand how critical this is, think of your cells as cities. For your city to keep things going—schools, police, fire department, new buildings, etc.—it needs money in the form of US dollars. Without money, everything stops.
It’s the same in cells, except instead of US dollars, the currency that cells use is ATP. You need to constantly make new neurotransmitters, hormones, muscle cells, collagen, etc. for your cells to function, and without ATP everything slows down to a halt.
As we age, mitochondria become less efficient, and they produce less ATP. A big part of the reason this happens is that the NAD+ inside of mitochondria gets depleted.
So, why haven’t we all been taking NAD+ with our breakfast cereal every morning if that’s the case?
Well, as it turns out NAD+ is a finicky molecule, and it is very hard to keep it stable in it’s purified “active” (reduced) form. Most products out there are in it’s inactive (oxidized) form as NADH, but you’ll have a very hard time finding a pure oral NAD+ oral supplement.
Many manufacturers sell NADH while others try to raise NAD+ levels indirectly by using supplements like “Nicotinamide Riboside” or “Niacinamide.” All well and good, and there is some science that show these indirect methods might work to some extent, but how can you get pure reduced NAD+ directly into your body?
IV NAD+
The excitement around getting real, pure NAD+ infused intravenously flooding our cells with this crucial co-enzyme is justified . The results are extremely promising.
Dr. Ken Starr runs a Wellness Clinic in San Luis Obispo, California which specializes in detoxing patients with long standing addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepines and narcotics. In 10–14 days using NAD+ and Amino acids, patients go through detox with minimal withdrawal symptoms and report feeling reduced or no cravings for the drug they were once addicted to. Dr. Starr has treated hundreds of patients with NAD+ and reports it is completely safe and is a miracle molecule in the treatment of addiction and detox.
Others have used NAD+ to treat chronic neurological conditions, an area where NAD+ seems to hold even more hope and promise. John Gray, PhD, the author of Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus claims to have cured his early Parkinson’s disease with infusions of NAD+ and Amino Acids several years ago. The symptoms of head tremors he once had never returned.
NAD+ has also been used in shorter treatments or 3–4 consecutive days to “reset” receptors in the brain and help correct symptoms of anxiety, depression and fatigue.
Athletes have also used NAD+ to increase endurance and strength. The benefits seem endless for anti-aging purposes too.
NAD+ not only increases ATP in the mitochondria, but it is also an essential and necessary co-factor in the production of Sirtuins, a class of molecules which the body produces to reduce cellular aging, inflammation and even diabetes.
Other molecules like Resveratrol increase Sirtuin levels which decreases inflammation and alters DNA translation so that cells repair themselves and live longer. NAD+ not only stimulates Sirtuin production, but is integral in the production of all Sirtuins.
"NAD+ not only increases ATP in the mitochondria, but it is also an essential and necessary co-factor in the production of Sirtuins, a class of molecules which the body produces to reduce cellular aging, inflammation and even diabetes."
My First NAD+ IV Infusion
Not long ago, before introducing NAD+ as an treatment at our IV infusion clinic in Newport Beach, California, I tried it for myself. I had to see what all the fuss was about.
Thankfully a few compounding pharmacies have developed technology to stabilize NAD+ in solution now and have made it available for use. I ordered mine and when it came I mixed the NAD+ in a bag of normals saline and I had one of our IV infusion nurses start an IV drip one me.
The slow drip continued for about 2 hours. I went about my business, working on the computer. I even had a Skype video conference call. Had it not been for the IV line to remind me I was “hooked up” to a drip, I would have completely forgotten about it. There was no pain, no weird sensations of any kind.
After I was finished and the IV was taken out, I started noticing subtle changes. My vision got very sharp (I wear reading glasses). I was calm and had a sense of wellbeing. I went to the gym and got a great workout in. Maybe after 2–3 more of these infusions and I’ll be able to run circles around the 20-year-olds on the basketball court? One can only hope.
Who Should Consider IV Treatment?
Who should consider this IV Treatment?
- People with chronic neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue.
- Individuals diagnosed with anxiety and depression
- Athletes looking to increase strength, stamina and performnace
- Anti-aging buffs
Liposomal NAD+
Liposomal NAD+ by Core Med Science offers a groundbreaking anti-aging solution to combat this decline. By encapsulating NAD+ within microscopic spheres called liposomes, this innovative technology ensures the highest absorption and bioavailability of NAD+ in the body.
Liposomes are made of the same building blocks as cell membranes, allowing them to easily fuse with the cells of the intestinal tract and deliver NAD+ directly into the circulation. By boosting NAD+ levels, liposomal NAD+ supports optimal energy production, enhances the activity of Sirtuins, and promotes overall cellular health. Additionally, improved NAD+ levels have been associated with better sleep, mood, and concentration, as well as reduced cravings and anxiety.
"By boosting NAD+ levels, these innovative treatments offer a wide range of potential benefits, from improved energy and cognitive function to enhanced athletic performance and reduced symptoms of chronic neurological conditions."
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, NAD+ is a crucial molecule that plays a vital role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and anti-aging processes. As we age, our NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to reduced cellular function and accelerated aging. However, with the introduction of liposomal NAD+ and IV NAD+ infusions, we now have powerful tools to combat this decline and support optimal health and well-being. By boosting NAD+ levels, these innovative treatments offer a wide range of potential benefits, from improved energy and cognitive function to enhanced athletic performance and reduced symptoms of chronic neurological conditions. As more research is conducted and awareness grows, NAD+ is poised to become a key player in the quest for longevity and vitality.