NAD+: Fueling Mitochondria, charging tired cells

Note: for NAD+ to work, it does need to be pharma grade, this post shares how we order it for a very affordable price.

Lately in our posts, we’re been diving into peptides for everything from inflammation to fighting bacteria and calming moods.

But let’s not forget our mitochondria—we need to support them too, for both our kids and ourselves!

While there is a peptide for mitochondria (MOTS-c) its side effects profile causes concern and we have had amazing outcomes with another small molecule, NAD+.

Watch Our Video for much more!

We have an updated post with the same info as below and more.

You can read it instead, here.

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme

It plays a crucial role in metabolic processes and cellular functions, including energy production and DNA repair.

NAD+ is a small organic molecule composed of nicotinamide, ribose, and adenine.
Coenzyme: It acts as a coenzyme, meaning it assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.
Metabolic Roles: NAD+ is involved in numerous metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Other Functions: It also plays a role in DNA repair, cellular stress response, and longevity-related processes.

It helps convert food to energy, regulates proper cell function, sleep / wake cycles, and protects us from disease and aging.

NAD+ levels significantly decline with stress, illness, age and more.

Who needs more NAD+?

Several factors can deplete NAD+ stores, impacting cellular function and repair.

This decline is associated with reduced energy, impaired DNA repair, and increased cellular stress.

Chronic Diseases and Infections

Conditions like mold toxicity, Lyme disease, and other chronic infections are associated with lower NAD+ levels due to the inflammation and oxidative stress they induce.

Aging

NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, with estimates suggesting a 50% reduction by middle age.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Inflammatory conditions and oxidative stress increase the demand for NAD+, leading to its depletion.
Free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress, damage cells and deplete antioxidants, further impacting NAD+ levels.

Sleep Disruptions and Circadian Rhythm Imbalances

Disruptions to the circadian rhythm and irregular sleep patterns can increase oxidative stress, which depletes NAD+.

Genetic Factors

Certain genetic mutations can interfere with enzymes involved in NAD+ biosynthesis and consumption.

Other Factors

Chronic stress, obesity, alcohol consumption. UV radiation exposure, environmental toxins, and medications can also accelerate NAD+ depletion.

NAD+ benefits

• Energy Boost:

NAD+ fuels mitochondria to convert food into energy. Low NAD+ impairs energy production, worsening fatigue

• Reduces Inflammation:

NAD+ reduces inflammation by activating Sirtuins – proteins that regulate gene expression, cellular processes, and inflammatory pathways.

Sirtuins lower pro-inflammatory cytokines, easing brain and body stress and preventing tissue damage

• Immune System Support:

NAD+ is a regulator of our immune system response and can counteract its hyperactivity (and the cytokine storm).

It does this by influencing the function of immune cells, such as macrophages and T cells.

Our body cannot perform antiviral activities without NAD+ dependent enzymes.

• Protects Brain Function:

NAD+ supports neurons via sirtuins, improving focus and clarity.

• Boosts Mood and Social Behavior:

NAD+ raises oxytocin, a “social” hormone often low in autism. Studies link NAD+ to better social interactions.

• Improves Sleep:

NAD+ regulates sleep-wake cycles for deeper rest. Better sleep supports mitochondrial recovery and overall health.

• Fights Oxidative Stress:

NAD+ protects mitochondria from oxidative damage. This reduces cellular stress linked to all types of neurological issues.

• Enhances Cellular Repair:

NAD+ supports DNA repair and cell function. Promoting resilience in both our brain and body!

To Optimize NAD+

1. Choose sublingual (high quality capsules or liquid), nasal spray or home injections (not IV)

Not precursors like Tru Niagen (NR) or NMN.

2. Use very Low Doses

• Start with 10mg daily or less, to avoid side effects of too much (which do wear off as your body uses the excess NAD+)

• Studies show low doses are effective for mitochondrial support (Journal of Child Neurology, 2020).

3. Purchase NAD+ from a trusted source

Best administration method

I tried many versions – from home injections to nasal spray to sublingual use to capsules.

Note: the adhesive in NAD+ patches caused significant skin irritation for a few people I know, we did not try them.

We’ve settled on nasal spray used sublingually as the best option!

Angle head downward for best results from sprayer & it has no taste

Yes Nasal Spray, even used sublingually REALLY works!

For the most optimal balance of precision dosing (not too much, not to little) and cost, after over a year of experimenting, I found that nasal spray used sublingually is the clear winner!

One spray of NAD+ Nasal Spray from Ageless delivers about 30mg of NAD+

For us that’s too much. When you’re first beginning it might be the right dose.

Dosing for Sublingual use of Nasal Spray

1 spray in a very small cup or shot glass.
Add a very small amount of water (1 ml)
Pour under the tongue approx 1/3 – 1/2 of the liquid

This will give you a dose of 10-15 mg of NAD+

For reference, NAD+ sold by some companies is only 5mg per spray.

Store remaining liquid in refrigerator for a later dose.
Best to Pair with 500mg TMG to support methylation.

(NAD+ supplements or precursors can use up methyl groups, and DMG or TMG can help replenish them.)

Timing of Dosing

Anytime you want to feel more energy
Not on an empty stomach
Daytime or early afternoon is preferred
Evening doses are also ok – experiment

I try to take it anytime before late afternoon but it does help me sleep. When I was first starting out I took 2 doses per day and one was in the evening.

To Purchase

AgelessRx provides extremely potent, pharmaceutical NAD+ as both nasal spray and injections.

It’s an exceptional value for the quantity of NAD+ you receive.

There are a total of 4,200mg of NAD+ in one nasal spray bottle.

We use a dose of only 15 mg (or less) at a time so it lasts about 6 months.

It stays potent for more than a year in our experience.

They provide a free ‘visit’ to prescribe it which consists of an online questionnaire and uploading a photo & drivers license.

It’s easy and straightforward.

After they approve the prescription (same day if you have no conditions they need to consult you about 🙂) they send it to a compounding pharmacy and it’s typically shipped quickly.

Tips for fast approval: It’s for yourself of course and you don’t have any health conditions that flag more questions (unless you are concerned)

The coupon code VITAL15 with give you 15% offand they always have free shipping.

You can pause or cancel the monthly subscription anytime from their website. The one time option is $140 (-15%) = $119

Ageless sells many other products and the discount code VITAL15 applies to everything (except Wegovy, Ozempic, or Grail Cancer Screening).

You do need a separate questionnaire (free “visit”) for each product but your profile info is saved.

To find their page with ALL treatments available you can click on the menu at the upper right of this page:

AgelessRx Website

(I also use their B12 and Glutathione Injections)

Some of their other options – more at the site

Note: we have tried brands that are not pharma grade such as RENUE by science, and it does not work. I’m sorry!

If you prefer capsules

We found that capsules (that are optimized for delivery) can also work.

We have tried brands other than the one below, and they have not worked, at all!

After a break from NAD+ for my daughter, I gave her 1/4 of a capsule (inside another capsule).

That same day and continuing as we continue to use it, I saw a return of distinctive NAD+ benefits: more energy, better cognition, better word retrieval better sleep!

(I do not like to recommend blends and I would only get this if you have no other way to source NAD+ and cannot get it in a liquid Pharma grade)

Here are the capsules we used/

Nadovim

Coupon code: MITO10 gives 10% off

Purchase Here

Each capsule contains 100 mg of NAD+ plus other ingredients to optimize performance.

I would not take over 20-30mg at a time sublingually. It does taste pretty bad so that’s why we used a carrier!

However, taking approx 1/3 capsule orally (in another capsule) also seems to work

• Pair with 500mg TMG to support methylation.

(NAD+ supplements or precursors can use up methyl groups, and DMG or TMG can help replenish them.)

Our experience

NAD+ has greatly helped my daughter with:

Brain processing
Task planning
Motivation
Overall mood / sense of wellbeing – much happier disposition
More stable behavior and not getting “hangry” because cells are better nourished and her body is not in a state of panic when a little late for a meal.
Much improved and deeper sleep!