NAD (Cellular Energy)

What is Cellular Energy?

When people think about the human body, they often compare it to a computer or a machine. However, the key difference lies in how the human body produces energy. Unlike a machine with a battery and engine, the human body has no single energy-producing part. Instead, every single one of the 30 trillion cells in the human body is responsible for generating its own energy. This means that every vital process in your body that is going on at all times constantly relies on the production of energy from every single cell in its makeup.

Mitochondria and ATP Production

Energy production in the cell is managed by tiny structures called mitochondria. These structures, known as organelles, are responsible for converting the raw materials we ingest—such as food, water, and oxygen—into energy. This occurs through a complex metabolic pathway that converts fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into a molecule called ATP.

ATP is the primary energy source for the body’s functions. Every process the body performs—such as movement, vision, thinking, digestion, and more—relies on ATP to generate the energy required.

What is NAD?

NAD, which stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a critical cofactor in the process of ATP production and cellular energy metabolism, and without adequate NAD, efficient energy production cannot occur. NAD also has several other important functions in the cell and the human body, such as:

NAD plays a role in cellular DNA repair following DNA damage.
NAD is involved in the activation of certain enzymes related to cellular maintenance and longevity.
NAD participates in cellular responses to oxidative stress and inflammation.
NAD plays an important role in brain health by supporting normal neuron function.

It is well established that NAD levels naturally decline with age, beginning in mid-adulthood. It is thought that declining NAD levels may be associated with age-related changes in cellular function, and research is ongoing to better understand this process. NAD levels may also be affected by factors such as intense physical training, illness, chronic stress, and lifestyle factors, which can contribute to changes in energy, function, and performance.

NAD and Anti-Aging

A key component of my longevity-focused medical approach is to support healthy NAD levels, which naturally decline with age. Optimizing NAD levels may help support cellular energy production, which can be associated with several potential benefits, including:

Improved mental clarity and concentration
Increased energy and vitality
Support for mood and sleep quality
Support for healthy skin, hair, and nails
Support for healthy aging processes

Meet Dr. Nick Sadeghi

“The mission of my regenerative clinic is to help you feel better, look better, and support longevity and vitality—so you can remain as active, healthy, and engaged as possible for as long as possible.”

If you’re over 35 and feeling tired, gaining weight, losing motivation, struggling in the gym, or noticing changes in your libido—you’re not crazy. You’re not weak. And you’re definitely not alone.

I felt it too.

Using advanced regenerative and longevity-focused medicine, my practice is designed to support recovery, performance, and healthy aging. Our core treatments focus on optimizing natural biological processes with therapies such as Hormone Replacement Therapy, NAD, Regenerative Biologic treatments, Platelet-Rich Plasma, Peptides, Tenex, EBOO, and other modern techniques.

Dr. Nick Sadeghi

How is NAD given?

There are several ways that NAD can be administered. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, which I will outline below, along with my preferred approach.

Oral
There are NAD supplements that can be taken orally as a pill or liquid. You may have seen them advertised online.

Advantage: Easy to take.
Disadvantage: As with many oral supplements, passage through the intestine and liver can significantly limit absorption, often resulting in low therapeutic benefit

Nasal Spray

Advantage: Convenient, can be taken daily, and absorbs well through the nasal passages.
Disadvantage: The dose delivered is low due to the small volume per spray (although absorption may be better than oral)

Advantage: Absorption is very high since the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, allowing for higher dosing when clinically appropriate.
Disadvantage: NAD infusions can be uncomfortable for some patients. Commonly reported sensations include flushing, nasal or chest congestion, chest tightness, and general discomfort. For this reason, infusions are administered slowly and may take several hours, which can make regular use difficult.

Skin Injection

This is my preferred method of administration because it offers several advantages:

High absorption into the bloodstream
The ability to administer higher doses when indicated
Discomfort is typically mild and short-lived
Treatment consists of an injection that can be performed at home with proper instruction
Can be administered on a regular schedule as part of a medically guided plan

What Other Treatments can Improve Cellular Energy Production?

Other than NAD, there are additional treatments that may support cellular energy production by stimulating mitochondrial function and ATP generation. These include:

NAD-supporting supplements
Glutathione
Red light therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Methylene blue

NAD-Supporting Supplements

There are certain oral supplements that, when used within an appropriate protocol, can support NAD levels. One example is NMN. NMN is a precursor to NAD and may help support NAD availability in the body. I’ve found that supplements are most effective when used as part of a combined approach to supporting cellular energy production. I developed a protocol called the Optimus Energy Protocol, which integrates several methods of mitochondrial support and is designed to be used in a convenient and structured way.

Glutathione

Glutathione is one of the most important naturally occurring compounds the body produces to support cellular health. It acts like a powerful internal “cleaner” by detoxifying and protecting your cells from damage. This is particularly important for mitochondrial health, as mitochondria are sensitive to oxidative damage. Within the mitochondria, glutathione helps neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting cells from oxidative damage and supporting cellular energy.

In longevity and regenerative medicine, glutathione is often used to support mitochondrial health, recovery, and resilience to metabolic stress. Oral administration of Glutathione is poorly absorbed through the GI tract. For this reason, it is commonly administered intravenously or by injection when clinically appropriate.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy involves exposing the body to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light (typically between 600–1000 nm), which can penetrate the skin and reach the mitochondria. Inside the mitochondria, this light is absorbed by enzymes involved in ATP production. Activation of these enzymes may improve electron flow, oxygen utilization, and mitochondrial efficiency. Red light exposure may also influence nitric oxide signaling, which can temporarily interfere with ATP production. As a result, red light therapy is used to support cellular function, recovery, and energy efficiency.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has long been used in recovery and regenerative medical settings. It is commonly utilized to support recovery following injury and to enhance tissue oxygenation. Hyperbaric oxygen works by increasing oxygen delivery to tissues through exposure to higher atmospheric pressures. Increased oxygen availability can support mitochondrial metabolism and cellular energy production. Hyperbaric oxygen is often incorporated into performance programs, including protocols used for concussion and physical recovery, and should be considered as a part of athlete’s performance protocols.

Methylene Blue

Methylene blue is one of the earliest synthetic medications, originally created in 1876 as a textile dye. Over time, it was found to have a range of medical applications, including:

Use as an antimalarial agent (and as a precursor to hydroxychloroquine)
Use in the development of certain psychiatric medications
Treatment of cyanide poisoning
Antiseptic and antimicrobial applications

Several classes of medications have since been developed based on methylene blue’s chemical structure.

In longevity and regenerative medicine, Methylene Blue is used for its role in supporting mitochondrial function and cellular energy pathways. Here are some things Methylene Blue can do:

Methylene blue acts as an alternative electron carrier within the mitochondrial electron transport chain: it is like a shortcut in the energy-making process. It can improve the efficiency of ATP production and with less waste
It functions independently of NAD, allowing it to support energy production through a complementary mechanism.
Methylene blue helps protect mitochondria and cells from damage by harmful molecules called free radicals, resulting in lowering oxidative stress.
The therapeutic benefits of Methylene Blue are being studied for its effects on cognitive function and brain support.

At the doses used in clinical settings, Methylene Blue is generally well tolerated when prescribed and monitored by a physician. As with all medications, it should only be used under medical supervision to ensure safety and appropriate patient selection.

Custom Protocols Available at Sadeghi Medical

Optimus Energy Protocol™:
This is my proprietary energy-support protocol. It is an easy-to-follow, four-week course of care that includes daily NAD-supporting supplements, weekly NAD and glutathione injections, and optional red light and hyperbaric sessions. It is designed for high-performing individuals and athletes who are experiencing fatigue or reduced energy levels and are seeking structured, physician-guided support.

Blue-Print IV™:
This is my proprietary IV-based cellular energy support therapy. It is carefully designed to support multiple steps involved in mitochondrial energy pathways. The star ingredient is IV Methylene Blue, which is used for its role in supporting mitochondrial electron transport and cellular energy production. Additional ingredients include NAD and B-complex vitamins which are key cofactors in the complex biochemistry of cellular energy metabolism. It is topped off with glutathione to detoxify and support oxidative balance and mitochondrial function. Blue-Print IV™ may be used with the Optimus Energy Protocol™ or as a standalone therapy. It is designed to be incorporated into programs focused on performance support and recovery, including for physically active individuals.

Conclusion

Cellular energy optimization is a field within longevity medicine that focuses on supporting how cells and mitochondria meet the energy demands of vital processes throughout the body. Mitochondrial function and NAD levels naturally decline with age, and this decline is thought to be associated with age-related changes in cellular function, DNA integrity, and overall physiological performance. Improving cellular energy is complex and often involves multiple therapeutic approaches. It is not a one-size-fits-all process. For this reason, cellular energy optimization is an important part of longevity-focused medicine. If you are pursuing cellular energy optimization, it is important to seek care from a physician with expertise in this area, so a customized plan can be developed based on your individual profile and goals.