NAD Patches: Safety and Effectiveness for Medical Use

Introduction to NAD and Its Functions

• NAD+ is a coenzyme required by more than 400 enzymes to catalyze reactions in the body, helping to convert nutrients into energy, create cholesterol and fats, create and repair DNA, and exert antioxidant effects 1, 2

Current Evidence and Guidelines

• There are no established clinical guidelines that recommend the use of NAD patches for any medical condition 3, 4, 5
• The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation does not recommend the use of NAD patches due to lack of clinical evidence 3, 4

Safety and Efficacy Considerations

• Patch delivery systems in general may cause local skin reactions at the application site, as seen with other medical patches 6

Nutritional Recommendations

• For enteral nutrition: 18-40 mg per day of niacin in 1500 kcal 1, 2
• For parenteral nutrition: at least 40 mg of niacin per day 1, 2
• The National Institutes of Health recommends dietary sources of niacin (meat, poultry, fish, nuts, legumes) for NAD+ enhancement 1

Cautions and Contraindications

• High doses of nicotinic acid (a form of niacin) can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting, liver toxicity, blurred vision, and impaired glucose tolerance 1
• The upper intake level for nicotinic acid is set at 10 mg/day due to potential flushing effects 2
• The upper intake level for nicotinamide is approximately 900 mg/day for adults 2