NAD+ is among the indispensable molecules of life — yet it declines in the human body with aging.
If you haven’t heard of NAD+ or NAD+ therapy, now may be the time to learn about this treatment modality.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) molecules are found in every cell in the body, including our brain cells. Although there are benefits to receiving NAD+ IV therapy or taking NAD+ supplements, health care practitioners and researchers are advocating NAD+ for helping restore brain function and promote brain health.
Benefits of NAD+ on the Brain
Research has shown that NAD+ influences the development, maintenance, and repair of energy at the cellular levels. Some of the benefits of NAD+ for brain health and restoration are:
1. Helps guard the nerve fibres from demyelination
NAD+ protects nerves against demyelination. It may sound like a big word, but demyelination means damage in the protective coating of nerve fibres. This protective covering, called the myelin sheath (hence the term “demyelination”), protects the nerve fibres in the brain, spinal cord, and specific nerves in the body. When the myelin is injured or somehow damaged, the nerve impulses (which are the signals to and from the brain) slow down or stop. In turn, this may cause muscle weakness and stiffness; loss of sensation, vision, and coordination; altered bowel and bladder function; and pain.
2. Acts as messengers in the body
Besides having a neuroprotective effect, NAD+ is essential in controlling physiological functions and cellular communication. NAD+ helps fine-tune the functioning of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that carry messages or signals from one area of the body to another. There are different types of neurotransmitters and some are involved in various functions, such as:
– Appetite
– Blood pressure control
– Digestive system’s response to food
– Liver function
– Memory
– Motivation
– Motor control
– Reward and reinforcement
– Regulation of the heart rate
– Sleep
3. Helps improve memory and maintain cognitive function
Neurotransmitters play a significant role in our central nervous system by supporting cognitive function. Ongoing research and clinical trials suggest that NAD+ may help improve memory and blood circulation in the brain of older adults with memory retention issues. This means that NAD+ may be beneficial in improving concentration and memory.
4. Helps fight against neurological diseases
Scientists believe that NAD+ therapy may help prevent brain diseases. These brain diseases include Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s. Studies mention that low levels of brain cells energy (along with an unhealthy microbiome) may be responsible for the development and progression of these neurological diseases. By boosting NAD+ levels via supplementation and/or IV therapy, it may be possible to increase brain cells energy and vitality. Consequently, NAD+ therapy may help individuals stave off neurological disorders.
5. Contributes to restoring brain and neurological function
Whether you’re resting or engaged in intensive physical activity, your body consumes energy. NAD+ participates in the production of energy needed by most cells in the body. And one of the most energy-intensive organs in the body is the brain.
NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule needed to convert glucose from the food that we consume into energy. When you have low levels of this molecule, there will be a low supply of brain sugar and, therefore, low amounts of energy for the brain cells to work properly.
How can NAD+ IV therapy help you?
Do you want to learn more about NAD+? At our Toronto clinic, Dr. Amauri Caversan, ND, and Arv Buttar, NP, are passionate about helping patients with their integrative and functional medicine programs. You’re welcome to learn about our nutritional IV therapies, including vitamin B12, the Myer’s Cocktail, high-dose vitamin C and more. You may inquire about our NAD+ therapy, which may help rebuild neuroreceptor function and improve sleep, detoxification, and physical and mental longevity. Please call 416-922-4114 or send us your message here.
References:
Fricker RA, Green EL, Jenkins SI, Griffin SM. The Influence of Nicotinamide on Health and Disease in the Central Nervous System. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2018 May 21;11:1178646918776658. doi: 10.1177/1178646918776658. PMID: 29844677; PMCID: PMC5966847.
Hong W, Mo F, Zhang Z, Huang M, Wei X. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide: A Promising Molecule for Therapy of Diverse Diseases by Targeting NAD+ Metabolism. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020 Apr 28;8:246. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00246. PMID: 32411700; PMCID: PMC7198709.
Lautrup, Sofie & Sinclair, David & Mattson, Mark & Fang, Evandro. (2019). NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cell Metabolism. 30. 630-655. 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.09.001.
Mergenthaler P, Lindauer U, Dienel GA, Meisel A. Sugar for the brain: the role of glucose in physiological and pathological brain function. Trends Neurosci. 2013;36(10):587-597. doi:10.1016/j.tins.2013.07.001
Mehmel M, Jovanović N, Spitz U. Nicotinamide Riboside-The Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses. Nutrients. 2020 May 31;12(6):1616. doi: 10.3390/nu12061616. PMID: 32486488; PMCID: PMC7352172.
NAD+ addition normalizes Alzheimer’s features. Yujun Hou, Sofie Lautrup, Stephanie Cordonnier, Yue Wang, Deborah L. Croteau, Eduardo Zavala, Yongqing Zhang, Kanako Moritoh, Jennifer F. O’Connell, Beverly A. Baptiste, Tinna V. Stevnsner, Mark P. Mattson, Vilhelm A. Bohr Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Feb 2018, 201718819; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718819115
Zachary M. Sheffler; Vamsi Reddy; Leela Sharath Pillarisetty. Physiology, Neurotransmitters StatPearls [Internet]. Last Update: May 21, 2020.
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