By Gina Van Luven, owner of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness at Red Mountain Gateway in Mesa
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme found in all living cells that plays an important role in DNA repair, brain health, energy production, metabolism and heart health. Oh, and let’s not forget beautiful skin. NAD protects against aging by supporting energy production in skin cells and reducing free radicals than may damage skin cells.
NAD levels decline with age, leading to age-related health issues like fatigue and cognitive decline. And negative lifestyle habits, like lack of exercise and processed food diet, can further deplete NAD. Therefore, supplementing with NAD may help slow the aging process and protect against diseases.
Those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other brain-related diseases have significantly lower levels of NAD. Studies indicate that supplementing with NAD may help increase cognitive function and physical mobility in patients with Parkinson’s. NAD is also critical for slowing muscle deterioration and may contribute to a reduction in biomarkers like amyloid beta and tau, which are seen in Alzheimer’s patients.
NAD comes in oral, injection and intravenous forms. If taking oral supplementation, keep in mind that, because of the digestive process, your body may not fully utilize what you are consuming. Injections and IVs, however, are delivered to your blood stream where the nutrients can be more easily utilized. Injections are great for energy and beauty, or for maintenance after having an IV. With IVs, you can receive a significantly higher dose, which is better for elderly populations and those experiencing cognitive decline or going through addiction recovery.
