Date 28 Apr 2025
We live in a world where people are constantly searching for ways to feel better, live longer, and stay sharp. From cryotherapy chambers to antioxidant-packed juices, the wellness industry has no shortage of offerings. Among the more intriguing of these trends is NAD+ IV therapy-a treatment that’s been making waves in wellness clinics, celebrity circles, and boutique medical centers. It’s often promoted as a solution for everything from fatigue to aging, brain fog to addiction recovery.
But before jumping on the bandwagon, it’s worth taking a step back. What exactly is NAD+? How does the therapy work? And more importantly, what does science really say about its benefits? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at NAD+ IV therapy, its potential, the mechanisms behind it, and what you should consider before trying it.
At the heart of this therapy is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme found in every living cell. While it might not get as much attention as vitamins or minerals, NAD+ is absolutely essential to life. It plays a key role in:
Producing cellular energy (ATP)
Repairing damaged DNA
Supporting mitochondrial function
Regulating genes via sirtuins (a group of proteins linked to aging and longevity)
As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline. This drop has been linked to many age-related issues, like slower metabolism, reduced cognitive performance, and even chronic diseases. The idea behind boosting NAD+ is that we might be able to slow or even reverse some of these effects.
Unlike oral supplements, NAD+ IV therapy delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous infusion. This method is thought to help the body absorb it more efficiently, bypassing the digestive system where much of the compound could be broken down or lost.
Sessions typically last between 1 to 4 hours, depending on the dosage and individual tolerance. The goal is to “flood” the system with NAD+, potentially improving cellular repair, energy production, and brain function.
Clinics offering NAD+ IV therapy promote a wide range of benefits. While some claims are bold, they do stem from NAD+’s known biological functions. Here’s what’s being said:
Anti-aging support: Because NAD+ helps repair DNA and support mitochondrial function, it’s thought to help slow aging at the cellular level. Some users even report better skin and more youthful energy.
Improved energy levels: By enhancing ATP production, NAD+ can theoretically help people feel less fatigued and more physically capable.
Enhanced brain function: NAD+ is linked to brain health and cognitive processes, leading to claims of better memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
Support for addiction recovery: Some treatment centers use NAD+ IV therapy as a tool to support withdrawal management and restore neurotransmitter balance.
Overall wellness boost: Additional reported benefits include improved metabolism, immune support, better mood, and stress resilience.
It’s easy to see why this therapy is gaining popularity, but how much of this is actually backed by research?
Here’s where things get a bit complicated. While the biology of NAD+ is well understood, clinical evidence specifically supporting IV therapy is still limited.
A 2019 pilot study found that although NAD+ levels in plasma increased during an infusion, a large portion was quickly broken down and excreted in urine. This raises an important question- how much of the NAD+ actually makes it into the cells where it’s needed?
Experts suggest that precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) might be more effective at increasing NAD+ inside cells. These precursors are smaller molecules that can more easily enter cells and be converted into NAD+.
In fact, studies comparing NR and NAD+ infusions showed NR achieved higher blood concentrations at similar doses. While that doesn't mean IV therapy is ineffective, it suggests that precursor supplementation might be a more efficient route. So, while anecdotal stories and early research are promising, large-scale clinical trials are still needed to confirm the therapy’s true benefits.
There are several ways to boost NAD+ levels, and IV therapy is just one of them.
These are well-researched, widely available, and backed by multiple studies. They offer a non-invasive, long-term solution to maintaining healthy NAD+ levels.
Believe it or not, simple habits like exercise, fasting, and eating niacin-rich foods (think turkey, mushrooms, and green peas) can naturally support NAD+ production.
While it may offer rapid delivery and a sense of immediacy, its effectiveness in raising intracellular NAD+ is less clear. That said, some people report feeling refreshed and energized after treatment, whether due to NAD+ itself or other factors like hydration.
Overall, NAD+ IV therapy is considered safe when administered by trained professionals. But like any medical procedure, it comes with potential risks:
Short-term side effects: nausea, headache, dizziness, or flushing during infusion
Procedure-related risks: infections at the injection site, phlebitis (vein inflammation), or air embolism
Unknown long-term effects: We don’t yet fully understand the consequences of maintaining elevated NAD+ levels for extended periods. Some theorize it could cause cellular stress or toxic byproducts.
If you're considering this therapy, it’s important to consult a medical provider who can evaluate your specific health needs and guide you safely.
As of now, NAD+ IV therapy is not FDA-approved for any specific medical use. It’s offered off-label for conditions like aging or addiction recovery. While this is legal, it means the treatment hasn’t undergone the same rigorous evaluation as FDA-approved drugs.
In recent years, regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have also cautioned against clinics making unverified claims. So, while the therapy is available, it’s important to choose providers carefully and avoid those who promise miracle cures.
NAD+ IV therapy is rooted in real science. The molecule itself plays an undeniable role in health, aging, and energy metabolism. The idea of replenishing it to feel better, think clearer, and maybe even live longer is exciting, and not without merit.
However, scientific research is still catching up to the enthusiasm. At this point, oral precursors like NR and NMN offer a more evidence-based, accessible way to raise NAD+ levels. And while IV therapy might offer short-term energy or mental boosts for some, claims of life-changing results remain largely anecdotal.
So, if you’re curious, approach it with optimism, but also with caution. Stay informed, consult our knowledgeable doctors at Eternelle Aesthetics, and make choices based on both excitement and evidence.
