What is NAD and Can it Slow Aging in Humans?

NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme found in all living cells and plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and cell signaling.  There have been clinical trials in humans using oral NAD, NMN and other precursors. However, the effects of intravenous NAD are immediately noticeable.

What is the significance of NAD in aging?

NAD levels decline with age, contributing to various age-related diseases and the aging process itself. Boosting NAD levels has shown promise in preclinical studies for improving mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation, and protecting against age-related decline.

What are NAD precursor vitamins?

NAD precursor vitamins are compounds that can be converted into NAD within the body. These include tryptophan, NA, NAM, nicotinic acid riboside (NaR), NMN, and NR.

What are the therapeutic potentials of NAD boosting strategies?

Increasing NAD levels has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical studies for various conditions like metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and acute kidney injury.

What are the known effects of NAD boosting molecules in humans?

Niacin, an NAD+ precursor, has been shown to reduce total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in individuals with dyslipidemia. It has also been associated with improvements in glucose metabolism, kidney function, and cardiovascular health in certain clinical trials.

What are some examples of human clinical trials focusing on NAD and aging?

Clinical trials are investigating the effects of NMN and NR on various age-related parameters, including insulin sensitivity, physical activity, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, bone and muscle function, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive function.

Intravenous NAD studies in humans

Evidence suggesting the benefits of NAD upregulation in humans has been accumulating, primarily using vitamin B3. For instance, daily niacin intake has been recommended for much of the past century and controlled trials have demonstrated its ability to cause arterial plaque regression. Additionally, extensive literature supports the use of high-dose niacin for managing dyslipidemias in the context of cardiovascular disease prevention. Recently, numerous clinical trials have been conducted, with many more underway, to rigorously evaluate NAD pharmacology in relation to aging and age-related metabolic diseases. These trials benefit from a modern understanding of NAD and its connections to crucial processes in cellular aging. Consequently, NAD is being explored as a potential therapeutic intervention for various age-related conditions, such as immune decline (immunosenescence) and chronic inflammation (inflammaging). [1]

Intravenous NAD for Parkinson’s disease

NAD has emerged as a promising treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s disease, demonstrated in a compelling open-label trial [2] involving 34 participants. Administered through intravenous infusion, NAD led to significant clinical improvements across the board. Remarkably, 21 patients (61.7%) experienced substantial enhancements in their disability, exceeding a 30% improvement, while 13 patients (38.3%) noted a moderate improvement of up to 30%. Importantly, the duration of daily symptom improvement increased dramatically, extending from just two hours to as much as nine hours for individual patients with NAD treatment. This evidence underscores the potential of NAD as a transformative therapy for those affected by Parkinson’s disease.

NAD for the treatment of addictions

NAD has been used intravenously for the treatment of additions.[3] NAD precursors, such as NAM, NMN, and NR, have demonstrated their ability to elevate NAD+ levels following treatment; however, intravenous (IV) NAD is the most effective method for directly increasing these levels. While it still lacks approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), emerging evidence supports its use. Notably, clinical reports indicate that IV NAD infusions have shown significant benefits in managing alcohol and opioid withdrawal, with marked improvements in cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, the advantages of NAD therapies may extend to improving emotional health in individuals with psychological disorders.

If you are interested in trying intravenous NAD start by scheduling with one of our staff doctors by calling the front desk at 303.884.7557. Alternatively, you can contact our manager to discuss cost and scheduling at manager@naturemedclinic.com.

 

[1] Radenkovic D, Reason, Verdin E. Clinical Evidence for Targeting NAD Therapeutically. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020 Sep 15;13(9):247.

[2] Birkmayer W., Birkmayer G.J., Vrecko K., Mlekusch W., Paletta B., Ott E. The coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) improves the disability of parkinsonian patients. J. Neural Transm. Park. Dis. Dement. Sect. 1989;1:297–302.

[3] O’Hollaren P. Diphosphopyridine nucleotide in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of drug addiction. A preliminary report. West. J. Surg. Obstet. Gynecol. 1961;69:213–215.