Sub Q Injections to Unlocking the Power of NAD+: A Patient’s Guide to Reversing the Aging Process

Introduction:

As we age, our bodies undergo a series of complex changes that can lead to declines in physical and/or mental health. One of the key factors contributing to this decline is the decrease in NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) levels, a crucial coenzyme that plays a central role in various biological processes. NAD depletion has been associated with hallmarks of aging and may underlie a wide-range of age-related diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancers, and neurodegenerative diseases. Fortunately, recent advancements in medicine have allowed for the development of NAD+ supplementation, which can be delivered via subcutaneous (SubQ) administration. In this blog, we will delve into the benefits of NAD+ supplementation, its role in the aging process, and what you can expect from this innovative treatment.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme found in every cell of our body. It is involved in various essential biological processes, including:

1. Energy Production: NAD+ helps convert food into energy, which is essential for maintaining optimal cellular function.
2. DNA Repair: NAD+ plays a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA, which can help prevent age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
3. Cellular Signaling: NAD+ is involved in cellular signaling pathways, which regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, stress response, and inflammation.
4. Sirtuin Activation: NAD+ activates sirtuins, a family of proteins that promote cellular health and longevity.

The Aging Process and NAD+ Depletion:

As we age, our NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to a decrease in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. This decline can contribute to various age-related diseases, including:

1. Metabolic Disorders: Decreased NAD+ levels can lead to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Low NAD+ levels have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
3. Cancer: NAD+ depletion can increase the risk of cancer, as damaged DNA is not properly repaired.

NAD+ facilitates the transfer of electrons and effectively converts NAD+ into reduced NADH in redox reactions, i.e., β-oxidation, glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Moreover, NAD+ functions as a co-substrate for signaling molecules that are essential for various cellular functions. Enzymes such as sirtuins, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), NAD+ glycohydrolase (CD38), and sterile alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing protein 1 (SARM1) depend on NAD+ to carry out their respective cellular functions. Therefore, NAD+ is a critical element in maintaining optimal cellular health and function.

Benefits of NAD+ Supplementation:

Supplementing with NAD+ can have numerous benefits, including:

1. Improved Energy Levels: Increased NAD+ levels can enhance cellular energy production, leading to improved physical and mental performance. NAD+ is a key player in cellular respiration, the process by which cells convert nutrients into energy. It is involved in both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, essential components of energy metabolism.
2. Cellular Repair and Maintenance: NAD+ is involved in DNA repair mechanisms and maintenance of genomic stability. It plays a role in various cellular processes, including the activation of sirtuins, a class of proteins associated with longevity and cellular repair.
3. Sirtuin Activation: NAD+ is a coenzyme for sirtuins, a group of proteins that regulate cellular health and longevity. Sirtuins are involved in various processes, including gene expression, DNA repair, and metabolic regulation.
4. Enhanced Cognitive Function: NAD+ supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and mood.
5. Anti-Aging Effects: NAD+ can help reverse age-related diseases by promoting cellular health, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation. Boosting NAD+ levels is theorized to potentially slow down aspects of the aging process and promote cellular health.
6. Increased Longevity: By promoting cellular health and reducing oxidative stress, NAD+ supplementation may help increase lifespan.
7. Neuroprotection: NAD+ is involved in the protection of neurons and the regulation of neuronal function. Research has explored its potential role in neurodegenerative diseases, with some studies suggesting that NAD+ precursors may have neuroprotective effects.
8. Metabolic Health: NAD+ is linked to various aspects of metabolic health, including insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Some studies have investigated the potential use of NAD+ precursors in managing metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
9. Cardiovascular Health: NAD+ is involved in maintaining vascular function and may play a role in cardiovascular health. Research is ongoing to understand its potential benefits in preventing or managing cardiovascular diseases.
10. Reduced Inflammation: NAD+ supplementation can help reduce inflammation, which can lead to improved overall health and reduced risk of age-related diseases.
11. Exercise Performance: NAD+ is implicated in muscle function and energy metabolism, and some studies suggest that increasing NAD+ levels may have benefits for exercise performance and recovery.
12. Increased Sense of Well-being: Many patients report an increased sense of well-being, which can be attributed to the anti-aging effects of NAD+ supplementation.

Delivery Methods of NAD:

1. IV Administration: There are multiple ways to deliver NAD into the body and they vary in the effectiveness. The gold standard is the IV method. While this is the most effective, it can be the most cumbersome as well.
   1. Administration via IV therapy involves the intravenous administration of NAD directly into the bloodstream. The NAD solution is slowly infused into the vein over a period of time, allowing for better absorption and utilization by the body. The slow infusion allows for the team to minimize most side effects of the high dosage of the therapy.
   2. The IV typically takes one to two hours to perform and there should be a loading phase. This loading phase includes multiple IV treatments over a short period of days/weeks. Many patients find this to be hard to achieve due to scheduling constraints.
2. Subcutaneous (SubQ) Delivery Method:
   All U Health has developed a Subcutaneous (SubQ) protocol that allows for the loading phase and maintenance dosing to be done at the convenience of the patient’s home. The loading phase (typically lasting 3-4 weeks in duration) is followed by the maintenance phase, consisting of SubQ injections performed a few times per week based on the patient’s ability to reasonably tolerate the therapy. NAD is injected using a small insulin needle into the fatty tissue, bypassing the digestive system. SubQ injections are considered an alternative to IV therapy and are sometimes preferred by individuals who may have difficulty tolerating or accessing IV administration or cannot schedule the duration of the IV. Most of the patients prefer this method due to the ease of administration at home as well as the flexibility that this frequency provides.
   1. SubQ Delivery Method: This method involves injecting NAD+ into the subcutaneous tissue, where it is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. This method offers several advantages, including:
      1. Improved Bioavailability: SubQ delivery ensures that NAD+ is absorbed more efficiently, leading to higher bioavailability and better efficacy.
      2. Reduced Side Effects: The SubQ method can minimize side effects, such as gastrointestinal upset, which are common with oral supplementation.
      3. Increased Convenience: SubQ injections can be administered at home, making it a convenient option for patients.
3. Nasal Spray:
   1. Nasal spray has recently become available and marketed as an easy delivery method for NAD. This method involves the direct application of NAD solution to the nasal mucosa, allowing for absorption through the nasal tissues.
   2. While this delivery method is the least intrusive, the effectiveness may vary due to differences in absorption rates and individual nasal characteristics.
4. Oral NAD Precursors:
   1. Oral NAD is taken as a troche or capsule of NAD or the precursor and it is like having an IV.
   2. The bioavailability of taking NAD orally, however, has shown this to be the least effective method of delivery.

If you are curious about NAD therapy and whether you can benefit from it, we can answer any questions.

NAD+ supplementation offers a promising approach to reversing the aging process and promoting overall health. By understanding the benefits and role of NAD+ in biological processes, you can make informed decisions about your health and wellness. If you’re interested in learning more about NAD+ supplementation, consult with the medical team at All U Health to determine if this treatment is right for you. Feel free to send us a message or schedule an appointment to take the next steps in your health journey.

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