11 Jun NAD Levels: Everything you should know

NAD, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a molecule important in the health of your body’s cells. Maintaining healthy levels of NAD can have positive impacts on your overall health and wellness. 

The Importance of NAD in Health and Longevity

NAD plays a key role in the human body. Major roles include:

• Converting nutrients into energy adenosine triphosphate production, also known as ATP or your body’s energy currency

• Supporting mitochondrial function[1]

• Repairing DNA damage

• Regulating cell aging via sirtuins, a protein involved in regulating cellular processes including the aging and death of cells, and their resistance to stress.

• Neurotransmitter production (impacting mood and cognition)

The amount of NAD, or the NAD level, is measured by the concentration of NAD+ in the body. It is important to measure the body’s NAD as one indicator of overall health and well-being. If levels are too low, cells don’t have the energy needed to function properly. 

What Are NAD Levels?

NAD has two forms: NAD+ and NADH. Both forms are essential for the many processes that the cells perform. 

• NAD+ (NAD Oxidized): NAD+ is the form of NAD that is involved in oxidation reactions. It acts as an electron acceptor. This means it can gain electrons from other molecules. 

• NADH: When NAD accepts electrons it produces NADH, which is involved in reduction reactions. This means it can donate electrons to other molecules.

NAD levels can be measured through specialized laboratory tests that analyze blood, tissue, or cellular samples. These tests are typically performed in research settings or advanced clinical labs and are not part of standard blood panels. 

Researchers [2] have observed that NAD levels decline as we age but there is no universal agreement on what an optimal level should be. Observations in “healthy” individuals show NAD levels between 40 µM or higher.

Why Do NAD Levels Decline?

There are several reasons that NAD levels can decline. Some reasons are natural and some are a result of lifestyle choices.

• Aging – As noted above, researchers have observed that NAD levels naturally decline as we age. This decline is observed across multiple tissues, including the liver, skin, brain, plasma, skeletal muscle, and immune cells.
  
  Additionally, certain enzymes that consume NAD increase as we age, further contributing to the decline of NAD levels. Another effect of aging is chronic inflammation, or inflammaging. Inflammation causes the production of enzymes that consume NAD.
• Oxidative Stress – This occurs when there is an imbalance in the body between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) – also known as free radicals – and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. 

• Poor Diet – Nutrient deficiencies, especially in B vitamins like niacin, impaire NAD+ biosynthesis. Diets that are high in sugar and processed foods can increase oxidative stress and inflammation. 

• Lack of Exercise – Exercise, particularly aerobic and resistance training, boosts the NAMT protein in the body’s skeletal muscle, which is key for NAD production. A sedentary lifestyle lessens the NAMT protein.

The results of declining NAD levels mean your cells do not have the resources they need for producing energy, for DNA repair, metabolism regulation, and cognitive brain function. In short, the overall health of the body is diminished.

How to Boost NAD Levels?

There are various ways to boost NAD levels. 

• Lifestyle modifications: Ensuring your diet has Vitamin B rich foods (and less sugar, processed foods), establishing a regular exercise regimen, and giving your body the time it needs to heal via regular periods of sleep – are things that can be adjusted in your lifestyle choices.
• NAD Precursor Supplementation: NAD precursors are substances, such as compounds or vitamin derivatives, that are converted into NAD+ in the body. 
  • NMN: Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a complex form of a vitamin B3 derivative that is found in foods like meat, poultry, and fish.
  • NR: Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a naturally occurring compound with an additional ribose sugar molecule.
• NAD Injections: Provides direct and efficient replenishment of NAD into the bloodstream.

ConciergeMD NAD IV Injections

NAD injections can be done in the privacy of your own home and take a few seconds to administer. The energy-boosting effects can be realized in a fraction of the time of other therapy methods.(3)

Concierge MD offers two dose strengths: 500 MG and 1,000 MG. Each is available for one-time purchase or as a monthly subscription. A virtual consultation with one of our trained medical staff members will provide the dosage and frequency guidance needed for your health and wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Insurance to Pay for Concierge Medicine?

Concierge MD LA does not accept insurance. Rather we provide itemized documentation for potential reimbursement by your insurance company. Monthly/annual subscription fees are not typically reimbursable by insurance plans but medical services and medically-necessary treatments usually are. 

Can I Use my HSA or FSA to Pay for Concierge Medicine?  

Yes. HSA and FSA programs offered by your employer are an ideal way to use pre-tax dollars for your healthcare costs.

What’s the Best Way to Get Reimbursed?

Concierge MD LA will provide itemized documentation for each visit and service you receive. Using this documentation when you file a reimbursement claim with your insurance provider.

Can I Use HSA/FSA for Concierge Doctor Visits?

Yes. When you book your visit, enter your HSA or FSA account number.

Do I Need Regular Health Insurance if I Join CMD LA?

You don’t need insurance to become a Concierge MD LA member. However, most patients keep health insurance for hospital visits, surgeries, prescriptions, or emergencies. Concierge medicine complements—not replaces—your existing insurance coverage.