Toronto NAD IV Therapy Approach to Aging: Should you Take NAD in your 40s?

If you’ve heard whispers of people getting NAD+ IV therapy in Toronto, you’re not alone! Right now, NAD is one of the most talked-about compounds in functional medicine. You may even want to consider it if you’ve reached your 40s – our IV Lounge explains why. 

NAD’s Role in Cellular Aging and Healthy Longevity

Despite what happens in Hollywood movies, there’s no cure for aging – but NAD supplements, especially in the form of precursors or nutrient IV drips, may potentially offer aid for energy production and healthy aging. 

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is called NAD for short, is pivotal for several body functions. It’s a coenzyme found in every cell, with key roles in DNA repair, cell stress responses, brain and cardiovascular health, and mitochondrial functioning. It also helps activate sirtuin proteins, which are involved in cellular repair and longevity pathways.

Without enough NAD in the body, your cells cannot efficiently produce energy that you need from food. And unfortunately, lab data has confirmed that NAD+ levels decline in the human body with age. “Some cells begin using NAD more quickly than your body can replace it, lowering overall levels,” confirms the Cleveland Clinic. This means that when NAD levels are compromised, your cells may face difficulties with producing energy and repairing cellular damages; this may manifest as aging symptoms, like excessive fatigue, skin wrinkles, chronic inflammation, and more. So, if you’re in your 40s and you’ve noticed that your vigour has dwindled, NAD is something to be aware of! 

Comprehending NAD for Your 40s

Your 40s are when subtle signs of aging can appear. If you’re in this age range, you might notice: 

• Lowered energy levels 
• Slow athletic recovery
• Significant reductions in stress resilience
• Brain fog 
• Sleep changes
• Metabolic issues

From a functional medicine view, this is a time in life when mitochondrial efficiency may experience declines. Since NAD is linked to mitochondrial function and drops with age, researchers have explored NAD’s role in supporting healthy aging. One paper from the Translational Medicine of Aging reported that, “Mounting evidence has indicated that NAD+ levels decline with age in multiple types of tissues, which include the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, heart, brain, kidney, pancreas, lungs, spleen, skin, as well as extracellular fluids.” 

Human lab studies have confirmed that NAD-related precursors (which are compounds that convert to NAD when inside the body) can potentially boost NAD+ levels. One example is a Nature Communications article, which mentioned a study on healthy adults aged 55-79. In this study, participants consumed nicotinamide riboside, a NAD precursor, for six weeks. It was found that NR supplements upped NAD amounts and improvements were noticed in blood pressure and arterial stiffness; NR supplementation was also well tolerated among participants.

So, are you ready to explore NAD for your mid-life needs? Hold on a second – you should know first that it’s necessary to consult with a functional health provider. Here’s why: Supplementing with NAD depends on your personal goals and expectations. It depends on your current condition, too, which means that underlying concerns should be responsibly scrutinized. Before taking NAD supplements, it may be vital to address issues linked to: 

• Chronic inflammation
• Poor sleep
• Imbalanced blood sugar levels
• Overusing alcohol and/or other unnecessary substances
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Chronic stress

These factors can impair mitochondrial health and energy production, and they might require treatment and lifestyle modifications before taking NAD precursors or getting IV therapy. 

What to Expect from Your NAD Consultation

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, we can help determine if NAD IV therapy, sublingual, or oral supplements are appropriate for you. This is valuable for avoiding medication interactions, as NAD+ supplements can interact with resveratrol, blood pressure and diabetes prescriptions, as well as blood-thinning agents. People with active cancer or certain metabolic issues should seek advice from a healthcare provider about NAD-boosting supplements, as the compound can significantly impact cell growth and repair. If you were to visit us for a NAD consultation, here are some things to expect: 

• Your health history will be examined: We’ll unravel your medical history, genetic profile, current use of medications and vitamin supplementation, as well as lifestyle/environmental factors. 
• Functional medicine lab testing may be advised: To further delve into your health needs, our lab testing services may be used. As we have access to advanced labs, we can capture unique snapshots of your hormonal balance, gut microbiome, oxidative damage, nutrient and antioxidant levels, and more. Knowing specific details about your biology guides us in personalizing your NAD treatment plan.
• Oral, sublingual and IV NAD routes may be discussed: Various NAD delivery methods are available, and if you struggle with malabsorption or dysphagia, we can prescribe a NAD IV infusion with a custom dose. Intravenous therapy guarantees a complete absorption of nutrients, as drip formulas enter the bloodstream without the digestive process. NAD IV therapy is especially suitable for patients with chronic digestive conditions, like Crohn’s, colitis, and irritable bowel disorder. 

Keep in mind… That NAD does not reverse aging! NAD+ IV therapy, as well as related oral and sublingual supplements, are not stand-ins for healthy eating and exercise; the compound is a supportive wellness tool only. Lifestyle modifications and therapeutic modalities should continue as per instructions from your healthcare provider. 

Nutrient-rich IV therapy is administered in our in-house IV Lounge. Along with NAD, our tailored IV drips can be blended with various amino acids, iron, high-dose vitamin C, and more. If you’re in your 40s and feeling the signs of aging, NAD supplements show promise in providing supportive benefits. If you’re interested in getting personalized health care from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, read below. 

Suggested reading: Stacking NAD IV Therapy in Toronto with Glutathione and Red-Light Therapy

Integrative health care and functional lab testing can be accessed today

Functional medicine is a form of healthcare that emphasizes personalization. You do not need a referral to make an appointment with our clinic! By adapting various treatment modalities, we can integrate therapies for your uniqueness. Along with IV therapy, we can modify Western and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture (cold laser), Amazonian herbal remedies, hormone optimization/replacement strategies, and more. Our integrated treatment plans are suited for chronic needs, and may also be helpful for mood stability, perimenopause, metabolism support, digestion, and cognitive performance. 

In our IV Lounge, we administer tailored IV therapy services to patients. Our drips are freshly blended daily with a dosage that’s prescribed just for you. We only use natural ingredients, and intravenous therapy is blended on site only. Our lounge includes several treatment chairs to accommodate patients and we adhere to safety protocols with regular inspections. If you have any questions during your IV session, feel free to ask a team member! Our wellness team includes naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and more. 

Our IV Lounge is accepting new patients right now. Request your consult for tailored NAD IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – click here to contact our wellness centre today.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Aman, Yahyah, et al. “Therapeutic Potential of Boosting NAD+ in Aging and Age-related Diseases.” Translational Medicine of Aging, vol. 2, 2018, pp. 30-37, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tma.2018.08.003. Accessed 7 May 2026.

Martens, Christopher R., et al. “Chronic Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation Is Well-tolerated and Elevates NAD+ in Healthy Middle-aged and Older Adults.” Nature Communications, vol. 9, no. 1, 2018, p. 1286, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7. Accessed 7 May 2026.

McReynolds MR, Chellappa K, Baur JA. Age-related NAD+ decline. Exp Gerontol. 2020 Jun;134:110888. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.110888. Epub 2020 Feb 22. PMID: 32097708; PMCID: PMC7442590.

Ogbonna, Emmanuella. “7 Medications That You Should Not Combine With NAD+.” Health, 11 Mar. 2025, https://www.health.com/medications-not-to-mix-with-nad-11685772.

Orr, M. E., Kotkowski, E., Ramirez, P., Bair-Kelps, D., Liu, Q., Brenner, C., Schmidt, M. S., Fox, P. T., Larbi, A., Tan, C., Wong, G., Gelfond, J., Frost, B., Espinoza, S., Musi, N., & Powers, B. (2024). A randomized placebo-controlled trial of nicotinamide riboside in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. GeroScience, 46(1), 665–682. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00999-9

Peluso, Augusto, et al. “Age-Dependent Decline of NAD+—Universal Truth or Confounded Consensus?” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 1, 2021, p. 101, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010101. Accessed 7 May 2026.

Shen, X., Wang, C., Zhou, X. et al. Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging. Nat Aging 4, 1619–1634 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-024-00692-2

Tompa, Rachel. “Massive Biomolecular Shifts Occur in Our 40s and 60s, Stanford Medicine Researchers Find.” Stanford Medicine, 14 Aug. 2024, https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2024/08/massive-biomolecular-shifts-occur-in-our-40s-and-60s–stanford-m.html. Accessed 7 May 2026.

“What Is NAD+ & Why Is It Important?” Cleveland Clinic, 26 Feb. 2026, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/nad-nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide. Accessed 6 May 2026.

Yang F, Deng X, Yu Y, Luo L, Chen X, Zheng J, Qiu Y, Xiao F, Xie X, Zhao Y, Guo J, Hu F, Zhang X, Ju Z, Zhou Y. Association of Human Whole Blood NAD+ Contents With Aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 21;13:829658. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.829658. PMID: 35388296; PMCID: PMC8979162.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

Buriti: Functional Medicine Uses of the Amazon Rainforest Palm for Skin, Vision & Beyond

There is a beloved plant known as the ‘tree of life’ by Amazonian communities. This majestic palm tree is actually called buriti, and it’s rich in bioactive compounds that can contribute to restoring wellness from the inside-out. 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, plant-based remedies can be integrated into your treatment plan, including botanical extracts from buriti and other Amazonian plants. This fact sheet discloses the background of this medicinal plant and how it might support skin health, vision, digestion, and more.   

What is Buriti?

• Buriti palm trees (Mauritia flexuosa) thrive in the Amazon rain forest, flooded wetlands and riverbanks across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana. The tree’s fleshy fruit is embraced by local communities as food and medicine and for cosmetic uses. 
• Amazonian indigenous people eat the fruit on its own or concoct it into juices, fermented beverages, jams and desserts. The oil is naturally golden-red and high in nutrients, which is why some locals apply it to the skin for sun protection or to soothe burns. The oil is thought to soften hair and potentially act as a postpartum care tonic, helping to restore strength after giving birth. 
• Buriti’s leaves, trunk, and roots have significant roles in Amazonian communities – these materials are woven into mats and ropes, or used in remedies for fevers, infections, and wound healing. This history highlights buriti as a source of nourishment, resilience, and healing interwoven into Indigenous traditions.

Buriti’s Influence on Anti-Aging Skin Health

Buriti stands out for its skin effects, making it potentially ideal for anti-aging regimes. As a topical, it can help defend against harmful molecules generated by pollution, UV radiation, and other stressors – these are all factors that can accelerate visible aging! Some of buriti’s skin benefits are as follows:  

• It can offer antioxidant protection: The plant’s beta-carotene content is higher than that of carrots and sweet potatoes! Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, a pigment that can protect against cellular damage. Beta-carotene and other carotenoids are capable of neutralizing free radicals in the body, which are known contributors of premature aging, sun damage, and skin dullness.
• May naturally moisturize the skin barrier: Buriti oil contains a high concentration of oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acids), which has softening effects on human skin. This nutrient can help strengthen the natural lipid barrier, which encourages moisture to stay in and help keep irritants out! It may be suitable for those struggling with dry, sensitive, and aging skin. 
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties: “Many studies document that vitamin E occupies a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant, thereby providing possibilities to decrease the frequency and severity of pathological events in the skin,” reports a Journal of Molecular Medicine piece. Luckily, buriti oil is rich in vitamin E and phytosterols, which are beneficial for calming skin redness and irritation. 
• Appears to offer some UV protection: Though not a replacement for sunscreen, its carotenoid content can mildly protect against UV radiation by absorbing rays and entrapping free radical molecules. It may also promote skin recovery from harsh sunlight exposure. 
• May be non-comedogenic: The oil has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it has a small chance of clogging pores. This makes it appropriate for a wide range of skin types, especially acne-prone skin, where buriti oil might help balance oil and reduce inflammation. 

Beyond Skin: Additional Beneficial Effects

Though it’s a botanical powerhouse in natural skincare, consuming this fruit may lead to other health bonuses! These may include: 

• Dietary and vision support: As the plant is rich in beta-carotene and its oil is capable of enhancing nutrient absorption, scientists have studied buriti for its function in vitamin A deficiency. In some Brazilian trials, it was shown that consuming buriti can replenish vitamin A stores in children, especially for treating and preventing an eye disorder called xerophthalmia. 
• Fostering cardiovascular health: Due to its oleic acid content, buriti oil has been associated with healthy effects on lipid profiles, inflammation, and metabolism. The balancing of unsaturated fats and antioxidants may support overall cardiovascular resilience and reduce oxidative stress, helping to balance cholesterol and inflammation. 
• Regulating digestion: Historically, buriti fruit was incorporated into the daily diet as a delicacy and nutrient-dense food staple. Its fibre content supports digestive health, while its antioxidants may benefit liver function. Buriti fibre, micronutrients, and oils contribute to both nutritional balance and regulating gut health.

Striving Towards Planetary Health

Making use of Amazonian plants, like buriti, goes beyond eating a healthy ingredient – it’s a living link between the Amazon rainforest, traditional wellness, and modern science. 

Botanical medicine from the rainforest reminds us of what Indigenous communities have valued for nourishment and healing, guiding us to improve our own skin care and holistic health. This traditional knowledge must be preserved, as the Brazilian Amazon has undergone deforestation since the 1960s. This has slashed the use of medicinal plants for both Amazonian communities and international use. 

In particular, the Indigenous groups are crucially affected by deforestation. “Many of these medicinal plants have no botanical substitute, and pharmaceuticals do not yet exist for some of the diseases for which they are used,” explains a BioScience journal article. “Degradation of Amazonian forests may signify not only the loss of potential pharmaceutical drugs for the developed world but also the erosion of the sole health care option for many of Brazil’s rural and urban poor.”

Recognizing the significance of the rainforest can go a long way – for our health and for the planet’s. Let’s introduce you to our integrative health care that also acknowledges eco-friendly practices. 

Suggested reading: Finding Light: Novel Toronto Functional Medicine Approaches for Confronting SAD

Meet Your New Partner in Health and Wellness 

Our functional medicine protocols are suitable for managing chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, diabetes, weight management, and more. Taking a root-cause approach to your health may be valuable for treatment and disease prevention – so allow us to be your ally towards optimal functioning! 

At the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, our practitioners integrate treatment modalities so that you can tackle symptoms with several strategies. We recognize the mind-body connection, so therapies may interlace Western treatments with naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy, hormone optimization, personalized supplements (vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, etc.), compression therapy, IV vitamin therapy, frequency meditation, and more. 

Our botanical/herbal medicine involves scrutinizing your current health, including your use of medications and supplements. As our naturopathic doctor is acquainted with plant-based medicine, we can add these ingredients into your treatment plan while avoiding medication interactions. All doses of plant remedies are tailored for biological needs with the principles of functional medicine. These plant-based supplements can be arranged into teas, topicals, oils, and more, and are available from our in-house dispensary. 

We also blend IV therapy drips freshly on a daily basis, and these IV therapies are administered in our IV Lounge. IV drips are not meant as stand-alone therapies – when they’re united with healthy lifestyle changes and additional functional medicine advice, they can contribute to wellness optimization.  

Let’s steer you towards health promotion with functional naturopathic medicine, holistic modalities, herbal medicine, and more. Experience a patient-centred approach to health – simply fill in our contact form to meet one of our Toronto area functional medicine providers. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

Amorim VR, Rodrigues DCDN, Silva JDN, Ramos CLS, Almeida LMN, Almeida AAC, Pinheiro-Neto FR, Almeida FRC, Rizzo MS, Pereira-Freire JA, Ferreira PMP. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fruits and by-products from Mauritia flexuosa, an exotic plant with functional benefits. J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2021 Jun 3;84(11):441-457. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2021.1881672. Epub 2021 Feb 28. PMID: 33641623.

Barbosa MU, Silva MA, Barros EML, Barbosa MU, Sousa RC, Lopes MADC, Coelho NPMF. Topical action of Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) in myositis induced in rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2017 Nov;32(11):956-963. doi: 10.1590/s0102-865020170110000007. PMID: 29236800.

Marcelino G, Hiane PA, Pott A, de Oliveira Filiú WF, Caires ARL, Michels FS, Júnior MRM, Santos NMS, Nunes ÂA, Oliveira LCS, Cortes MR, Maldonade IR, Cavalheiro LF, Nazário CED, Santana LF, Di Pietro Fernandes C, Negrão FJ, Tatara MB, de Faria BB, Asato MA, de Cássia Freitas K, Bogo D, do Nascimento VA, de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães R. Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Pulp Oil and the Effect of Its Supplementation in an In Vivo Experimental Model. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 19;14(12):2547. doi: 10.3390/nu14122547. PMID: 35745276; PMCID: PMC9229003.

Nachbar F, Korting HC. The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. J Mol Med (Berl). 1995 Jan;73(1):7-17. doi: 10.1007/BF00203614. PMID: 7633944.

Santos, Leonor. (2005). Nutritional and ecological aspects of buriti or aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa Linnaeus filius): A carotene-rich palm fruit from Latin America. Ecology of Food and Nutrition – ECOL FOOD NUTR. 44. 345-358. 10.1080/03670240500253369.

Shanley, Patricia, and Leda Luz. “The Impacts of Forest Degradation on Medicinal Plant Use and Implications for Health Care in Eastern Amazonia.” BioScience, vol. 53, no. 6, 2003, pp. 573-584, https://doi.org/10.1641/0006-3568(2003)053[0573:TIOFDO]2.0.CO;2. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Souto, Renata N., et al. “Buriti (Mauritia Flexuosa L.F.) and Acuri (Attalea Phalerata Mart. Ex Spreng) Oils As Functional Lipid Sources in Bakery Products: Bioactive Composition, Sensory Evaluation, and Technological Performance.” Foods, vol. 14, no. 17, 2025, p. 3089, https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14173089. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Speranza, Paula & Leão, Karina Magna & Gomes, Tauan & Reis, Lívia & Rodrigues, Alexsandra & Macedo, J. & Ribeiro, A. & Macedo, Gabriela. (2018). Improving the chemical properties of Buriti oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) by enzymatic interesterification. Grasas y Aceites. 69. 282. 10.3989/gya.0229181.

Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.