NAD+ Therapy: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Works

Medically Reviewed by Larry Siegel, APRN

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme that powers energy production, metabolism, and cellular repair. Your body makes it naturally, but levels drop as you age. When that happens, fatigue sets in, brain function slows, and recovery takes longer.

Research shows that NAD+ is essential for DNA repair, inflammation control, and longevity pathways. Scientists are studying how boosting NAD+ may help with metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and age-related muscle loss. As a result, more people are turning to NAD+ therapy to restore what time takes away.

So what is NAD+ therapy, and how can it help? Let’s get into it.

What Is NAD+ Therapy and How Does It Work?

NAD+ therapy is an intravenous treatment that restores declining NAD+ levels to support energy production, cellular repair, and overall metabolic health. NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell, responsible for fueling mitochondria, activating longevity pathways, and repairing damaged DNA.

But as you age, NAD+ levels drop, making it harder for your body to produce energy, fight inflammation, and recover from stress.

Studies show that NAD+ levels start dropping around middle age. In men, the biggest decline happens between 40 and 49, while in women, levels decrease more slowly before 50 and then go up and down without a clear pattern

Factors like aging, poor diet, and stress drain NAD+ faster. Supplements can help, but your body may not absorb them well—a lot might get lost in digestion before it can do any good. NAD+ IV therapy skips the gut and goes straight into your bloodstream, giving your cells exactly what they need, fast.

How NAD+ Therapy Works

Each IV infusion delivers NAD+ straight to your cells, supporting:

Mitochondrial function – Enhances energy production at the cellular level.
DNA repair – Helps fix damage that accumulates over time.
Sirtuin activation – Stimulates longevity pathways that regulate inflammation, metabolism, and aging.

NAD+ Therapy Dosage

Dosage depends on your health goals, age, and lifestyle.

Standard protocols include:

500 mg to 1,500 mg per session, infused over two to four hours for optimal absorption.
Weekly or biweekly treatments, depending on energy levels, cognitive function, and recovery needs.
Higher doses for specific concerns, like chronic fatigue, neuroprotection, or athletic performance, adjusted under medical supervision.

Do NAD+ Levels Decline With Age?

Yes—it’s not a sudden drop but a progressive decline over time.

NAD+ fuels every cell in your body, keeping metabolism steady, energy levels high, and brain function sharp. But NAD+ production slows down, and that decline impacts everything from cellular repair to inflammation control. You may not notice it right away, but over time, this drop contributes to:

fatigue
slower recovery
brain fog
increased risk of age-related diseases.

What Causes NAD+ to Decline Faster?

Aging alone reduces NAD+ levels, but your lifestyle plays a major role in how quickly it happens. Some of the biggest NAD+ drains include:

Chronic stress – Increases inflammation, which forces your body to burn through NAD+ faster.
Poor diet – Processed foods and excess sugar interfere with natural NAD+ production.
Toxins and pollutants – Exposure to chemicals forces cells into constant repair mode, using up NAD+.
Lack of sleep – Disrupts the body’s ability to restore and maintain healthy NAD+ levels.
Chronic inflammation – Keeps your system in overdrive, demanding more NAD+ for damage control.

Can You Restore NAD+ Levels?

Research suggests that restoring NAD+ may help counteract age-related decline, improve energy metabolism, and protect cognitive function. Higher NAD+ levels have been linked to better heart health, stronger brain function, and increased longevity.

What Are the Benefits of NAD+ Therapy?

NAD+ therapy restores what aging depletes. IV infusions replenish NAD+, boosting energy, sharpening focus, speeding recovery, and supporting longevity. Here’s what the research says.

1. Restores Energy & Metabolism

If you struggle with low energy or a sluggish metabolism, your cells may not be producing enough ATP—the body’s main energy source. NAD+ fuels mitochondria, the power plants of your cells, to convert nutrients into energy. Increasing NAD+ levels may:

Support ATP production, potentially improving energy levels
Help regulate metabolism, which may assist with endurance and recovery

2. Enhances Brain Function & Mental Clarity

NAD+ plays a role in neuronal health, DNA repair, and inflammation control. When levels decline, brain function may slow, contributing to mental fog, forgetfulness, and fatigue. Research suggests NAD+ therapy may:

Support cognitive function, potentially improving focus and memory
Promote long-term brain health, which may reduce the risk of neurodegeneration

3. Supports Anti-Aging & Longevity

Aging impacts how well your cells repair, recover, and function. NAD+ activates sirtuins, proteins linked to DNA repair, inflammation control, and metabolism regulation. Increasing NAD+ levels may:

Help cells repair themselves, potentially slowing age-related decline.
Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key drivers of aging.

4. Aids in Recovery & Performance

Muscle soreness, slow recovery, and reduced endurance aren’t just workout struggles—they may be signs of cellular stress and NAD+ depletion. Studies suggest NAD+ therapy may:

Support muscle recovery, potentially reducing soreness and fatigue
Enhance endurance and resilience, making it a popular therapy among athletes

5. Promotes Heart & Metabolic Health

NAD+ plays a role in blood sugar regulation, inflammation control, and cardiovascular health. Research suggests that restoring NAD+ levels may:

Support insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels.
Promote heart health, potentially reducing oxidative stress in blood vessels

NAD+ levels don’t drop overnight, but when they do, you may feel it. Research suggests that replenishing NAD+ could support energy, brain function, muscle recovery, and longevity—but individual results may vary.

What Are the Different Types of NAD+ Therapy?

When it comes to NAD+ therapy, how you restore your levels matters. Here’s a look at your options.

Most Effective: NAD+ IV Therapy

IV therapy delivers NAD+ directly into your bloodstream—no detours, no loss. This method gets a precise dose into your cells fast, helping to fight fatigue, sharpen focus, and speed up recovery. It’s the best approach for those who need an immediate, effective boost.

Alternative: NAD+ Injections

Injections offer a practical choice when IV therapy isn’t on the table. They release NAD+ gradually, providing steady support throughout the day. While not as rapid as IV therapy, injections still deliver meaningful results for those looking to maintain consistent energy levels.

Least Effective: NAD+ Supplements

Supplements like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are easy to grab off the shelf, but they often fall short. Much of the NAD+ you take in supplement form can get lost during digestion, meaning you might not receive the full benefit.

And the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements as strictly as medicines, so quality can vary (FDA).

Is NAD+ Therapy Safe?

NAD+ therapy is considered safe when administered correctly. The treatment delivers a vital coenzyme to support your body’s energy and repair systems, but, like any treatment, it comes with some potential side effects:

mild nausea
headaches
dizziness
flushing
fatigue
some gastrointestinal discomfort
irritation at the injection site (for IV or injection treatments)

These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

NAD+ therapy works best when you have a healthcare professional guide the process, ensuring proper dosing and monitoring your response. Choosing high-quality NAD+ sources also plays a key role in minimizing risks. When done right, NAD+ therapy can give you a boost without derailing your day.

How Often Should You Get NAD+ Therapy?

Most clients benefit from a two-phase approach.

Initial Loading Phase: More frequent sessions over several weeks to quickly boost NAD+ levels
Maintenance Phase: Less frequent sessions (monthly, bi-monthly, or as needed) to sustain your NAD+ levels

Protocols vary—some may require weekly or bi-weekly treatments during the loading phase, then taper to a maintenance schedule that fits your energy, longevity, and cognitive goals.

Many patients also stack NAD+ therapy with other longevity treatments for optimal benefits.

If you come across a clinic offering “one-size-fits-all” NAD+ plans, run for the hills. At Yunique Medical, we tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs.

Does NAD+ Therapy Work?

Let’s clear the air: there’s real scientific research behind NAD+ and its effects. This isn’t snake oil—studies show promising results in key areas:

Mitochondrial Function: Research demonstrates that NAD+ helps fuel your cells, potentially boosting energy production.
Neuroprotection: Evidence supports its role in protecting brain health and slowing cognitive decline.
Aging and Metabolic Health: Emerging clinical trials suggest NAD+ may help slow certain aging processes and support overall metabolic function.

While these findings are encouraging, the long-term benefits of NAD+ therapy remain under investigation. The field is evolving, so be cautious of claims that outpace current scientific evidence. Always consult with healthcare professionals who base their recommendations on rigorous research.

Reclaim Your Energy, Reclaim Your Life

Feeling exhausted by the daily grind? At Yunique Medical, we understand that constant fatigue, mental fog, and slow recovery can hold you back from living your best life. You shouldn’t have to settle for feeling less than your full potential.

Drained and Overwhelmed: When your energy is low, even simple tasks feel like monumental challenges.
Mental Clarity on the Decline: A clouded mind isn’t just frustrating—it disrupts your work, relationships, and personal growth.
Slow Recovery: Every setback takes longer to overcome when your body isn’t bouncing back as it should.
Aging Without a Spark: The toll of time shouldn’t steal your vitality or dim your passion for life.

At Yunique Medical, we confront them head-on. We believe you deserve to wake up refreshed, think clearly, and move through your day with unstoppable energy. Let’s break free from the limits that hold you down and reignite your natural drive.

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We offer a wide range of services to support your overall wellness, including:

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We’re here to support you wherever you are. Find us at:

Ready to restore energy, mental clarity, and longevity? Contact Yunique Medical today to explore personalized NAD+ therapy options.

NAD+ Therapy: What It Is, Benefits, and How It Supports Energy & Longevity