NAD+ Therapy
Benefits & Uses of NAD Therapy
NAD+ | A B3 Vitamin Derivative
What if there was a substance that could turn back time, restore energy, improve athletic performance, bring back clarity of thought, reverse depression AND help curb cravings for alcohol and drugs even in the most addicted individuals? NAD+ is that substance! The intravenous NAD+ activates enzymes in the bloodstream, called sirtuins, which promotes the good aspects of your genes.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a B vitamin derivative co-enzyme. It is located in the human body’s cell mitochondria. The mitochondria is the “powerhouse” of the cell that turns the food we eat into fuel. NAD+ promotes cellular regeneration and is a part of the conversion of cellular energy. NAD+ IV therapies has been proven in research to repair DNA, protect brain cell damage, fight and reduce inflammation, fight the oxidative processes that cause aging and disease, and help prevent memory loss and diseases that affect the brain.
NAD+ and COVID-19 Treatments
Due of the damaging nature of COVID-19 infections, NAD+ infusions have been found to reduce the amount of time to recover from those effects so that it takes 1/3 of the time. Instead of a 9-week recovery, patients have shown the same level of improvement in their post-COVID health in as little as 3 weeks. Even after beating the virus, residual effects are common. NAD+ also aides in brain fog and excessive fatigue, just to name a few.
It should be noted that every patient is different, and while there are definite benefits of utilizing NAD+ therapy for COVID-19 recovery, the results may vary greatly from one patient to another. Sticking with the therapy, eating right and getting proper rest are all things that promote the body’s natural ability to bounce back. Some patients also require additional vitamin infusions to aid in their recovery. Each patient is evaluated individually and an appropriate treatment plan based on their symptoms is devised.
Pilot Study Into LDN and NAD+ for Treatment of Patients With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
Benefits of IV NAD+
Infusion Therapy
Prevents cancer
Increases metabolism and
energyRelieves pain
Reduces inflammation
Reduces cravings for alcohol and other drugs
Prevents and helps repair DNA damage
Anti-aging
Aids with anxiety and depression
Helps with PTSD
Improves post-Covid brain fog
and fatigue
*Treatments and outcomes vary by patient.
Benefits of IV NAD+
Infusion Therapy
Prevents cancer
Increases metabolism and
energyRelieves pain
Reduces inflammation
Reduces cravings for alcohol and other drugs
Prevents and helps repair DNA damage
Anti-aging
Aids with anxiety and depression
Helps with PTSD
Improves post-Covid brain fog
and fatigue
*Treatments and outcomes vary by patient.
Possible Side Effects
of NAD+ Treatment
Chest heaviness/tightness
Stomach cramps
Headache
Numbness and tingling
Possible Side Effects
Mild to moderate nausea, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and indigestion
Flushing, sweating and overall discomfort.
*Symptoms usually abate during the treatment by
slowing the infusion rate and resolve themselves shortly
after the completion of the infusion.
Possible Side Effects
of NAD+ Treatment
Chest heaviness/tightness
Stomach cramps
Headache
Numbness and tingling
Possible Side Effects
Mild to moderate nausea, fatigue, headache, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and indigestion
Flushing, sweating and overall discomfort.
*Symptoms usually abate during the treatment by
slowing the infusion rate and resolve themselves shortly
after the completion of the infusion.
Breaking Down NAD+ Therapy
What is Nicotinamide Riboside?
Nicotinamide riboside, or niagen, is an alternative form of vitamin B3, also called niacin. Like other forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside is converted by your body into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme or helper molecule. NAD+ acts as fuel for many key biological processes, such as:
Converting food into energy
Repairing damaged DNA
Fortifying cells’ defense systems
Setting your body’s internal clock of circadian rhythm
Do our bodies naturally produce NAD+?
The amount of NAD+ in your body naturally falls with age. Low NAD+ levels have been linked to health concerns like aging, and chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and vision loss. Research has found that raising NAD+ levels may help reverse signs of aging and lower the risk of many chronic diseases. Nicotinamide riboside supplements, such as niagen, have quickly become popular because they appear to be especially effective at raising NAD+ levels. [make column 1 box fact starting with “Research”, add icon of the head/face <- internal note, ignore]
NAD+ plays a key role in helping your brain cells age well. Within the brains’ cells, NAD+ helps control the production of PGC-1-alpha - a protein that appears to help protect cells against oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function. Researchers believe both of these are linked to age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
So, how does NAD+ IV Therapy Work?
NAD+ IV Therapy is an emerging vitamin therapy that is all-natural, holistic and has shown outstanding results. The body naturally produces NAD, but overall levels of the coenzyme decreases over time, leading to cellular changes. IV NAD+ gives your body back this powerful molecule by:
Building up mitochondria – the power source in cells
Lengthening telomeres - markers of biological age and the protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as the body ages
Increasing the activity of SIRT1 and PARP 1 proteins - linked with a slower rate of aging
Influencing DNA repair
Giving more power back to the brain!
NAD+ and Anti-aging
NAD is a coenzyme that powers metabolic processes and impacts a wide variety of systems including digestion, cognition and mental clarity, overall energy levels and aging. One of its most significant roles within the body is in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. These reactions are a part of the metabolic system and converts food into energy the body needs to function properly. NAD plays a significant role in anti-aging. This essential coenzyme promotes cellular regeneration and brain restoration. Studies have found replenishing cellular levels of NAD can repair DNA, protect brain cells from damage, reduce inflammation and turn enzymes on that help prevent aging.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): Benefits and Uses of NAD Therapy
What is NAD+?
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is a coenzyme found in every living cell of your body. In simpler terms, it’s a small molecule that plays a big role in how our cells generate energy. NAD+ is often called a “helper” molecule because it binds to other enzymes to help cause reactions in the cell. One of its most important jobs is in the mitochondria – these are the “powerhouses” of cells that convert food into usable energy (ATP). NAD+ helps with this energy production process (specifically in a pathway called the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, for those who recall biology class). Without NAD+, your cells wouldn’t be able to create the energy they need to function.
Beyond energy, NAD+ is involved in repairing damaged DNA, regulating our sleep/wake cycles (circadian rhythms), and adjusting how cells respond to stress. It also plays a role in activating certain proteins called sirtuins that are linked to aging and longevity. Essentially, NAD+ is like a central cog in the machinery of the cell – crucial for keeping things running smoothly.
Our bodies can produce NAD+ from vitamin B3 (niacin) and other precursors we get in our diet. However, research has shown that NAD+ levels decline with age and in certain chronic conditions. This drop in NAD+ might contribute to age-related issues – potentially things like decreased energy, slower metabolism, and less efficient cell repair. That’s one reason NAD+ has become a hot topic in wellness and longevity circles: boosting NAD+ is being studied as a way to promote healthy aging at the cellular level.
What is NAD Therapy (NAD Infusion)?
NAD therapy refers to treatments that aim to increase the level of NAD+ in your body, often through intravenous (IV) infusions of NAD+ or its precursors. In an NAD infusion, a solution containing NAD+ is delivered directly into the bloodstream via an IV drip. The idea is that by flooding the body with NAD+, cells will use it to rev up their repair and energy processes. Some clinics also offer oral supplements or injections that supposedly raise NAD levels (for example, compounds like NR – nicotinamide riboside – or NMN – nicotinamide mononucleotide – which are precursors that the body can convert into NAD+). But the IV infusion is the method often marketed for a more immediate effect.
NAD infusions are relatively new and somewhat experimental in the medical world. They’ve gained popularity in certain wellness and integrative medicine clinics. Proponents of NAD therapy claim it can do a lot of things, from boosting energy and mental clarity to helping with chronic diseases. You might hear that NAD infusions can aid in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic fatigue, addiction, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. That’s quite a wide range of claims! The reasoning behind many of these is that since NAD+ is fundamental to cell health, replenishing it might help cells recover from stress or damage – whether that’s brain cells recovering from addiction-related changes or muscle cells recovering from chronic illness.
Another use you’ll hear about is NAD therapy for anti-aging or general wellness. Some people without any specific illness get NAD+ infusions in hopes of improved stamina, better focus, or just “cellular rejuvenation.”
It’s very important to note that NAD therapy is not yet an established, FDA-approved treatment for these conditions. It’s considered investigational. While NAD+ itself is a natural molecule (and thus giving it isn’t like introducing a foreign drug), the therapeutic benefits and any long-term effects of artificially raising NAD levels are still being researched.
Proposed Benefits of NAD+ Therapy
People who promote NAD infusions report various benefits. Let’s break down some of the commonly claimed benefits and what we know (or don’t know) about them:
Improved Energy and Reduction of Fatigue: Since NAD+ is central to energy production in cells, one of the first things people notice during or after an NAD infusion is a feeling of increased vitality or less fatigue. Some clients describe it as a clean energy boost (not like caffeine jitteriness, but more natural-feeling). There’s anecdotal evidence of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome or just persistent tiredness feeling better after a series of NAD infusions. Scientifically, it’s plausible that if you truly raise NAD+ in cells, mitochondria could produce ATP more efficiently, which might combat fatigue. Small pilot studies are exploring NAD+ supplements for fatigue in aging and in conditions like multiple sclerosis, but conclusive evidence is not yet available.
Enhanced Mental Clarity and Mood: NAD+ is involved in neurotransmitter production and DNA repair in brain cells, so some proponents suggest it can improve mental clarity, concentration, and even mood. There are reports of NAD therapy helping some people with brain fog (for example, lingering cognitive fuzziness after illness or associated with fibromyalgia). Additionally, NAD+ might affect levels of neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin indirectly, which could influence mood. Some clinics market NAD infusions for depression or anxiety, often alongside other therapies. While there isn’t robust clinical trial evidence yet, anecdotally some individuals say they feel their mood lifted or mind sharper after NAD therapy. It’s hard to separate placebo effect here, as the very act of getting an IV at a clinic and investing time and hope can make you feel better. Research is ongoing – for example, looking at NAD precursors for cognitive aging and mild cognitive impairment.
Addiction Recovery Support: One of the more specific uses of NAD therapy has been as a tool in addiction detox programs. Some treatment centers use NAD infusions to help people withdrawing from substances like alcohol or opioids. The claim is that NAD+ aids in repairing brain cells and reducing cravings, potentially making detox a bit easier. There was at least one small study that showed NAD infusion might help reduce withdrawal symptoms in opiate-dependent patients. However, this is not mainstream yet. It’s viewed as an adjunct – meaning if it helps, it would be used alongside counseling, support, and possibly medication-assisted therapy, not as a standalone cure. The mechanism isn’t clear, but it could be tied to NAD+ helping normalize neurotransmitter function disrupted by substance use.
Chronic Pain and Inflammation: Some wellness clinics include chronic pain conditions (like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease) in the list of things NAD might help. The rationale could be that boosting cellular energy helps tissues heal or function better, and NAD+ also is involved in pathways that modulate inflammation. For instance, NAD+ is required for the activity of sirtuins which have anti-inflammatory effects. There’s a bit of early research into NAD+ precursors for metabolic inflammatory conditions, but again, for specific pain syndromes, concrete data is lacking. We do have a small 2009 study that intravenous vitamins improved fibromyalgia symptoms, but that wasn’t specifically NAD+ (it was a Myers’ cocktail with vitamins). So claims that NAD helps fibromyalgia or chronic pain are still mostly anecdotal or theoretical.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Because NAD+ is crucial for cell survival and combating oxidative stress, scientists are studying whether raising NAD+ could help in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or ALS. Animal studies have been somewhat promising – for instance, some mouse models of neurodegeneration showed slower progression when given NAD+ precursors. There’s a lot of interest in NAD+ for protecting neurons and supporting brain health. However, in humans, we are far from any proven therapy. Some clinics still offer NAD+ to patients with these conditions as an experimental approach, in hopes it might slow things down or improve some symptoms. It’s done with careful observation and usually as part of a broader treatment plan. As of 2025, this use is investigational.
Anti-Aging and Metabolic Health: NAD+ levels dropping with age has spurred the idea that boosting NAD might slow aging or improve metabolic conditions. Some individuals use NAD+ supplements or infusions to potentially support healthier aging – for example, possibly improving muscle function in older adults, or helping with conditions like diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity (since metabolism is linked to NAD+). Notably, the Harvard scientist David Sinclair has popularized research on NAD+ and longevity, often referencing molecules like NR and NMN that raise NAD+. It’s a fast-evolving area of research. Some early-phase clinical trials are looking at NAD+ precursors for age-related diseases. So far, no one’s proven that NAD infusions will make you live longer or reverse aging, but it’s a compelling area of study. At the very least, people often report feeling more youthful energy after NAD therapy, which is likely why it’s touted in the anti-aging context.
What Does the Research Say?
While testimonials and initial studies are intriguing, the scientific evidence for NAD+ therapy is still limited. We should be clear: as of now, NAD infusions have not gone through large-scale clinical trials to definitively prove their efficacy for the conditions being claimed. There are a few small studies and a lot of ongoing research:
A recent systematic review (2021) looked at NAD+/NADH as supplements in various conditions. It concluded that while NAD is generally safe and there are some positive findings, overall the data is insufficient to confidently say it’s effective for any specific disease. Researchers called for more rigorous trials.
Safety: The good news is that NAD+ therapy so far appears to be relatively safe in the short term. Small pilot studies and reports indicate that people tolerate NAD infusions without serious adverse effects. NAD+ is a natural molecule, and one study found that even high doses of a precursor given IV didn’t cause significant side effects in participants. People might experience some mild side effects during the infusion, such as nausea, lightheadedness, or headache – sometimes if the infusion is too fast, NAD+ can give a bit of a flushing or an uncomfortable sensation, so nurses often slow it down to alleviate that. The doc you provided noted “no known negative side effects… thousands of people have received NAD with no known adverse effects”. That might be a slightly rosy view (we should always be cautious and say “so far, no major side effects identified”), but indeed nothing severe has commonly been reported. However, since NAD therapy is often done outside of large clinical trials, we lack systematic collection of side effect data. And remember, any IV therapy carries some general risks: infection at the IV site, infiltration of fluid outside the vein, or in rare cases allergic reactions.
Effectiveness: Anecdotally, many participants in small case series report improvements, but the placebo effect can be strong with IV wellness therapies. One small uncontrolled study (as referenced in promotional materials) might show improvement in some aspect (like a pilot giving NAD IV to Alzheimer’s patients might show slight cognitive improvement), but without proper control groups, it’s hard to know if NAD made the difference. A 2023 pilot trial of IV nicotinamide riboside (a form of B3 that converts to NAD) in older adults found it was safe and did raise NAD levels, but measurable clinical outcomes weren’t clear.
FDA stance: NAD infusions are not FDA-approved for any specific medical condition. They’re provided as off-label, often as part of integrative medicine practices. This means insurance typically doesn’t cover them, and the therapy is paid out-of-pocket. The lack of FDA approval also means we should be cautious about any claims – by regulation, clinics can’t claim to treat or cure diseases with NAD since it’s not approved for that, which is why you’ll see them using careful language like “may help with X” or offering it as a “wellness” service.
The consensus in the medical community is: NAD+ research is promising but preliminary. Experts agree NAD+ plays an important role in health and aging, but they also caution that the IV therapies marketed might be getting a bit ahead of the evidence. For example, Mayo Clinic’s integrative medicine section notes that many of these IV wellness drips (vitamins, NAD, etc.) have limited evidence for benefit and can be quite costly. They emphasize focusing on proven healthy habits as a more reliable investment in health.
The NAD+ Infusion Experience and Safety Considerations
If you decide to try NAD+ therapy, here’s what typically happens: You go to a clinic and sit in a comfy chair. A nurse starts an IV line and NAD+ (usually in a saline solution) is dripped in over several hours. The infusion can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the dose (common doses range from 250 mg to 1000 mg of NAD+ in a session). Clinics often recommend a series of infusions – for example, a few times a week for several weeks – especially if using it for something like addiction detox or a chronic condition. Some people also do periodic maintenance infusions.
During the infusion, as mentioned, some individuals report a bit of discomfort, like feeling warmth, slight tightness in the chest, or nausea if it goes too fast. Nurses often adjust the flow to keep you comfortable. You’re typically monitored throughout.
Is it safe? So far, no serious adverse effects have been linked to NAD infusions in the reports available. Because NAD is a molecule your body knows, it’s not likely to trigger allergic reactions. However, because it’s an IV procedure, cleanliness and professional medical oversight are crucial to avoid infections or IV complications. You want to ensure you’re getting it done at a reputable clinic with trained medical staff. There have been general warnings about IV therapies: anything put directly into bloodstream bypasses the body’s normal filters, so it should be high purity and correctly prepared.
One should also consider the cost: NAD infusions can be quite expensive. The provided doc lists examples like $250 for a basic NAD infusion (250 mg) up to $500 for a high dose (1000 mg), with packages of multiple treatments costing over $1000. Insurance doesn’t cover it since it’s not standard therapy. So you have to evaluate if the potential benefit (which is not guaranteed) is worth the financial cost for you.
Current Status and Advice
Current research is ongoing. Scientists are actively studying NAD+ in clinical trials – for example, trials giving NAD precursor supplements to see if they improve cognitive function in older adults, or if they help as an add-on in depression treatment, etc. We expect more published data in the next few years. It’s possible NAD+ therapies will become part of mainstream treatment for some conditions if the evidence proves positive. But until then, it resides in a grey zone of alternative/complementary therapy with hopeful yet unproven benefits.
If you’re considering NAD+ therapy:
Consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider. Discuss why you want it – is it for general wellness or a specific health issue? They can give you perspective on standard treatments versus experimental ones. For serious conditions like addiction or PTSD, NAD might be complementary but not a replacement for evidence-based treatments (like therapy, medications, etc.).
Quality of provider: Ensure the clinic is reputable. Ask about the source of their NAD+ (it should be pharmaceutical grade). Check that a medical doctor is overseeing the treatments and that emergency protocols are in place (on the very off chance you had a reaction).
Manage expectations: Keep in mind the benefits are not guaranteed. Some people feel dramatically better; others may feel no noticeable change. And improvements might be temporary – for instance, an energy boost that lasts days to weeks.
Lifestyle first: Even proponents of NAD therapy would agree that it’s not a magic bullet. It works best in context of a healthy lifestyle. That means maintaining a good diet (with adequate B vitamins), regular exercise, good sleep, and stress management. These factors all influence your cellular health and NAD levels too. In fact, things like exercise and calorie restriction have been shown to naturally boost NAD+ in the body by activating certain pathways. So, NAD infusions should complement, not replace, healthy habits.
To conclude, NAD+ is indeed a fascinating and vital molecule for our health. The therapy based on it – NAD infusion – is a novel approach that many individuals are exploring for various potential benefits, from more energy to better mental health. Early reports and small studies are encouraging but not yet definitive. We do know it’s likely safe in the short term and many people report positive experiences. However, it’s not a cure-all, and much of its acclaimed benefits rely on anecdotal evidence at this time. If you choose to try NAD therapy, do so informed and as part of a broader wellness or treatment plan. And keep an eye out – the science of NAD+ is rapidly evolving, so in a few years we might have a much clearer picture of what NAD therapy can truly do and for whom it’s most effective.
Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your primary care physician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns about your health. Content created with the assistance of ChatGPT to provide clear, accessible medical condition descriptions.