NAD+ Therapy: What the Evidence Does and Doesn't Show

NAD+ therapy is becoming more popular in the health and wellness industry due to the possible involvement of NAD+ in the process of energy production, aging, and cellular functions. Some examples of treatments that include NAD+ are IV infusion, injection, and nasal spray.
NAD+ plays an important role in some processes that occur in our body, which include but are not limited to metabolism, energy production, and cell repair.
What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?
The abbreviation for NAD+ is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme present in nearly all the cells of the body. The following biological functions are supported by NAD+:
Energy generation: Enables the conversion of food substances into energy by the cells.
Cell repair: Facilitates enzymes that participate in the process of repairing DNA.
Metabolism: Regulates the processes related to energy usage and storage.
Communication within cells: Assists in signaling pathways in order to induce stress response.
NAD+ is present in two primary forms: NAD+ and NADH. Both are used by the cells in order to regulate energy production and other metabolic functions.
The variations in the metabolism of NAD+ have been studied in aging. As a result, there has been increased interest in therapies that can lead to increased levels of NAD+. Nevertheless, a variation in biological markers does not necessarily mean improved health or a slower aging process.
Different Forms of NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ products are available through several delivery methods. Each has different administration requirements and levels of research.
1. NAD+ IV Therapy
NAD+ IV therapy delivers the compound directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous drip. Wellness clinics often market it for energy, recovery, and healthy aging. An IV infusion can increase circulating NAD+ exposure.
2. NAD+ Nasal Spray
NAD+ nasal spray is promoted as a convenient alternative to IV treatment or injections. It is administered through the nose, aiming to deliver the compound through the nasal lining. However, human evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited.
3. NAD+ Injections
NAD+ injections deliver the compound into tissue, commonly through subcutaneous administration. Some wellness providers offer them as an alternative to longer IV sessions.
What About NAD+ Supplements?
Some supplements contain nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These are NAD+ precursors, meaning the body can use them to produce NAD+. Human studies suggest that NR and NMN can increase NAD-related biomarkers.
What About NAD+ Supplements?
NAD+ supplements often contain ingredients that help the body produce NAD+. Two commonly discussed compounds are:
Nicotinamide riboside (NR): A form of vitamin B3 that the body can use to produce NAD+.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN): Another NAD+ precursor involved in the body's NAD+ production pathway.
Human studies have shown that NR and NMN can increase NAD-related biomarkers. These compounds have attracted interest because of their potential role in supporting cellular energy and metabolic health.
Supplements are another option people explore when learning about NAD+ and its role in healthy aging.
What Does the Research Actually Support?
Research highlights the importance of NAD+ in maintaining normal cellular function. Studies involving NAD+ precursors have also shown changes in NAD-related levels in the human body.
Researchers are exploring several potential areas of interest, including:
Cellular energy: Understanding how NAD+ supports the processes that produce energy.
Metabolic health: Exploring its involvement in glucose and energy metabolism.
Healthy aging: Investigating how NAD+ pathways relate to age-associated changes in cells.
Physical function: Studying its potential role in muscle health and physical performance.
Cellular maintenance: Examining its involvement in DNA repair and other maintenance processes.
A 2026 systematic review examined 33 human intervention studies involving NAD-related compounds. It found that oral NR and NMN generally increased NAD-related biomarkers, adding to the growing understanding of NAD+ metabolism in humans.
These findings continue to make NAD+ an important subject in cellular health and wellness research.
What Are the Potential Benefits of NAD+ Therapy?
NAD+ supports essential processes throughout the body. Its role in cellular activity has created interest in several potential wellness benefits.
1. Supporting Cellular Energy
NAD+ helps cells convert nutrients into energy. Maintaining healthy NAD+ metabolism is therefore important for normal energy production.
2. Promoting Cellular Health
NAD+ supports enzymes involved in DNA repair and cellular maintenance. These processes help cells perform their normal functions.
3. Supporting Metabolic Function
NAD+ plays a role in several metabolic pathways. Researchers continue to explore its connection with glucose regulation and overall metabolic health.
4. Exploring Healthy Aging
NAD+ levels and metabolism have been studied in relation to aging. This has encouraged interest in how NAD+ pathways may contribute to maintaining cellular function over time.
These are important areas of ongoing research. Individual results can vary, so it is best to discuss treatment expectations with a healthcare professional.
Discuss Your Wellness Goals With NowTelehealth
At NowTelehealth, we believe informed health decisions start with reliable medical guidance. Our licensed New York healthcare providers offer secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual consultations to help you discuss your health concerns and understand available care options.
If you are considering NAD+ therapy, a provider can review your medical history, current medications, and wellness goals. They can also help you understand the available evidence, potential risks, and whether further evaluation is appropriate. NAD+ therapy is still an evolving area of research. Speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new treatment or supplement.
FAQs
1. What does NAD+ do in the body?
NAD+ supports energy production, metabolism, cellular repair, and important signaling processes.
2. Does NAD+ IV therapy increase energy?
It may increase NAD+ levels, but there isn't enough clinical evidence to confirm lasting improvements in energy.
3. Is NAD+ nasal spray effective?
Its effectiveness remains uncertain. More human studies are needed to establish its absorption, safety, and benefits.
4. Is NAD+ therapy safe?
Short-term research is limited, and long-term safety is not established. Discuss potential risks with a healthcare provider.
5. Is NAD+ therapy an anti-aging treatment?
It is marketed for healthy aging, but research has not established that it slows or reverses human aging.