Went for NAD+ energy transfer, but before I could rejuvenate as rumored, I had complications.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh examines a patient - Illustration photo: BSCC

"A health feast with NAD+ Drip infusion for anti-aging and rejuvenation in a luxurious way," "Reverse aging, look 10 years younger than your biological age," "Increase energy, sleep well"... these are the advertisements for the NAD+ infusion method that are being widely shared on many forums.

Rejuvenation through... intravenous fluids?

The patient experienced complications after receiving NAD+ infusion - Photo: BSCC

On social media, beauty groups have recently been sharing a "secret" touted as a miracle cure for "reversing aging," claiming that infusions can reverse the aging process and make you look 10 years younger. This is the NAD+ energy infusion method.

On Facebook, an account posted about a method of infusing NAD+, advertising that it would improve fatigue and forgetfulness by 100%; relieve stress by 85% and prevent anxiety disorders; boost the immune system by 80%; prolong concentration; and contribute to biological rejuvenation by 10 years...

Contacting this account to learn about the NAD+ infusion method, the customer service representative explained: "This is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in many biological processes in the body. It helps you convert food into energy for cell activity."

It supports the repair of damaged cells, regulates gene activity to restore bodily functions. It takes care of you from the inside out, so it's not only good for your skin but also beneficial for cardiovascular health, memory, and hormonal balance…”.

This person also offered to sell products of Japanese origin for 15-20 million VND per 300ml bottle, guaranteeing authenticity and verifiable codes.

However, none of the pages selling these products provide a phone number or a distribution address.

The transmission of various substances of unknown origin is ambiguous.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Inspectorate of the Department of Health has recently discovered and fined numerous cases of advertising NAD+ energy therapy with exaggerated claims.

The dermatology clinic, a branch of Shynh House Co., Ltd., located at 33 Tran Quoc Thao Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, was inspected by the Inspectorate of the Department of Health in coordination with the District 3 Police and the District 3 Health Department. At the time of the inspection, two patient records were found showing that two patients had received NAD+ infusions to improve their skin, hair, and overall health.

Notably, this clinic failed to provide documentation regarding the products used. A representative from the facility admitted that the solution presented as NAD+ was actually Vitaplex 500ml, Pantogen 250ml, etc. These are simply intravenous fluids containing B vitamins, currently sold on the market for only 60,000 - 125,000 VND.

Another case involves a multi-specialty clinic belonging to 3T Trading and Investment Joint Stock Company in Ward 12, District 10, which illegally advertised related to NAD+ such as: "A grand health feast with NAD+ Drip infusions for anti-aging and rejuvenation in a luxurious way," "Top 5 most popular premium NAD+ Drip protocols for increased energy, better sleep, improved memory, anti-depressant, and anxiety reduction"...

During the inspection, three patients were being infused with an unlabeled yellow solution; the products included: a 1000mg NAD+ vial, a glutathione vial, and other products lacking information to identify their origin and quality.

Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, a member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, said he had treated 4-5 patients who came for examination after experiencing complications due to believing advertisements about receiving NAD+ infusions.

Most of these patients experience allergic reactions and recurrent lesions after intravenous fluid administration, such as acute urticaria with papules, plaques, and edema. In some cases, drug-induced erythema may occur. Patients require treatment for 7-10 days before their condition stabilizes.

A type of NAD+ solution for direct infusion into the body is being advertised by some facilities - Photo: Screenshot

There is no scientific evidence.

Dr. Thanh added that many people have inquired about this type of intravenous fluid recently. However, NAD+ infusion services are not currently licensed in Vietnam, but many people have purchased and used them at many cosmetic clinics or through unofficial channels.

Elaborating on this method, Dr. Thanh explained that NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism. When cells have sufficient energy, they function efficiently, helping to maintain a healthy body.

However, it should be noted that while research on NAD+ supplementation is promising, the majority is still in the animal or laboratory testing phase. The effectiveness and safety of enhancing the role of NAD+ in humans still need to be confirmed through more clinical studies.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health also stated that currently, many illegal advertisements related to NAD+ are appearing on websites and social media, completely lacking scientific evidence regarding their anti-aging effects, energy enhancement, health benefits, and beauty enhancements.

This product has not been licensed for sale in Vietnam, nor is it included in any treatment guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health .

Dr. Thanh stated that this service has not yet been licensed in Vietnam. Therefore, it is impossible to verify whether the product introduced into the body is safe. "To date, there are very few studies on the effects of NAD+, and it is still in the small-scale testing phase. There are no indications or studies on the normal physiological concentration when transfused into humans, or what problems excess or deficiency might cause."

Furthermore, since most intravenous solutions are currently unlicensed and imported, their safety is very difficult to control. Introducing products into the body without knowing the type or uncertain effects poses many risks such as allergies, hives, or even shock," Dr. Thanh warned.

Previously, after the COVID-19 pandemic, some establishments in Ho Chi Minh City continuously advertised the use of NAD+ energy therapy to treat post-COVID-19 symptoms, claiming it could restore health by up to 200%.

Dr. Nguyen Nhu Vinh, from the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, said that caution is needed with these advertisements because the substances being injected may simply be nutritional supplements, vitamins, or protein, at very low prices, not even tens of millions of dong.

Furthermore, not to mention the injection of certain substances into the body, if doctors want to administer saline solution, vitamins, proteins, etc., they must carefully consider and examine the patient thoroughly because it can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health is urging people to be highly vigilant against claims that lack scientific basis and have not been verified by state management agencies, in order to avoid health and financial risks.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/di-truyen-nang-luong-nad-chua-kip-tre-hoa-nhu-loi-don-da-gap-bien-chung-20241014081223941.htm