Towards the end of last year, I stumbled across an article about the next big wellness trend among the celebrity elite. They’re apparently queueing up for IV drips of NAD+. Three letters which at the time meant absolutely nothing to me. I was excited to find out what the hype was about and began to research this wonder supplement to understand the potential benefits of NAD+. It quickly became apparent that NAD+ supplementation was something I should be trying to get my hands on and pronto!
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is the acronym for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is a coenzyme that’s pivotal in our metabolism, and so how we convert the food we eat into energy. It also supports other systems, such as our immune responses, cellular health and DNA repair. The problem we have is, as we age our NAD+ supplies decrease, impacting on our energy levels and cell regeneration. This is where NAD+ supplementation potentially has a role to play and why celebrities are so interested in it. Our NAD+ supplies have halved by the time we reach 40, and continue on a downward trajectory from there. Also, lifestyle factors such as stress, diet and sleep deprivation all add to its depletion. Unfortunately, low NAD+ levels have been linked to age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. [1] So, supplementation could have a role to play for those seeking to live a more energetic, potentially healthier life. However, in addition to its possible health benefits, it’s also anti-ageing as it can help cells to repair, function optimally and protect them against damage. It also assists in managing our stress and immune functions. Oh, and it can help to boost serotonin levels too, making it a feel-good supplement as well. Being honest, the more you read, the more benefits are linked to boosting your NAD+ levels. You can now understand why I was keen to try NAD+! I’m sure you are too.
How to take NAD+
There are four types of NAD+ supplementation. The first, and potentially most effective, is an IV Infusion. Clinics, such as NADclinic in London, specialise in these treatments. This is the best option for boosting your NAD+ levels as it allows rapid and effective absorption by bypassing your digestive system, which would otherwise break down the NAD+. However, this service isn’t readily available everywhere, so it wasn’t an option for me. The second most effective option is intermuscular injections, which are administered at home. While these may not provide the gradual release or prolonged benefits of an IV, they are still highly effective in terms of their bioavailability, and so your body’s ability to use that extra NAD+. Like the IV, they are administered directly into your bloodstream and avoid your digestive system. The third option is NAD+ patches, which have lower bioavailability than injections as the NAD+ molecule is too big to be absorbed by the skin. The patches contain the precursors to NAD+. This is similar to NAD+ Oral Supplements which also contain the precursors to NAD+. These are converted to NAD+ inside your cells. Again pure NAD+ would be broken down by your digestive system before it reached your bloodstream.[2] So there are options to suit everyone, [3] but potentially of varying effectiveness.
NAD+ AT HOME
I opted to try NAD+ injections, due to their assumed effectiveness in delivering the NAD+ benefits. It was with a little trepidation, this was all very new to me, and excitement that I ordered the NAD+ AT HOME Mini. This is essentially an NAD+ taster kit. The NAD+ AT HOME Mini comes with instructions, a 500mg vial of NAD+, syringes, antibacterial wipes, and a sharps bin. The vial is to be stored in the fridge and removed ten minutes prior to use, to allow it to warm up.
My experience injecting NAD+ AT HOME
Having done IVF I was completely comfortable injecting myself, although I do realise this isn’t for everyone. The Kit comes with crystal clear instructions on how to administer the NAD+ and the dosage. A 0.25ml does for the first three days is recommended, then repeating every alternative day thereafter, or as you feel you require. This is a supplement after all, so everyone’s needs are different. The needles are tiny and, at first, were painless when used in accordance with the instructions.
It’s recommended that you vary the injection site to avoid sensitivity. I have to say that the first few injections around my abdomen were entirely painless, but, even varying the injection site, the occasional dose was very stingy and had to be injected very slowly. I’ve also had the occasional tiny bruise around the site. Nevertheless, this minor complaint is entirely erased by the beneficial effects I’ve experienced since trying NAD+ supplementation.
The Results After One Month
How I Was Feeling Pre-NAD+
I started taking NAD+ AT HOME injections on 16th November last year. At the time, I really felt physically depleted and was seriously concerned that my running days, which I rely on quite significantly, were coming to an end. The day before I took my first dose of NAD+, I was questioning if running was now doing me more harm than good. During my usual run, I was tired and could feel pretty much every step and not in a good way. My body felt very mechanical and stiff, which wasn’t at all enjoyable. At that time, I was also really very concerned about hair loss. At the end of last year, certainly there was increased stress in my life, but my hair was shedding at a rate of knots. Also, thanks to stress my skin, no matter the facials, was still prone to breakouts and sensitivity. It wasn’t an ideal state of affairs so I had nothing to lose in giving NAD+ a shot!
The Effects of NAD+
While I had high hopes for NAD+, I wasn’t expecting the truly remarkable and pretty instant effects my first injection had. Almost immediately, I felt my mood boosted. Not a major swing to euphoria. Just happy. Upbeat! Within 24 hours I had so much good energy. I went for a run and it was insane! I felt how I did when I ran years ago; comfortable, easy and totally enjoyable. No aches, no pains, no tiredness. Also, despite running faster than usual, I had no recovery time. I just felt great. Now, almost a month in, my hair has stopped shedding, my complexion is smoother and my breakouts reduced. I’m a generally more relaxed person. I’ve also made it through the whole of Christmas with no viruses. That’s despite my kids bringing home goodness knows what from school and nursery. Whenever I’ve felt like I could be coming down with something, my dose of NAD+ has boosted my immunity and nothing has come of it. My husband has had a similar experience. Having been unable to run consistently for the past 18 months due to knee and calf issues, he’s now running miles at the weekend and pushing a pram! He’s also avoided any viruses since taking it and has even noticed a difference in his own skin.
NAD+ is unquestionably the most incredible supplement I have ever tried and I’ve only been taking it for a month. I feel like it has wound the clock back by at least a few years and is helping to patch-up my body up after a prolonged tricky period in my life. If you decide to take NAD+, in whatever form that suits you, I would be surprised if you didn’t also find it to be truly life changing, especially if you are an active person, or someone who wants to increase their physical activity. It’s an incredible boost to starting the new year very well! Although I would predict that your NAD+ habit will last a lot longer than any resolution you may have made!
