You may have heard of NAD⁺ and wondered what it is — or why so many people are calling it a breakthrough in energy, metabolism, and anti-aging support. It’s more than a buzzword. NAD⁺ is one of the most important molecules in your body, quietly working behind the scenes to help your cells function at their best. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
The Basics
NAD⁺ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It’s a coenzyme found in every living cell and plays a key role in how your body turns food into usable energy. Think of NAD⁺ as your body’s cellular battery charger — it helps convert the nutrients you eat into the energy your organs, brain, and muscles rely on every second of the day.
Inside your cells, NAD⁺ helps drive a natural process called redox reactions (short for “reduction-oxidation”). These are essentially tiny “energy exchanges” happening billions of times per second throughout your body. In each exchange, one molecule gives up an electron while another receives it, creating the spark that powers everything from muscle movement to brain activity to cellular repair. Without NAD⁺, this entire energy system would come to a halt.
Where NAD⁺ Comes From
Your body makes NAD⁺ from vitamin B3 (niacin), an essential nutrient you get from food. Another related molecule, FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide), comes from vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Both play vital roles in how efficiently your body generates energy and repairs cells.
However, even if your diet includes these vitamins, your body’s ability to convert them into usable NAD⁺ often declines with age and stress — which is why NAD⁺ support can make such a difference. Just like maintaining good gut health relation with weight and wellness, supporting your cellular health helps your entire body function more efficiently.
Why NAD⁺ Levels Decline With Age
As we get older, our natural NAD⁺ levels drop — sometimes by more than 50% between young adulthood and middle age. This decline happens for several reasons:
- Increased cellular stress and inflammation that use up NAD⁺ faster
- Slower natural production due to aging cells
- Mitochondrial decline, which affects how efficiently energy is made
- Higher overall demand from ongoing metabolic activity
When NAD⁺ levels fall, your body simply doesn’t run as efficiently. You may feel tired more often, struggle with mental fog, or notice slower recovery after workouts or illness. These are the early signs of cellular aging — your body’s way of saying it’s running low on energy reserves.
Interestingly, studies show that people struggling with obesity, high bp, or poor sleep quality often have lower NAD⁺ levels as well. These factors are interconnected — improving one area often benefits the others. Regular movement, strength training, and even mindful eating can naturally help maintain healthier NAD⁺ levels and overall metabolic balance.
The Benefits of NAD⁺ Support
Restoring NAD⁺ levels has been shown to recharge cellular function and promote better overall wellness. Supplementing NAD⁺ — particularly through subcutaneous injections under medical supervision — can provide noticeable improvements in:
- Energy and metabolism
- Mental clarity and focus
- Cellular repair and recovery
- Skin tone, elasticity, and mitochondrial health
- DNA repair and healthy aging
NAD⁺ also helps reduce cellular senescence, the process where old or damaged cells stop dividing but refuse to die. These “zombie” cells can cause inflammation and accelerate aging. By replenishing NAD⁺, your body can replace damaged cells more efficiently, supporting youthful cellular activity and long-term tissue health.
Patients who complement NAD⁺ therapy with practices like Meditation & deep breathing, proper hydration, and balanced nutrition often experience even greater results. It’s all part of a holistic approach to cellular wellness.
Recommended Dosing
Dr. Robert Fortino typically recommends a “low-and-slow” approach, giving your body time to adjust while minimizing side effects.
- Begin with 25–50 mg daily, injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
- Gradually increase to 100–150 mg as tolerated.
- Many patients maintain results with 150 mg two to three times per week, while others follow short cycles such as one week on, three weeks off.
Every dosing plan is personalized. Factors like metabolism, activity level, and health goals determine how much and how often you should supplement. Regular follow-ups with Dr. Fortino ensure your plan is safe and effective.
Possible Side Effects
Most patients tolerate NAD⁺ very well, especially when the dose is increased gradually. Mild, temporary effects can include:
- Light redness or irritation at the injection site
- Fatigue or nausea shortly after injection
- Muscle cramping or flushing with higher doses
These reactions are generally short-lived and often fade as your body becomes accustomed to treatment.
The Bottom Line
NAD⁺ is essential for every cell in your body. It fuels energy production, supports DNA repair, and helps slow the visible and cellular effects of aging. Restoring healthy NAD⁺ levels can make a profound difference in how you feel — more energetic, focused, and resilient from the inside out.
If you’re experiencing low energy, brain fog, or early signs of aging, NAD⁺ therapy may help you recharge naturally.
Book a consultation with Dr. Fortino to learn how personalized NAD⁺ injections can fit into your long-term wellness and anti-aging plan.
Available at Dr. Fortino’s South Jersey and Philadelphia locations
Schedule your NAD⁺ consultation today and take the next step toward renewed energy and cellular health.