As some people age, lifestyle changes may need to occur – for example, physical activity may be increased to prevent muscle weakness. Or dietary measures might be altered to meet calcium needs. But there’s one thing not commonly considered: replenishing NAD levels! NAD IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC) is available, though, to help recuperate these cellular features.

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is innately produced in the body. As a coenzyme, it has a key role in our cellular health, affecting energy production, DNA health, inflammation, the functioning of immune cells, and the human lifespan. Unfortunately, we don’t have a continuous supply of the coenzyme. NAD reduces in the body as we mature in years – and scientists suggest this inadequacy may impact the formation of age-related conditions, potentially inhibiting cognitive function and muscle health. Thus, some patients from our functional medicine clinic opt for NAD treatments to support cognition, especially when aging symptoms (i.e. fuzzy memory, brain fog or memory loss) start to creep in. Our previous article highlighted the role of NAD IV therapy on mental health, you may want to check it out.

This article provides a brief profile of NAD, how supplementation may promote brain health benefits, and how to contact our downtown clinic. 

Quick Recap: What is NAD?

• • It’s known as a “helper molecule” because it fastens itself to 300+ different enzymes. It helps optimize the function of enzymes to support chemical reactions (energy production, metabolic reactions, sleep cycles, etc.). 
  • NAD is constantly at work in the body, participating in several biological processes. Scientists postulate that this decline may be linked to age-related weight gain, cancers, cognitive decline, degenerative diseases (i.e. Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s), chronic fatigue syndrome, and weakened muscle health (sarcopenia). But there is hope – NAD shows promise in preventing or delaying these health concerns when it’s supplemented.  
  • To increase or sustain adequate levels, you can eat NAD-rich foods, like whole grains, fish, avocados and cucumbers; but these contain minimal amounts of NAD. You can help maximize NAD when these foods are combined with oral supplementation. 
  • Supplementation with precursors (tryptophan, nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)) is available in the form of oral supplements. For some patients though, tablets and capsules can cause an upset stomach, especially when struggling with a chronic condition. NAD+ IV therapy can help support optimal health – potentially improving cognitive function – by limiting the side effects linked to oral supplementation. NAD+ IV therapy delivers optimal doses of NAD directly into the bloodstream and cells, which ensures a complete absorption of nutrients. When intravenous drips are administered, nutrients immediately bypass the digestive tract; due to this instant absorption rate, there’s a chance of experiencing prompt results.

NAD IV Therapy Benefits for Brain Function

The first thought from reading the previous section might be: Is NAD IV therapy safe? The answer is yes! Intravenous therapy is a low-risk modality that inserts a nutritional formula into your vein and bloodstream instead of you swallowing capsules. In our IV Lounge, NAD IV therapy is administered under strict codes and the supervision of our health team (naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses), so your IV drip session is administered safely. If you feel discomfort or have any health questions during your session, you’re always welcome to let us know!

If NAD is prescribed by us for cognitive health issues, you should know that IV doses are tailored for biological needs only. NAD IV therapy benefits may include: 

• 1. An increase in blood circulation in the brain. According to preclinical research, NAD shows promise in boosting blood flow in the brain, especially in older adults with MCI (mild cognitive impairment); this may influence improvements to memory and concentration. NAD+ IV drips may also provide complementary support in helping to prevent or delay the progression of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease, as you’re replenishing these coenzyme shortages.  
  2. May support the proper functioning of nerves. Demyelination is when your nerve fibre coatings become impaired. IV+ NAD may protect against demyelination by reducing inflammation, which can safeguard brain nerve fibres and prevent damaged nerve impulses. 
  3. Could be capable of boosting cellular energy. NAD IV+ drips can support mitochondrial function and may assist in the conversion of glucose from food into energy. Additional cellular energy may reduce brain fog and diminish oxidative stress levels that can contribute to age-related disease. 

Note: NAD IV therapy side effects may include headaches, nasal congestion, and flushing; if these occur during your NAD+ IV drip session, let our health team know. As we explained earlier in this article, IV therapy sessions are carefully monitored by our health team. Book your initial visit for IV NAD+ today. 

About the TFMC’s Integrative Approach to Health Care

Lifestyle modifications may need to be made to shift towards wholesome wellness. At the TFMC, we can guide your health journey to promote an improvement in energy levels, immune function, muscle health, and more. With 50 years of healthcare experience combined, our team is proficient in tailoring functional medicine treatments for assorted health issues, including neurological conditions, cardiovascular health, cellular damage, chronic stress, unexplained weight loss, alcohol overindulgence, mental health concerns, nutritional deficiencies, adrenal fatigue, skin, nail and hair health, and more. 

NAD IV therapy may be prescribed by our integrative care practitioners, and it’s administered in our IV Lounge. Each drip is freshly blended with no added preservatives. Doses are personalized for each patient using functional medicine principles, so no IV drip is ever the same for each patient! A tailored IV drip can contain various amounts of nutrients for your needs, such as amino acids, folic acid, glutathione, high-dose vitamin C, vitamin E, and other nutrients. NAD IV therapy treatments may be administered as stand-alone drips or combined in a series of vitamin infusions. 

Vitamin infusions, including NAD IV therapy from our Toronto practice, are for supportive measures, and should not be taken as a sole treatment. When amalgamated with a healthy lifestyle and other functional medicine interventions, these treatments may support optimal health. 

Are you struggling with memory loss or brain fog? Explore the root cause with tailored strategies. The process is simple – get started now by clicking here, then you can request NAD IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Campbell, J. M. (2022). Supplementation with NAD+ and Its Precursors to Prevent Cognitive Decline across Disease Contexts. Nutrients, 14(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153231

Chini, C. S., Tarragó, M. G., & Chini, E. N. (2017). NAD AND THE AGING PROCESS: ROLE IN LIFE, DEATH AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 455, 62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2016.11.003

Covarrubias, A. J., Perrone, R., Grozio, A., & Verdin, E. (2021). NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology, 22(2), 119. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x

de la Torre JC. Are Major Dementias Triggered by Poor Blood Flow to the Brain? Theoretical Considerations. J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;57(2):353-371. doi: 10.3233/JAD-161266. PMID: 28211814.

Goldsmith HS. Alzheimer’s Disease: A Decreased Cerebral Blood Flow to Critical Intraneuronal Elements Is the Cause. J Alzheimers Dis. 2022;85(4):1419-1422. doi: 10.3233/JAD-215479. PMID: 34958043; PMCID: PMC8925103.

Peters R. Ageing and the brain. Postgrad Med J. 2006 Feb;82(964):84-8. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2005.036665. PMID: 16461469; PMCID: PMC2596698.

Penberthy WT, Tsunoda I. The importance of NAD in multiple sclerosis. Curr Pharm Des. 2009;15(1):64-99. doi: 10.2174/138161209787185751. PMID: 19149604; PMCID: PMC2651433.

Waddell J, Khatoon R, Kristian T. Cellular and Mitochondrial NAD Homeostasis in Health and Disease. Cells. 2023 May 6;12(9):1329. doi: 10.3390/cells12091329. PMID: 37174729; PMCID: PMC10177113.

Xie, N., Zhang, L., Gao, W., Huang, C., Huber, P. E., Zhou, X., Li, C., Shen, G., & Zou, B. (2020). NAD+ metabolism: Pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 5(1), 1-37. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-020-00311-7