Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that occurs naturally in the body and contributes to healthy functioning, cognitive abilities, and DNA repair. Depleted NAD+ levels can be increased with the use of NAD+ therapy, which can improve mental health symptoms, addiction recovery, and neurocognitive conditions.
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) occurs naturally in the body and is found in every cell.
- It contributes to several bodily functions, including DNA repair, energy metabolism, and stress response regulation.
- NAD+ therapy replenishes diminished levels and can be an effective treatment for mental health conditions, addiction, and neurocognitive conditions.
Understanding NAD+ therapy
NAD+ (sometimes referred to only as NAD) is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a naturally occurring coenzyme found in the human body. NAD is one of the most prevalent coenzymes found in every human cell. It is involved in energy metabolism, the regulation of DNA repair, gene expression, and stress response regulation. These actions are key to normal functioning.[1]
As such, a depletion of NAD is associated with impaired energy and functioning. Depleted NAD production is found to be linked to various health conditions, including:[1][2]
- Heart conditions
- Hypertension
- Slow metabolism
- Impaired immune system
- Sleep disturbances
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurocognitive disorders, including impaired concentration and memory
- Mental health concerns
Research has found that naturally occurring NAD levels decrease with age, which is associated with age-related disorders. NAD therapy involves tablets or an intravenous injection that helps restore NAD levels in the body, preventing or reducing the effects of these conditions and providing anti-aging effects.[3]
NAD therapy in mental health treatment
NAD therapy might be a beneficial treatment for some people with mental health conditions and can be included in their treatment plan alongside medications, therapies, or other services.
Depleted NAD levels impact mental and cognitive functioning as well as physical well-being. For example, neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s are found to be associated with reduced NAD levels.[3]
Additionally, NAD is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline. These neurotransmitters are crucial to mental well-being and impact mood regulation, appetite, sleep, reward and pleasure, motivation, and energy. As such, they are linked to many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, and insomnia.[2]
NAD therapy can increase the production of these neurotransmitters, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive abilities, and improve sleep quality. Although there is some research to indicate promising effects of NAD therapy for mental health symptoms, further studies are required to clarify its use for this purpose.[1][2]
Applications in addiction treatment
Some research indicates that NAD therapy can help people in addiction treatment. It can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while improving emotional distress and mental health symptoms.[4][5]
For example, one study from 1961 involved IV NAD therapy of doses between 500 and 1000 mg given for four successive days, followed by twice weekly for a month, and then twice monthly. The results of this study indicate that NAD therapy can completely alleviate substance cravings with a continuing maintenance program.
This study also suggested that there were few adverse effects from this treatment, and it could be effective for a range of alcohol and substance use issues.
However, current studies into the effects of NAD in addiction treatment are limited despite growing interest in this treatment approach and indicators of its benefits. It is considered that NAD therapy could be a cheap and effective addition to psychotherapeutic addiction treatments.[4]
What to expect in a NAD therapy session
Before commencing NAD therapy, the individual will meet with a professional to discuss any needs, expectations, and queries they have. The individual will be made aware of the benefits and risks of this therapy, as they will need to give informed consent for the procedure to begin.
NAD therapy is typically administered intravenously (IV). The individual will sit in a comfortable chair while a needle is inserted into their arm. The fluid will be administered into the vein from a bag and through a tube connected to the needle. This fluid contains nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and saline solution. The duration of the treatment can vary depending on the dose being administered.
NAD therapy can also be administered in tablet form, although this may be less effective due to varying absorption.
NAD therapy comparison with traditional mental health treatments
Traditional medicinal mental health treatments tend to target neurotransmitter levels. For example, antidepressants often act on serotonin, noradrenaline, or dopamine levels, working to increase these to improve mood and other symptoms.[2][6]
These medications, although highly effective, can cause side effects, particularly at the start of treatment, including an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Additionally, they can cause unpleasant or even dangerous effects when stopped.[6]
NAD therapy differs in that it works to replenish diminished levels of NAD, which then, in turn, increases neurotransmitter levels, along with additional effects such as improved cognitive abilities and anti-aging effects.[2] NAD is found to cause very few side effects and is considered safe for most people in therapeutic doses.[7]
Other differences include the method of administration. Although NAD can be taken orally as a tablet, it is typically administered intravenously, and it has an effect after just one treatment. Traditional mental health medications are typically taken orally as a tablet, may take several weeks or months to have an effect, and may not be effective for all.
Is NAD therapy FDA-approved?
Currently, NAD therapy is not an approved treatment, so it may be more difficult to access than traditional treatments, which any primary care physician can prescribe.[4]
Accessibility and considerations: Is it right for you?
NAD therapy can be an appropriate treatment for many different symptoms and conditions, including those related to age, cognition, mental health, or addiction. It can also improve energy levels and overall functioning. As such, anyone can benefit from NAD therapy.
However, it may be unsafe for people with issues relating to kidney or liver functioning due to metabolism. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss their options with a doctor before commencing NAD treatment, as it may impact the fetus or infant.[4]
NAD can be accessed as a tablet over-the-counter as it is sold as a dietary supplement. IV NAD treatment can be accessed at a treatment center or clinic and may be costly.
Getting help with NAD therapy
Because NAD therapy is not currently an approved treatment, it may not be available through your primary care physician. NAD therapy can be found at certain private clinics and treatment centers. More information can be found online by searching for NAD therapy providers in the area.
It is advised to consult with your usual healthcare physician before commencing NAD therapy, particularly when using other medications. A medical professional can provide information about the benefits and risks of NAD therapy for each individual.
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