What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — NAD+ for short — is a coenzyme found in every cell in your body. A coenzyme is a molecule that helps enzymes carry out chemical reactions, and NAD+ is involved in some of the most fundamental processes in human biology: cellular energy production, DNA repair, and the regulation of how cells age. Every cell that runs on energy depends on it, which is essentially all of them.
Here’s where it gets relevant to how you feel day to day: NAD+ levels decline naturally as we age. That decline has been associated in research with reduced mitochondrial function, increased inflammation, and the kinds of cognitive and physical changes people tend to associate with getting older (Radenkovic et al., 2020). This has made NAD+ a subject of serious scientific interest — not just among wellness researchers, but among teams studying neurodegenerative disease, metabolic health, and longevity.
What the Research Actually Shows
The clinical evidence for NAD+ therapy is promising, though researchers are straightforward about the fact that more large-scale trials are needed. A systematic review published in Pharmaceuticals examined human clinical trials conducted over several decades and found that NAD+ and its precursors have a favorable safety profile, with age-related conditions and cardiometabolic health emerging as particularly encouraging areas (Radenkovic et al., 2020).
A 2024 systematic review in the American Journal of Physiology — Endocrinology and Metabolism analyzed randomized clinical trials across multiple conditions and found meaningful positive results in both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s research. In the Parkinson’s trials reviewed, NAD+ administration was shown to increase NAD+ concentrations in the brain and produce measurable changes in how brain cells manage energy and inflammation. In Alzheimer’s research, NADH subjects showed significantly better performance on measures of verbal fluency and visual-spatial ability compared to those receiving a placebo (Gindri et al., 2024).
More recently, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in eClinicalMedicine (The Lancet) looked at NAD+ precursor supplementation in long-COVID recovery. Participants in the active group saw their NAD+ levels rise significantly from baseline while the placebo group remained essentially unchanged. The trial did not find statistically significant differences between groups on its primary or secondary outcomes — the researchers noted that small sample size and dropout rates limited statistical power — but participants taking NR showed within-group improvements in fatigue, sleep, and executive function in exploratory post-hoc analyses. Larger trials are needed to confirm those findings (Wu et al., 2025).
None of this means NAD+ therapy is a cure-all or a substitute for medical care. The honest picture is one of well-supported biological rationale, early-stage clinical results that are consistently pointing in a positive direction, and real momentum toward larger studies. For many people, that’s a meaningful foundation for exploring it as part of a broader wellness approach.
IV vs. Oral NAD+ — Does Delivery Method Matter?
This is a reasonable question. Oral NAD+ supplements and precursors like NMN and NR are widely available, and some people respond well to them. IV administration delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely — which means there are no absorption variables to account for. Whether that difference is clinically significant for a given person depends on what they’re trying to address, their baseline levels, and how their body responds.
At Hydrate Medical, our NAD+ therapy services are administered by licensed clinicians — nurses and nurse practitioners with over 30 combined years of emergency medicine experience. For those looking at ongoing cellular support, our Performance & Longevity tier includes our NAD+ Cellular Energy & Repair infusion as a comprehensive option at $450. We also offer targeted infusions for burnout recovery and anti-aging support for people with more specific goals in mind.
A Real Conversation About Cost
NAD+ therapy is a real investment, and we’d rather be upfront about that than bury it. Our infusions are priced to reflect the clinical grade of the service and the credentials of the team delivering it — not to be the cheapest option on the market. We accept HSA and FSA payments, which can make these services more accessible for people working within a health budget. If you’re uncertain whether the cost makes sense for your situation, that’s exactly the kind of conversation to have with one of our clinicians before booking. Results vary by individual, and we’d rather help you make a well-informed decision than have you book something that isn’t the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a NAD+ infusion actually feel like?
Most people tolerate NAD+ infusions well. Some people notice mild sensations during the drip — warmth, a brief feeling of pressure, or occasional mild nausea. These typically ease up when the infusion rate is slowed. Our team monitors every infusion throughout and can adjust as needed.
How long does a NAD+ infusion take at Hydrate Medical?
NAD+ infusions generally run longer than a standard vitamin drip — typically one to two hours depending on the dose and formula. We build in that time so we’re not rushing the process.
Is the IV research specifically on IV NAD+, or just oral supplements?
Most of the published clinical trials have studied oral NAD+ precursors — NMN and NR primarily. Research on IV-specific delivery is earlier stage. That said, the rationale for IV delivery — direct bloodstream access, no digestion variable — is well-established in infusion therapy broadly.
Who tends to benefit most from NAD+ therapy?
People dealing with fatigue, cognitive fog, burnout, or concerns about healthy aging are among those who most commonly explore NAD+ therapy with us. The best way to find out if it makes sense for you is a conversation with one of our clinicians about your specific health picture.
How often do people typically get NAD+ infusions?
That varies significantly by person and by what they’re hoping to address. Some people start with a short series and shift to a maintenance schedule. We’ll work with you to figure out what makes sense rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Key Takeaways
- NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular aging — processes that are directly connected to how you feel and function every day.
- Published research shows consistent and promising results, particularly in neurological health, fatigue, and age-related conditions, with more large-scale trials actively underway.
- IV delivery bypasses digestion and may offer advantages in uptake speed compared to oral supplementation, though individual results vary.
- Our NAD+ infusions are administered by licensed, ER-trained clinicians operating under physician oversight — not general wellness staff.
- HSA/FSA payments are accepted, and our team is available to help you decide whether NAD+ therapy makes sense before you commit.
The science behind NAD+ is real, substantive, and moving fast. For people who are exhausted, foggy, or simply looking to support long-term cellular health, it represents one of the more interesting areas in current wellness research. If you’re curious about whether it might be worth exploring for your situation, the next step is a direct conversation with a clinician who can look at your specific picture. Our team is ready for that conversation — explore our NAD+ therapy services or view our Performance & Longevity options to get started.
References
Gindri, I. M., Ferrari, G., et al. (2024). Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: A systematic review. American Journal of Physiology — Endocrinology and Metabolism, 326(4), E417–E427. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37971292/
Radenkovic, D., Reason, & Verdin, E. (2020). Clinical evidence for targeting NAD therapeutically. Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 13(9), 247. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7558103/
Tari, A. R., et al. (2025). Effects of nicotinamide riboside on NAD+ levels, cognition, and symptom recovery in long-COVID: A randomized controlled trial. eClinicalMedicine. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(25)00567-X/fulltext
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. NAD+ therapy is a wellness service and has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Results vary by individual. Please discuss any new therapy with a qualified healthcare provider, particularly if you have a pre-existing condition or are currently taking medications.