Millions of adults spend a lot of time and money on topical creams, makeup, hairstyles, clothing and surgical treatments in an attempt to look younger. While these may work, inside, the body is still aging. Although aging is a natural occurrence, researchers are coming closer to pinpointing aging’s specific causes other than our numerical age. They are also developing solutions to stall nature. 

Many doctors of functional medicine are increasingly optimistic about a new treatment, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) that targets the body on the molecular level. NAD+ is a naturally occurring cofactor/coenzyme derived from vitamin B3 (niacin), present in all living cells. NAD+ starts to diminish as we age, so research has focused on the impact of reintroducing NAD+ to the body.

NAD Could be the Fountain of Youth

NAD+ is already being referenced as the body’s anti-aging molecule. As a supplement, NAD+ does not need U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, so it’s now available to the general public.

A staff member at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine asked to take NAD+ in its oral supplement form to determine if it was indeed the real deal and merited consideration as a treatment option. Monitored results included a better and deeper sleep, which allows the body to fully rejuvenate each night, more energy, improvement of overall mood and a sharper mind. Additionally, the mitochondria were supercharged, which helps to burn fat and potentially reduce blood glucose levels as seen in animal studies.

Some genetics experts believe that NAD+ treatments might be more effective than stem cell therapy. According to top researcher Dr. David Sinclair, at Harvard Medical School, NAD+ actually can reprogram cells to regress to a more youthful state. That statement alone warrants a closer look at NAD+ as a supplement.

Benefits of NAD+

The benefits are far-reaching within the human body, impacting the brain, metabolism, energy levels and cell repair.

NAD+ potentially slows cognitive decline and promotes healthy brain functions, mental clarity, higher concentration levels and memory function. Studies in mice showed these results. Presently, studies involve humans with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

NAD+ potentially helps control depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Research has shown that people with critically low levels of NAD are at a higher risk for developing problems related to addiction, anxiety and other mental disorders.

NAD+ boosts energy levels and fights chronic fatigue by inserting itself directly into the Kreb’s cycle, or the energy cycle, in the mitochondria of the body’s cells that create energy. As we age, our natural levels of NAD+ decline, explaining why fatigue is the number one complaint among older adults.

NAD+ provides a jolt to metabolism, which burns fat and helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. In studies, diabetic and obese rats showed improvements in their metabolism with NAD+ supplementation.

NAD+ allows cells to regenerate and repair, healing the body as it recovers from injuries and rigorous exercise. NAD+ is a very strong sirtuin activator. Sirtuin genes have the ability to repair cells and regress them to a more youthful state.

Who is Using NAD+

NAD+ is in all of our bodies, which means everyone benefits from the coenzyme. However, some groups of individuals are turning toward NAD+ therapy in larger numbers, including athletes seeking to improve endurance, performance and recovery; executives wanting to enhance concentration, focus and memory; and individuals with neurological disorders and other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and depression, as well as individuals with medical ailments and conditions such as fatigue, unrestful sleep and fibromyalgia.

Therapy Options

Two primary ways to receive NAD+ treatments are intravenous therapy (IV) and oral supplements.

IV therapy conducted in a doctor’s office or medical clinic has grown in popularity because vitamins, minerals and nutrients are introduced directly into an individual’s bloodstream, allowing for quick absorption and immediate impacts. 

Taking NAD+ in tablet form introduces the treatment through an individual’s digestive system. The impacts aren’t immediate. They are felt within hours. Individuals can take NAD+ oral supplements daily from their home just like a multivitamin. 

All of us want to look younger, but we should be focused on living longer, healthy and pain-free lives. Science shows that the fountain of youth isn’t found in a mythical spring, rather potentially as NAD+ within our own bodies. Some of us just need a little extra as our levels decrease with age.

Dr. Eduardo Maristany is a board-certified internal medicine physician specializing in functional and integrative medicine, genomics testing and men’s health at the Naples Center for Functional Medicine, located at 800 Goodlette Rd. N., in Naples. For more information, call 239-649-7400 or visit NaplesCFM.com.