My Journey with NAD+: Starting the NAD+ Pen and Tracking the Changes

This week marks the beginning of a significant journey in my pursuit of health optimisation—I’ve just started using the NAD+ Pen. The more I delve into the benefits of NAD+ and the growing body of research surrounding its role in ageing, cellular health, and overall well-being, the more excited I get about the potential for this little molecule to make a big difference in my life. In this blog post, I’ll not only share my personal experience with the NAD+ Pen but also highlight the incredible case studies and research supporting the importance of NAD+ supplementation, focusing on how this therapy might impact everything from energy production to neuroprotection.

What is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body, crucial for cellular metabolism, energy production, and regulating important biological processes such as DNA repair, gene expression, and cell signalling. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which is why it’s been studied for its potential to slow down the ageing process, improve brain function, and even protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

NAD+ is also a crucial factor in redox reactions that help maintain mitochondrial health. The mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, producing energy in the form of ATP. As we age, mitochondrial function declines, leading to fatigue, cognitive impairment, and a host of other age-related diseases. This makes NAD+ an essential molecule to keep our cells functioning optimally, which is why it’s garnered so much attention in recent years.

The NAD+ Pen: What Is It?

The NAD+ Pen is a method of NAD+ administration that delivers this potent coenzyme directly into the body via an easy-to-use pen-like device. It’s designed to allow individuals to conveniently supplement their NAD+ levels at home. I’ve been using the pen for a few days now, and I plan to track any physical and cognitive changes I experience over the coming weeks.

The device itself is simple to use. It involves inserting a small, pre-filled cartridge containing NAD+ into the pen and applying it via a needle. The needle is very fine, making it almost painless to use. The results, however, are reported to be anything but subtle. Users have shared that they experience increased energy, improved mental clarity, and even better skin health. As someone who is always on the lookout for ways to optimise my health, I’m eager to see how I will feel as I continue this therapy.

My First Week with the NAD+ Pen

After the first few days, I’ve begun to notice some interesting changes. The most notable difference has been an increase in energy. I’ve been feeling more alert throughout the day and less sluggish after lunch, something that I usually struggle with. On the cognitive side, there’s been a noticeable improvement in focus and mental clarity, that baby brain / mental dance I have has disappeared. I’ve also been sleeping better at night, with a deeper, more restful sleep that leaves me feeling more refreshed in the mornings.

These improvements are subtle but impactful, and I’m excited to see if they continue or even intensify over the next few weeks. However, I am aware that individual results may vary, and I’m also taking note of any possible side effects or changes in my health.

The Scientific Backing Behind NAD+

NAD+ is more than just a buzzword in the wellness community—it’s a molecule with significant implications for human health, particularly when it comes to ageing and neuroprotection. The scientific literature surrounding NAD+ is rich and compelling, with case studies pointing to a wide array of potential benefits.

NAD+ and Ageing: The Anti-Ageing Molecule

One of the most intriguing areas of research on NAD+ is its potential role in slowing down the ageing process. A study by Braidy et al. (2008) examined the therapeutic potential of promoting NAD+ anabolism to counter oxidative stress in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that increasing NAD+ levels could have neuroprotective effects and help reduce the harmful impacts of oxidative stress, which is a primary driver of ageing and neurodegeneration.

The idea behind using NAD+ to counteract ageing is rooted in its involvement in cellular energy metabolism. As we age, the efficiency of mitochondrial function decreases, which contributes to the decline in overall energy production. Supplementing with NAD+ can help rejuvenate the mitochondria, leading to better energy levels, improved brain function, and healthier ageing overall.

NAD+ and Neuroprotection

Research also points to NAD+ as a potential neuroprotective agent. In one study, Braidy et al. (2014) mapped NAD+ metabolism in the brain of ageing rats and identified potential targets for influencing brain senescence. The findings suggested that increasing NAD+ levels could help preserve cognitive function and protect against neurodegeneration. Another important study by Alano et al. (2010) highlighted how NAD+ depletion is necessary for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1)-mediated neuronal death, suggesting that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels could prevent neurodegeneration in diseases like Alzheimer’s.

NAD+ and Cellular Repair

The role of NAD+ in DNA repair is another key area of research. NAD+ is involved in the activation of sirtuins, a family of proteins that regulate cellular stress responses and promote repair mechanisms. These proteins are crucial for maintaining cellular integrity, particularly when it comes to DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. As oxidative damage is one of the leading causes of ageing and disease, boosting NAD+ levels could theoretically help repair damaged cells and prevent the onset of age-related diseases.

Case Studies and Research Findings

The body of research on NAD+ is vast and growing, with numerous studies pointing to its health benefits:

• Braidy et al. (2008) found that promoting cellular NAD+ anabolism could counter oxidative stress in ageing and Alzheimer’s disease, offering therapeutic potential for these conditions.
• Godoy et al. (2014) demonstrated that Sirt1, a key protein activated by NAD+, plays a critical role in protecting synapses in the brain, potentially offering a protective mechanism against age-related cognitive decline.
• Canto et al. (2012) showed that nicotinamide riboside, a precursor to NAD+, enhances oxidative metabolism and protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity, highlighting its role in metabolic health and energy regulation.

What’s fascinating about these studies is that they demonstrate the multifaceted nature of NAD+. Whether it’s protecting against neurodegeneration, improving energy production, or supporting DNA repair, NAD+ shows promise as a key player in promoting long-term health.

A Deeper Look at NAD+ on the NAD+ Pen Website

The NAD+ Pen website provides links to many of these case studies, offering a wealth of information on the scientific research surrounding NAD+. I’ve found the research section to be an invaluable resource for understanding how NAD+ functions in the body and its wide-ranging effects. From enhancing mitochondrial function to protecting against the cellular damage associated with ageing, the case studies offer compelling evidence for the use of NAD+ as a therapeutic agent.

The scientific backing for NAD+ is impressive, and the website makes it easy to access this research, providing a deeper understanding of why so many people are turning to NAD+ supplementation for health optimisation.

Looking Ahead: My Expectations

As I continue using the NAD+ Pen, I’ll be paying close attention to any changes, particularly in my energy levels, cognitive function, and overall sense of well-being. If the research is anything to go by, I expect to see continued improvements in energy, focus, and perhaps even skin health. I’m also excited to see how NAD+ may impact my long-term health, particularly in terms of ageing and neuroprotection.

Given the growing body of research and the personal anecdotes from others who have used NAD+, I’m optimistic about the potential benefits of this treatment. While the immediate effects are already promising, I’ll be tracking my progress over the next few months to see how my body and mind respond.

Conclusion

Starting the NAD+ Pen this week has been an exciting experience, and I’m eager to continue exploring the profound benefits of NAD+ supplementation. The research and case studies I’ve encountered have only reinforced my decision to give it a try, and I look forward to reporting more on my journey. With all the compelling evidence surrounding NAD+ and its potential to enhance cellular function, energy, and even cognitive health, I have high hopes for what this therapy will bring to my overall well-being.