NAD+ intravenous (IV) therapy offers hope as a treatment for those with chronic conditions, including Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi).
Lyme disease is a chronic disease that is transmitted to humans when infected black legged ticks (known as deer ticks) bite the skin and subsequently embed themselves.
Even after antibiotic treatments, people diagnosed with Lyme may continue to report debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, weakness, brain fog, inflammation and neurological symptoms.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found naturally in all the cells of the body and is integrated in various functions. It is a vitamin B3 (niacin) derivative that plays a vital role in energy production within the cells.
Studies have shown that NAD+ declines with age. As the natural aging process kicks in, the body fails to synthesize new NAD+ and the body may struggle to recycle NAD+ in the cells.
It is also believed that NAD+ levels decline in the presence of chronic diseases, including Lyme. Inflammation may result from chronic diseases because oxidative stress tends to increase in the body. However, research shows that intravenous NAD+ therapies or oral treatments of NAD+ precursors show promise in alleviating Lyme symptoms.
NAD+ IV therapy for Lyme symptoms
According to research from 2015, oxidative stress is suggested to be a potential result of the Lyme disease pathogen. Oxidative stress can trigger chronic inflammation symptoms because it elicits an immune system response to chronic pathogens (i.e. the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi). Furthermore, oxidative damage ensues to proteins, DNA, and lipids, which have been linked to various chronic diseases (i.e. Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and atherosclerosis).
During this particular 2015 study, a high build-up of mitochondrial superoxides – a free radical that contributes to oxidative stress – was found in those with Lyme when compared to the control group. This has led to the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction takes place in Lyme disease and, therefore, NAD+ levels are depleted.
Today, many integrative functional medicine practitioners help restore NAD+ levels in Lyme patients intravenously to alleviate oxidative stress and help manage inflammation.
NAD+ mechanism of action: How does it help alleviate Lyme symptoms?
NAD+ IV therapy may benefit patients with Lyme disease in these ways:
- NAD+ contributes to the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the unit in which we measure energy in the living cells.
- Data suggests that NAD+ IV therapy may improve the cognitive function of individuals with chronic conditions, including Lyme disease.
- NAD+ may help a person feel less tired; this may contribute to the overall well-being of the mitochondria, which are like tiny energy-producing factories in your cells. Scientists suggest that chronic diseases contain mitochondrial dysfunction in their physiopathology.
NAD+ IV therapy may improve your mood and cognitive functions by helping your brain create additional neurotransmitters.
Should you try NAD+ IV therapy to help treat Lyme symptoms?
Are you concerned that you’ve been exposed to infected black legged ticks? Or do you want to learn more about natural ways to alleviate Lyme symptoms?
At our Toronto-based clinic, Dr Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, are available to help their patients with integrative and functional medicine programs. Our NAD+ IV therapy program, a part of the integrative treatment approach for lyme disease, may help assist the body in restoring neuroreceptor function to an optimal level. This program may also promote improved sleep, detoxification, cell health replenishment and physical and mental longevity. Book your appointment today – click here to send us a message.
References
Barbosa JA, Sivaraman J, Li Y, et al. Mechanism of action and NAD+-binding mode revealed by the crystal structure of L-histidinol dehydrogenase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2002;99(4):1859-1864. doi:10.1073/pnas.022476199
Fang EF, Lautrup S, Hou Y, et al. NAD+ in Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Implications. Trends Mol Med. 2017;23(10):899-916. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2017.08.001
Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, Guest J, Farnsworth B, Guillemin GJ. Age-associated changes in oxidative stress and NAD+ metabolism in human tissue. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42357. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042357
Pall ML. Common etiology of posttraumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity via elevated nitric oxide/peroxynitrite. Med Hypotheses. 2001;57(2):139-145. doi:10.1054/mehy.2001.1325
Peacock BN, Gherezghiher TB, Hilario JD, Kellermann GH. New insights into Lyme disease. Redox Biol. 2015;5:66-70. doi:10.1016/j.redox.2015.03.002
“Pharmacy Compounding Committee Review: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)” viewed on September 3, 2020.
Pohanka M. Role of oxidative stress in infectious diseases. A review. Folia Microbiol (Praha). 2013;58(6):503-513. doi:10.1007/s12223-013-0239-5
Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):529-547. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2018.02.011
Zhu XH, Lu M, Lee BY, Ugurbil K, Chen W. In vivo NAD assay reveals the intracellular NAD contents and redox state in healthy human brain and their age dependences. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(9):2876-2881. doi:10.1073/pnas.1417921112
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