NAD+ Oral Supplements Vs IV: Which is Better?

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) offers various benefits to the body, from enhancing and boosting energy levels to repairing cellular DNA. Nowadays, the use of NAD+ has become more widespread, leading to a variety of NAD+ administration methods. The two most commonly used methods are NAD+ oral supplements and NAD+ IV. So, which method is better? Which one is the most suitable for you? Let’s explore this topic in this article.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme involved in metabolic processes, generating energy for the body and participating in DNA repair. It also helps protect the body against oxidative stress [1].

NAD+ levels in the body decrease with age, which is one of the reasons for signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and weakened muscles.

What are NAD+ Supplements?

NAD+ supplementation involves using products to increase the levels of NAD+ in the body. Raising NAD+ levels can offer benefits such as boosting energy, improving brain function, and slowing down the aging process [1].

How Do NAD+ Supplements Work in Our Body?

You can take NAD+ supplements on a full stomach to avoid any adverse effects on the body. Once inside the body, NAD+ compounds are absorbed through the digestive system and metabolized. NAD+ then participates in energy metabolism and ATP production in cells. NAD+ alternates between oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms, supporting biochemical reactions [2].

Additionally, NAD+ is involved in DNA repair and protects cells from damage [3]. This helps maintain the immune system.

It has also been shown that NAD+ can affect the aging process by regulating cell-protective enzymes [1].

Types of NAD+ Supplements

Due to its potential benefits, there are various NAD+ supplementation methods available to meet diverse needs.

Oral NAD+ Supplements: Available in forms such as capsules, tablets, and powder. This method is very convenient and cost-effective. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the individual.

• Capsules: Easy to use and store with accurate dosage. However, absorption may take time before converting into NAD+.
• Tablets: Convenient and often less expensive than capsules. However, some find them difficult to swallow, and absorption might be affected by other ingredients in the tablet.
• Powder: Allows for flexible dosing; absorbs faster as it does not need to be broken down like capsules or tablets. However, the taste can be a challenge.

What is NAD+ IV?

NAD+ IV is a method of delivering NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, typically used by clinics to rapidly restore bodily functions. This method is often employed for patients experiencing significant stress or severe illness. Directly infusing NAD+ into the vein quickly increases NAD+ levels in the blood, providing immediate results.

How Does NAD+ IV Work?

NAD+ is administered directly into the vein and rapidly distributed to tissues and cells. Since it bypasses the digestive system, it is distributed directly throughout the body, leading to faster absorption and an immediate increase in NAD+ levels in the blood.

Once in the bloodstream, NAD+ is transported to cells, where it participates in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and regulation of enzymes related to aging and cellular protection [2], [3].

NAD Oral Supplements vs IV

NAD+ Oral Supplements Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Easy to use at home, convenient, and portable.
• Safe for the body as it allows gradual adaptation.
• Less expensive than IV infusion.

Disadvantages:

• Absorption may be lower due to the digestive process.
• Results may be slower compared to IV infusion.
• Requires long-term use to achieve desired results.

NAD+ IV Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Quick, nearly immediate results as NAD+ is delivered directly into the blood.
• Suitable for those needing rapid recovery.
• No long waiting time to see results.

Disadvantages:

• High cost.
• It must be administered at a medical facility under professional supervision.
• Some discomfort may occur during the infusion process.

NAD+ Oral vs IV Comparison Table

NAD+ Oral Supplements vs IV: Which One Should You Choose?

To determine whether NAD oral supplements or IVs are better for you and which method to choose, consider what you need from NAD+.

As shown in the comparison table, if you prefer a gradual, natural supplement with optimal cost, oral supplementation is a good choice. However, if you need quick results or are in recovery, NAD+ IV may provide stronger effects.

Regardless of the method you choose, consulting with a healthcare professional is important to ensure the best option for your needs.

Other Ways to Supplement NAD+

Here is a brief overview of other NAD+ supplementation methods:

• NAD+ Injection: For this method, NAD+ is injected directly into the muscle. It is more effective than oral supplements but less effective than NAD+ IV infusion. Like NAD+ IV, it must be administered by trained professionals and closely monitored throughout the injection process.
• NAD+ Nasal Spray: This method involves spraying NAD+ into the nose. It is suitable for those who want to address brain-related issues, as it directly reaches the central nervous system. Additionally, it may have a positive impact on respiratory function. However, the safety of this method is not well established, and there is limited clinical research available.
• Topical NAD+ Supplementation: As the name suggests, this method uses creams or patches to deliver NAD+ to the skin. However, in terms of effectiveness, this method is less effective than the methods mentioned above.

Conclusion

In summary, NAD+ supplementation offers numerous health benefits, from increasing energy to supporting cellular function. Both oral and IV forms have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on individual needs. Additionally, other methods, such as injections, nasal sprays, or topical applications, are also worth considering.