The world of biohacking is full of references to the new kid on the block – a NAD nasal spray, which is said to be able to increase energy and cognitive function without the need for needles. There’s been a lot of buzz about this supplement in the realm of modern-day health, and for good reason – who wouldn’t want an easier way to give their bodies a helping hand?
However, do you really know what this product does and what its effects can be? If you’re curious to find out what the NAD nasal spray is all about, you’ve come to the right place.
What Is NAD, Exactly?
NAD refers to the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. NAD is an essential coenzyme present in all the cells of our body, and its function includes the following roles:
- The production of energy – NAD assists the mitochondria, the “power plants” of our cells, to turn food into energy.
- The repair and maintenance of cells – NAD assists the enzymes in repairing DNA and stress responses.
However, the bad news is that your NAD levels tend to decrease as we age. It has been found that the level of NAD may reduce sharply from young adulthood to your 50s and 60s due to factors such as stress, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and high sugar intake. The reduction in the level of NAD has made it an essential focus for studies in the fields of healthy aging and longevity because restoration of NAD may help us maintain the energy and repair process of our body.
This was about the science behind the hype. Now, let’s move to how one can increase their NAD level.
What Is a NAD Nasal Spray?
A NAD nasal spray is a dietary supplement (sometimes compounded medication) containing NAD+, which is delivered into the body via the nose and not by ingestion through oral pills or through injection by a needle. Rather than going through the effort of having your digestive system metabolize the substance, the spray is absorbed in the mucous membranes found in your nose.
This technique has gained popularity as an alternative means to two other commonly used methods for NAD supplementation:
- Supplements taken orally (either capsules or precursors such as NMN or NR) – easy to use, but the substance will need to go through the digestive system, which means there will be loss in the amount absorbed.
- Intravenous infusion of NAD – seen as a more direct method, but it requires needles, a medical setting, and considerably more time (hours each time).
The NAD nasal spray is a middle ground as it is a non-invasive supplement while still being designed to enter the bloodstream faster compared to ingesting pills.
How Does NAD Nasal Spray Work?
The rationale of using a nasal spray lies in the structure of your nose. The nasal cavity is surrounded by a rich network of blood vessels and has a thin mucous membrane, which makes it rather effective for some substances to enter the bloodstream. In this way, when applying NAD nasal spray, it is believed that the NAD+ passes the mucous membrane and enters the blood system avoiding the degradation process in the stomach and liver.
Once NAD+ is in the bloodstream, the molecule is able to reach any cells in the body, including those in the brain, where it may be useful in mitochondrial function and DNA repair.
However, there is one thing to be careful about – while the role of NAD+ in the body has already been studied thoroughly enough, its ability to have higher bioavailability via the intranasal spray method remains an open question rather than a proven fact. A lot of excitement is based not so much on scientific studies, but rather on user reports and biological plausibility of nasal administration.
Why People Use NAD Nasal Spray
Uses of NAD nasal spray include general wellness purposes by patients. Using the mechanisms of action of NAD+ in the body, below are some of the things that individuals usually claim to experience when taking NAD+:
1. Increased Energy
NAD+ being vital in cellular energy production means that when taking NAD+, one feels rejuvenated and energetic, particularly in cases of burnout, poor sleep, and aging.
2. Sharper Mental Clarity and Focus
The brain is among the energy-consuming organs of the body. People who have been using the nasal spray containing NAD claim having decreased brain fog and enhanced focus. This might be attributed to NAD’s contribution to the energy metabolism and communication between cells in the brain.
3. Support for Healthy Aging
NAD+ contributes to activating enzymes like sirtuins that promote the process of cellular repair and stress resistance; this is related to cellular aging. This is one of the main reasons why NAD has become associated with longevity.
4. Better Recovery and Physical Performance
NAD+ has been used by some athletes in their recovery regime because of its contribution to energy metabolism and repair of muscles.
5. Convenience
As opposed to IV therapy, nasal spray is easy and quick to use right in the comfort of one’s own home without any need for visits, injections or rest, which is one of the key advantages of this form of delivery of drugs.
It needs to be emphasized that many of the above mentioned advantages of nasal spray have not yet been scientifically verified and, as such, should be treated as potential or associated with this method of drug delivery.
How to Use NAD Nasal Spray
Although individual directions may differ depending on the brand and preparation used, general directions include:
- Usage: Usage is typically done once or twice a day. This is however dependent on the manufacturer’s directions or your provider’s directions.
- Storage: Many NAD+ nasal spray preparations are unstable and are thus advised to be stored under refrigeration (not frozen).
- Usage: Preparing the spray for use the first time and administering the preparation as required (usually once or twice) in each nostril may help provide accurate dosage.
- Duration: Unlike other medications, the effects of NAD+, if any, occur gradually when administered regularly over time.
In the case of a compounded or prescribed medication, your provider will normally determine the dosing schedule to fit your health status.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Although NAD nasal spray is usually known to be safe, like any other dietary supplement and compounded medication, it comes with some potential risks. The most common side effects are:
- Dryness, irritation, or a brief stinging or burning feeling in the nostrils.
- Sneezing or a runny nose.
- Headache.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Rare instances of nausea.
More severe side effects are rare but possible, and you need to discontinue using the product and consult your doctor if you experience:
- Allergic reaction (rash, swollen face or throat, or trouble breathing).
- Pain or tightness in the chest area.
- Palpitations.
- Neurological problems.
A few important safety notes worth knowing:
- The FDA does not approve any NAD+ nasal spray to be used for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any illness. The majority of the products available in the market are compounded products. Compounded drugs are those that are made in compounding pharmacies as opposed to manufactured drugs whose approval goes through the FDA’s drug approval process.
- Some products are better than others depending on the quality. This means that there may be some variation when it comes to the safety of the product since compounded drugs do not go through testing by the FDA.
- Human safety evidence about the use of NAD+ nasal spray in the market is scarce. Most of the safety evidence available about the drug is derived from its use via IV infusion method and not nasal spray method.
- There are certain people who should avoid using this product. They include pregnant women and nursing mothers, young children and adolescents, and those suffering from illnesses or using any prescription drugs on regular basis.
If you are taking any prescription drug or have any preexisting illness, then it would not hurt to speak with your physician about using NAD+ nasal spray.
NAD Nasal Spray vs. Other NAD+ Delivery Methods
| Method | Speed of Absorption | Convenience | Invasiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal Spray | Fast (bypasses digestion) | Highly usable at home | Non-invasive |
| Oral (NMN/NR precursors) | Slower (passes through digestion) | High – easiest to take | Non-invasive |
| IV Infusion | Very fast (direct bloodstream) | Low – requires appointments | Invasive (needle) |
| Injections (IM/subcutaneous) | Fast | Moderate | Invasive |
There is a cost associated with each form. The intravenous form is often thought of as the quickest way, but is a process that requires time and a clinical environment. The oral precursor is the easiest form to take, and the one most used in long term, daily administration; however, there is the possibility of reduced bioavailability. The nasal spray attempts to provide a compromise between the two forms.
Choosing a NAD Nasal Spray
Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding to try a CBD oil spray if you want to use one:
- Find those that have been made in a licensed pharmacy in the United States which says third-party testing was done for purity and sterility.
- Also make sure you know the concentration level (typically listed as mg/mL).
- Stay away from products that make overly bold health claims – good vendors will tell you that their products are not FDA approved and should only be seen as wellness products.
- If there is an option for you to get an FDA-prescribed product, that might be better for you.
Final Thoughts
NAD nasal spray is an intriguing blend of the very well-understood biology of the cells and emerging clinical evidence. It is clear that the part NAD+ plays in cell metabolism and regeneration is proven beyond doubt, and it is obvious why the concept of a quick and painless delivery mechanism is appealing. However, it is quite a new product line, not approved by the FDA and only starting to amass evidence on itself.
If you are tempted to try it out, the best way to go about it is to treat it as any other health supplement: choose a reputable supplier, proceed carefully, listen to what your body is telling you and consult with a medical professional if there are health issues or you are using any medications. In such a case, NAD nasal spray can be considered as an acceptable choice as one of many steps to take in pursuit of increased energy and focus and healthy aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NAD nasal spray safe?
It seems to be well-tolerated for most healthy individuals, with minor side effects being the most common. But it is not FDA-approved, and long-term safety studies are still being conducted, so an informed and cautious approach is recommended.
How fast does NAD nasal spray work?
Due to the non-oral administration, the time for the drug to have an effect varies greatly among patients, ranging from just minutes to up to an hour.
Can I use NAD nasal spray every day?
Yes, many formulas can be used once or even twice a day, but you should always consult the instructions of the formula or your healthcare provider.
Does NAD nasal spray actually increase NAD+ levels in the body?
The purpose of NAD+ sprays is to achieve just that, but the basic science about the way NAD+ functions in the human body is already well-known. Nonetheless, human studies that directly measure how much of the substance is delivered via this mode of administration are not quite extensive compared to oral and intravenous supplements.
