What does NAD do for the body? Benefits and more

NAD IV therapy is gaining traction among wellness seekers, high-performers, and biohackers alike for one simple reason: it aims to restore energy and function at the cellular level. By delivering NAD+, a coenzyme vital for cellular energy directly into the bloodstream, this therapy promises fast, noticeable benefits.

If you haven't heard of NAD+ before, you can take this time to read our beginner's guide to NAD+ for a full overview before returning to this article.

In this article, we’ll break down how NAD IV therapy works and explore the science behind its most talked-about effects, including:

• Increased energy and reduced fatigue
• Sharper focus and improved mental clarity
• Enhanced DNA repair and anti-aging potential
• Support for mood regulation and addiction recovery

Increased Energy and Combating Fatigue

One of the biggest purported benefits of NAD+ therapy is more energy. In theory, NAD+ is indespensable for cellular energy production because it fuels the mitochondria to generate ATP. High NAD+ levels allow mitochondria to run at ful throttle, powering cells and tissue to operate at max efficiency. Conversely, when NAD+ is depleted, energy output plummets and cells become "starved" for fuel, leading to signs of fatigue. In fact, NAD+ deficiency has been linked to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome.

For people struggling with chronic fatigue or burnout, the idea of an NAD infusion is very appealing. Anecdotal reports and smaller studies suggest NAD+ IV therapy does improve stamina and fight fatigue. Users report feeling a surge of vitality after an NAD session, likening it to the lift of a strong cup of coffee, but without the jitters. Athletes and high-performers have also tried NAD drips to speed up recovery and reduce exercise-related exhaution.

Enhanced Brain Function and Mental Clarity

NAD+ infusions are often touted for improving overall brain function - and that makes sense because the brain is a high-energy consuming organ, utilizing vast amounts of ATP stored by the body. This means it is especially sensitive to changes in NAD+ levels. Sufficient NAD+ is required for neuronal health, neurotransmitter production, and synaptic plasticity (neuronal function involved in learning and memory)

Reasearchers found that boosting NAD+ can improve cognitive function and even protect brain cells from degeneration. A 2018 study reported that raising NAD+ levels enhanced cognitive performance and activated sirtuins, a longevity proteins vital to protecting brain health.

People who undergo NAD+ IV therapy often report improved mental clarity, focus, and mood after treatments. many biohackers use NAD drips as a nootropic (brain-enhancing) hack to battle "brain fog". In fact, NAD+ infusions have gained popularity among executives, entrepreneurs and even celebrities seeking a mental edge.

"It's a longevity hack to the max," one NBA All-Star said, noting he "felt it cognitively" and experienced thriving mental sharpness after a series of NAD IV drips. While anecdotal, it aligns with many other's experiences with the molecule.

There's also interest in NAD therapy for neurodegenerative conditiosn like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where low NAD+ levels have been directly correlated with increased risk of disease. Preclinical studies indicate that restoring NAD+ can boost mitochondrial function in brain cells, repair DNA damage, and reduce neuroinflammation, potentially slowing cognitive decline. Though we await more long term, and extensive clinical tirals, the early evidence is promising and reinforce the idea that keeping NAD+ abundant is crucial for a healthy brain.

To learn more about how it may help with chronic fatigue and brain fog, read our featured article: benefits of NAD+ for energy and mental clarity

DNA Repair, Longevity, and Cellular Health

The longevity niche has long since touted NAD+ as its "fountain of youth". NAD+ serves as a cofactor for important enzymes like PARPs (poly ADP-ribose polymerases) and sirtuins, which repair DNA and regulate cellular aging.

Every time our cells suffer DNA damage (either from UV exposure, environmental toxins, or normal metabolism), PARP enzymes spring into action and consume NAD+ to fix broken DNA strands. Sirtuin proteins (often called "longevity genes") require NAD+ to function, and control gene expression, reduce cellular stress, and extend lifespan in animal models.

This means NAD+ is intimately tied to DNA repair and cellular longevity. When NAD+ levels are high, these repair and anti-aging mechanisms can operate efficiently, promoting genomic stability and healthy cell function. Conversely, as NAD+ depletes, DNA damage accumulates and signs of age will become visible. Replenishing NAD+ can help us turn back the clock on a cellular level.

In mice and other organisms, boosting NAD+ has shown to extend lifespan and improve overall tissue function. Biohackers take NAD+ precursors (like NR and NMN) as daily supplements to slow aging, and NAD IV act as a more intensive (though more effective and costlier) approach. Being able to so easily boost lifespan while also improving function is an exciting premise, although robust clinical evidence is still needed to confirm any longevity effects in humans.

To learn more, read our article for NAD specifically in regards to anti-aging: NAD+ for anti-aging

Support for Addiction Recovery and Mood Regulation

One of the more surprising areas where NAD IV therapy is being explored is in addiction recovery. Recovering from substance abuse (alcohol, opioids, or other drugs) is notoriously challenging. Chronic drug use is shown to disrupt and deplete the brain's natural neurotransmitter and nutrient levels, and NAD+ has emerged as a potential tool to help restore brain chemistry during detox.

Some specialized clinics offer clients high-dose NAD+ IV infusions to aid in early recovery, reporting that it drastically reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In Fact, a study in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that NAD+ therapy significantly reduced alcohol withdrawal symptoms and craving in dependent individuals. Other prelimiary studies involving opiate and stimulant addiction also show promising results and more evidence is well under way.

How might NAD+ help in addiction? The theory is that it replenishes depleted NAD+ in brain cells, which is essential for producing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood and cravings. By restoring this balance, NAD IV therapy may improve mood and diminish the intense physiological cravings that drive relapse. Some patients who undergo NAD-supported detox report quicker recovery and a gentler withdrawal experience.

There’s also interest in NAD+ for mood disorders. For example, low NAD+ has been linked to depression and anxiety, and raising NAD+ might have mood-stabilizing effects by enhancing cellular energy in brain regions involved in mood regulation.

It’s important to stress that while these outcomes are promising, NAD therapy for addiction and mental health is not yet a mainstream, FDA-approved treatment. Experts consider it experimental, and more rigorous studies are needed. However, the early anecdotal successes and the biological rationale have made NAD IV drips a popular adjunct in holistic addiction treatment programs and makes NAD therapy an intriguing tool in the future of addiction medicine.

A Balanced Perspective: Theory, Anecdotes and Evidence

NAD IV therapy is undeniably exciting, but it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective. While early research and countless personal testimonies point to real benefits, the scientific community is still working to fully validate these claims. Many of the dramatic success stories are anecdotal or come from small-scale studies. Larger, controlled clinical trials are needed to determine exactly how effective NAD infusions are for various conditions, and to identify who stands to benefit the most. As one health review aptly summarized, NAD supplementation may indeed have diverse health benefits, but additional large human trials are needed for conclusive evidence.

In the meantime, NAD IV therapy remains a promising but experimental option. For chronic fatigue sufferers, biohackers, and wellness seekers, it offers a novel way to potentially recharge cellular energy and sharpen the mind, especially if conventional approaches have fallen short. The good news is that short-term NAD IV treatments have been found to be quite safe and well-tolerated, with most studies focusing on short-term effects and reporting no serious side effects. Still, NAD drips should ideally be done under medical supervision, and they may not be suitable for everyone. Be sure to consult with a qualified professional first before attempting any drip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NAD IV therapy exemplifies the intersection of modern science and wellness innovation. It taps into our growing understanding of cellular metabolism and longevity, translating it into a tangible treatment that people can try today. The benefits: more energy, better brain function, improved cellular repair, and even mood support are certainly compelling. And as research continues, we’ll learn more about how to harness NAD+ for maximum impact.

For now, an NAD infusion can be viewed as an advanced self-care strategy: one grounded in real biochemistry, yet still waiting on the full verdict from science. With a realistic, informed approach, enthusiasts can explore NAD IV therapy’s potential upsides while staying mindful of the ongoing need for evidence. The prospect of age-defying energy and health at the cellular level is on the horizon and NAD+ just might be a key piece of that puzzle.