This new wellness treatment might cure jetlag

Vitamin IV drips have become something of a wellness stalwart for the exhausted, jet-lagged and, of course, celebrities looking for an energy uplift, but there’s a new drip courting the attention of those seeking an instant boost of vitality. The curiously named NAD+ is a favourite of various Kardashians, Rihanna and even Simon Cowell, who laud its supposed ability to help with everything from enhancing focus and energy levels to anti-ageing benefits and lowering inflammation.

So, who might be interested in it? “Those seeking relief from the symptoms of anxiety, fatigue and depression may find NAD+ treatment effective,” Dr Melaney Angelova, a functional medicine specialist and medic at Optimise Health, explains. “It’s becoming a potent new therapy for brain restoration to enhance neuron function and improve mental clarity, concentration and memory, ultimately resulting in heightened overall alertness,” she adds.

That’s why clinics and wellness services are popping up to offer NAD+ drips across the country. But the benefit we’re most interested in is the fact that this drip could be particularly useful for those who travel extensively for work and feel the effects of traversing multiple time zones, unfamiliar beds and the unplanned stresses that travelling can involve.

What is an NAD+ drip?

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme that is a vital part of our cellular health. It aids in converting food to energy, helps maintain our DNA quality and is also said to protect against premature ageing and disease. If we’re subjected to oxidative stress (from lifestyle factors like smoking or high fat and sugar diets, for example), our natural NAD levels can decline. As we get older, our levels decrease too; by age 40, the drop-off can reach around 50 per cent.

Though you can take oral supplements that are NAD precursors, when administered intravenously through a drip in a saline solution, they have a much better absorption rate. You can see some effects from a singular drip, but between three and five infusions are recommended, administered within a set time period (usually a couple of weeks). Each IV drip takes roughly an hour, depending on how well you tolerate it – the process can be slowed down if the side effects feel too much (more on that shortly).

You might also see both NAD and NAD+ referred to, and there is a difference; the latter is the form of NAD with biologically available properties, whereas NAD is the original chemical state.

Are NAD+ drips safe?

There are certain risks with any IV treatment, like bleeding or infection at the needle site, for example. That’s why it is always crucial to go to a reputable clinic and have a proper consultation session that includes a look at your medical history to consider your safety needs.

There are also common side effects that can be a little uncomfortable during the process, but these pass quickly after the drip stops. “This is due to the potency and rapid impact of the NAD+ infusion, which can be more intense than a standard vitamin drip,” Dr Angelova says. “Some people may experience sensations such as warmth, flushing, nausea or mild discomfort. These effects are often temporary and can be managed with adjustments to the infusion rate or dosage.”

When I tried it, I did feel nauseous. I experienced some stomach cramps, had a higher heart rate and had a feeling of heaviness in my chest and body. Having a distraction helped (I watched TV), as did falling asleep. The side effects eased immediately as soon as the drip stopped, and I slept very well that night. I did feel an energy boost a few days later, but most people tend to see results within a week or so.

NAD has been shown to be effective in a variety of clinical studies, but it is still early. However, the increasing research on NAD looks promising across various health issues: “We do know that NAD is involved in cellular repair and energy production, and studies have explored its potential role in slowing down the ageing process and promoting longevity. Research has also revealed the potential neuroprotective effects of NAD in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders,” Dr Angelova tells us.

Can NAD+ help cure jetlag?

Because NAD can help with energy levels, those who travel frequently or suffer from fatigue and jet lag might want to investigate it. “NAD plays a role in cellular-level energy production, so it could assist in addressing fatigue, offering a natural boost in energy. This can be especially beneficial for travellers who require heightened alertness and focus during their journeys, whether heading straight to a meeting after a flight or aiming to feel well-rested and energetic the following day.”

If travel is causing an increase in your stress levels, then NAD+ therapy has been shown to help with that, as well as boost your immune support to help avoid those dreaded airline colds. But of course, everyone responds to it differently: “Anyone considering NAD+ therapy should consult with a healthcare professional. Your lifestyle factors, overall health, and specific travel conditions should be considered when determining the appropriateness of NAD+ for an individual,” Dr Angelova advises.

How to try NAD+ drips

Try it at home

This is probably one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to have an NAD+ treatment. Optimise Health fuses traditional, functional and regenerative medicine with an easy-to-use app that allows you to book appointments with professionals in London who will come to you. After sending over my medical history and a phone consultation with a doctor, I had my NAD+ drip applied at home by an Optimise Health nurse. She talked me through the side effects I was feeling, which really calmed and reassured me.

At a reputable clinic

Choose a reputable medical clinic for your NAD+ treatment. I first heard about NAD+ therapy from the brilliant Dr Vali at her 360 Experiential Wellness Centre in Selfridges, London; this incredible space has an extensive menu of treatments across beauty and wellness, so have your infusion and perhaps try something more relaxing (like a tea at the herbal bar) or another treatment curated by one of Dr Vali’s hand-chosen experts.

In your skincare

Although the studies to show that NAD works topically are in the early stages, the evidence is enough that leading dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting uses Sunflower Shoot Extract to boost levels of NAD in her much-lauded Flawless Moisturiser Intense, £32.