NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is an essential part of the body’s cellular function and is present in every single cell in the body. Think of it as the cell’s Swiss Army knife—a multitasking molecule that drives energy production, repairs DNA and supports cell health. In short, it works hard to keep everything running smoothly.
However, as we age, NAD+ levels begin to decline.1 This impacts how our cells function. Low levels of NAD+ can cause fatigue, inflammation and make us age faster—a vicious circle.2
That’s why many people are looking for ways to boost NAD+ levels and support the body's health.
This article will explore the potential benefits of NAD+ optimization, how NAD+ IV Therapy works and natural ways to increase NAD+ levels. We’ll also explore emerging alternative therapies that boost NAD+ levels, with promising results.
Takeaways:
- NAD+ plays a vital role in how our cells produce energy and supports enzymes that regulate our metabolism and aging process. As we get older or experience metabolic stress, NAD+ levels tend to decrease.
- Enhancing NAD+ levels may help boost energy, support brain health, improve sleep, promote healthier skin and maintain heart health.
- NAD+ IV/IM Therapies provide excellent absorption and bioavailability. Niagen (NR) offers a gentle, well-recognized alternative that helps build NAD+ within the cells. This helps avoid any possible side effects associated with NAD+ IV Therapy.
- Making healthy lifestyle choices may help boost NAD+ levels, such as regular exercise, eating a nutrient-rich diet, getting enough sleep and taking nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements.
What Is NAD+ and Why It Matters
NAD+ is like the cell’s delivery driver, carrying metabolic reactions to the mitochondria (aka the cell’s ‘powerhouse’) so it can perform its many functions. But it doesn’t stop there; NAD+ also acts as a substrate, or raw material, for enzymes to use. For example, sirtuins use NAD+ to help regulate cell health and PARPs use it to help repair damaged DNA.
However, as we age, NAD+ levels start to drop.1 This happens in multiple tissues and at different rates.1 For example, there is around a 68% decline in skin cells from newborn age to adulthood (30-50 years), followed by a 60% further decline in middle age (51-70 years).1
NAD+ therapies can boost levels by supplying NAD+ or its precursors (compounds that are converted into NAD+), nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
“The important part of NAD+ is that it’s a long game. So when we think about NAD+ Therapy, what you really want to be focusing on is what you'll set yourself up for,” explains Dr. Rachele Pojednic, Chief Science Officer at Restore.
“In five, ten or fifteen years, you can kind of think about it like a 401(k). If you put money in the bank now, you will have exponential growth in the future.”
She adds, “You may feel a little bit more energy. You may feel reduced brain fog right now. But really, you're targeting your future self to make sure they are set up for success.”
How NAD+ Therapy Works
NAD+ IV Therapy delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and providing immediate bioavailability. The aim is to rapidly raise NAD+ levels so it can enter cells quickly.
Oral NAD+ supplements are actually precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), that need to be converted to NAD+ in cells. Oral supplements also have to pass through the digestive system, with the risk that some may be lost along the way.
NAD+ and Niagen (NR) IV Drips are cutting-edge therapies designed to boost cellular health, enhance energy levels and improve cognitive function.
“NAD+ or Niagen (NR) Therapy delivers a high concentration of these molecules directly into your bloodstream,” explains Dr. Rachele.
“There are two main ways your cells increase NAD+ levels. NR enters cells through a direct channel and is then converted to NAD+ inside the cell. NAD+ itself doesn’t have a direct pathway into cells; it must first be converted into a precursor like NR or NMN before being absorbed and then rebuilt into NAD+.”
“That’s why we often prefer NR,” she continues. “It’s a more efficient, direct route for boosting intracellular NAD+, supporting better energy, recovery and overall cellular health.”
Niagen (NR) IV Therapy offers an exciting alternative. Since NAD+ has to be broken down in the bloodstream before it can enter a cell, using Niagen (NR) cuts out the middleman. Niagen (NR) can easily enter the cell and begin building NAD+ inside it. This avoids any possible side effects associated with elevated NAD+ in the blood and offers a more effective, sustained NAD+ level.
Top Benefits of NAD+
NAD+ works hard behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Present in every cell and involved in almost every cellular process, you could say it’s a workaholic. From helping cells produce energy to repairing DNA, it is central to keeping your cells and body functioning at its best.
1. Enhanced Cognitive Function
NAD+ is essential for mitochondrial health in brain cells, supporting energy metabolism and guarding against oxidative damage. Preclinical research suggests that increasing NAD⁺ may have therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders by helping repair damage, reducing neuroinflammation, and improving learning and memory.3,4
2. Mental Health Support
There is emerging evidence to suggest that NAD+‑boosting interventions might benefit mood and anxiety by supporting cellular, mitochondrial and inflammatory mechanisms. One preliminary human study of individuals with substance abuse disorders showed a significant relationship between NAD+ infusion and decreasing anxiety and depression.5
3. Improved Sleep Quality
NAD+ helps regulate circadian rhythms, the body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles.6 As NAD+ levels drop with age, sleep disturbances become more common. Supplementation with NAD+ precursors, like Niagen (NR), has been shown to improve sleep efficiency and quality, reduce fatigue and stop drowsiness.7
4. Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in aging and various diseases. NAD⁺ supports cellular processes that reduce pro-inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α. Restoration of NAD+ has been associated with decreased inflammation, which may, in theory, help relieve symptoms such as joint pain, swelling and fatigue.8,9
5. Increased Energy Levels
NAD+ is a vital molecule that helps your cells convert food into energy. It plays a crucial role in the process of making ATP—the energy source for every cell. When NAD+ levels are high, your mitochondria function more efficiently, producing more energy. This may help in restoring your overall vitality.
6. Enhanced Skin Health
Remember how NAD+ levels decline over the years, especially in the skin? Preliminary evidence suggests that boosting NAD+ levels may support the skin’s regenerative processes, aiding in cellular repair, supporting mitochondrial function and reducing the buildup of damaged cells.10 This may help preserve collagen structure, skin elasticity and overall appearance; however, robust human clinical evidence for these effects is still limited.11
7. Protection Against Degenerative Diseases
NAD+ activates sirtuin proteins that help defend neurons against oxidative stress and DNA damage. These protective mechanisms are being explored for their potential to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, supporting healthy brain aging.10
8. Cardiovascular Health
By supporting endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress, NAD+ Therapy may help improve circulation and vascular health.12 Preclinical studies suggest potential benefits, including lower blood pressure, enhanced blood flow and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, although evidence from large-scale human trials is still limited.12
9. Weight Loss & Maintenance
NAD+ plays a key role in keeping our metabolism running smoothly by supporting mitochondrial activity and helping our body burn energy more effectively.13 This means that having lower levels of NAD+ might slow down fat burning and contribute to a sluggish metabolism.13
Preclinical studies suggest that higher NAD+ levels could help boost fat-burning potential and curb appetite.13 This potential positive effect can support your journey to sustainable weight loss, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits.
10. Addiction Recovery
NAD+ Therapy is an emerging area in addiction recovery. Preliminary studies suggest that intravenous NAD+ therapies may reduce cravings and improve mental health symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, in addiction recovery.5, 14
Who Might Benefit From NAD+ Therapy?
Because NAD+ is involved in nearly all cellular functions, many individuals may benefit from an NAD+ boost, depending on their needs and wellness goals. For example, those with age-related concerns may want to increase their NAD+ levels, athletes and high performers might seek an energy boost, and people with sleep issues could consider NAD+ supplementation for its potential sleep benefits.
Although healthy adults may not notice an immediate difference, the restorative effects of an NAD+ IV Therapy can improve your overall sense of well-being.
But remember, Dr. Rachele describes NAD+ Therapy as a “long game” and an investment in future health and vitality. “You're targeting your future self to make sure they are set up for success,” she says.
NAD+ IV Therapy isn’t suitable for everyone; pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with uncontrolled heart or kidney disease, or those on certain medications should consult a physician.
Populations Who May Benefit
How Restore Hyper Wellness Maximizes NAD+ Benefits
Now that you're aware of the many benefits of increasing NAD+ levels, you’ll want to understand how Restore therapies work—and how we optimize NAD+ IV Therapies to maximize results.
NAD+ IV Therapy is a cutting-edge treatment with significant potential to improve cellular health, increase energy and boost cognitive function. As a pioneer in IV Drip Therapy, at Restore, we take pride in our thorough, safe and professional protocols to maximize effectiveness and ensure comfort.
“When clients come in for NAD+ or Niagen (NR) Therapy at Restore, the experience is very personalized and comfortable,” explains Dr. Rachele.
“Each visit begins with a consultation with a Nurse Practitioner, who reviews your health and clears you for treatment. Once your IV is started, your Nurse monitors you to ensure you’re relaxed and feeling great throughout the session.”
Here’s more detail on each stage:
Comprehensive Pre-Therapy Screening
Before an infusion, clients complete a waiver and health history form. A Registered Nurse then takes vital signs.
Monitoring & Support
Our experienced Restore clinicians will monitor clients throughout the session, adjusting dosage and Drip rate as needed based on individual tolerance.
With NAD+ IV Therapy, there is a risk of mild side effects such as flushing, nausea and muscle soreness. Slower infusions have been shown to reduce these symptoms and may improve absorption.
Client Education & Post-Care
During booking and consultation, clients will be educated on what to expect during their appointment.
For NAD+ IV Therapy, clients will be instructed on preparation. Before starting, fast for 4-6 hours (water only) and avoid alcohol, as it counteracts NAD+'s cleaning effects. Clients often experience less discomfort when fasted.
For Niagen (NR) IV Therapy, no such preparation is necessary.
Integrating NAD+ Therapy into a Wellness Plan
We recommend incorporating NAD+ IV Therapy into a broader wellness regimen, alongside natural ways to boost NAD+, such as adequate sleep, exercise and balanced nutrition, and complementary Restore therapies.
IV Drip Therapy sessions can be customized to support your personal wellness goals, whether it's boosting immunity, improving skin health or enhancing metabolism. We recommend combining them with other soothing therapies, such as Red Light, Infrared Sauna or Cryotherapy. Please consult with a Restore clinician to create a plan that's just right for you.
Niagen (NR): A Gentler Alternative
NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) IV Therapy is considered a gentler alternative to NAD+ IV Therapy.
NAD+ IV Therapy has been associated with some side effects, such as flushing, nausea and stomach discomfort. These are mainly because high NAD+ levels in the blood can evoke a fight-or-flight response, prompting the immune system to react. Although symptoms usually fade quickly on their own or if the transfusion is slowed or stopped, Niagen (NR) IV Therapy does not carry these risks, making it a preferred alternative for some clients.
What Is Niagen (NR)?
Niagen (NR) is a Vitamin B3 that helps your cells make NAD+. Unlike NAD+, Niagen (NR) easily enters cells, restoring NAD+ from inside the cell.
And, since it’s a form of Vitamin B3, it tends to be well-tolerated in the body and can start working effectively with minimal side effect risks.
Benefits of Niagen (NR) IV Therapy vs NAD+ IV Therapy
Niagen (NR) IV Therapy offers 20% higher NAD+ levels in clinical trials and 75% shorter infusion times with no reported headaches, nausea or stomach discomfort.15
This is because of how NR works once it's in the body. You’d think using NAD+ to boost NAD+ was the most direct route, but it’s not so simple.
As Dr. Rachele explains, “NAD+ does not have a channel that directly enters the cell, meaning it needs to be converted to a precursor molecule, NR or NMN, to be absorbed in the first place. Once inside the cell, it is then reconstituted back into NAD+.”
Niagen (NR) gets right to it, without the extra step. It's a sustainable choice with fewer side effects and lasting benefits.
Why Choose Niagen (NR) at Restore?
Niagen is a powerful, patented, pharmaceutical-grade form of NR (nicotinamide riboside), and it’s the most efficient and superior precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) available on the market.
“As an exclusive distributor of Niagen (NR) IV Drips, our clients can experience superior results with the most efficient method of increasing NAD+ levels to help improve energy, cellular health and recovery—through more comfortable treatments,” explains Dr. Henry Legere, Chief Medical Officer at Restore.
NAD+ and Niagen (NR) add-ons are available to complement other IV Drips to supercharge metabolism, energy and cellular health.
We also offer a Niagen (NR) IM Shot, which takes under 15 minutes to administer.
Speak to our team about Restore’s NAD+ and Niagen (NR) Plans, which provide long-term consistency and cost savings to achieve results. As Dr. Rachele explains, consistency is key when it comes to NAD+ Therapy.
"One-time NAD+ or Niagen (NR) Therapy is a great start, but the real benefits come from consistency,” she explains. “Regular infusions help sustain cellular energy, support brain and metabolic health and promote resilience as we age. These Plans aren’t just convenient. They reflect a deep commitment to preventative, science-backed care."
Natural Ways to Support NAD+ Levels
There are plenty of ways to naturally boost NAD+, which can be actioned alongside IV Therapy to maximize results.
- Eat foods rich in Niacin (turkey, chicken, fish, mushrooms, brown rice, peanuts) and tryptophan (eggs, milk, cheese).16
- Practicing high-intensity and resistance exercise helps raise NAD+ by turning on AMPK, the “energy sensor” in cells that helps produce and manage energy efficiently.17
- NAD+ regulates circadian rhythms and sleep efficiency. Maintaining healthy sleep patterns helps support its function.
- Consider supplements like NR or NMN, which have been shown to raise NAD+ levels with good safety profiles.
- Practice intermittent fasting or caloric restriction, which activates pathways that boost NAD+.18
Boost Your NAD+ Levels
NAD+ is essential for various vital processes in the body, including DNA repair and metabolism, but its levels can decline with age and stress.
Adopting specific lifestyle changes, enriching your diet with NAD+ promoting foods or considering supplements can significantly support your body’s ability to heal and revive itself. By prioritizing your NAD+ levels, you’re taking a meaningful step toward maximizing vitality and well-being.
At Restore, there are multiple options for boosting NAD+ levels, including NAD+ IV Therapy, Niagen (NR) IV Therapy, NAD+ IM Shot Therapy and Niagen (NR) IM Shot Therapy.
FAQs
What does NAD+ do for your body?
NAD+ is a vital molecule for all living cells. It helps with critical metabolic processes, transforms nutrients into energy and supports DNA repair and cell signaling enzymes.
How long does it take to feel the benefits from NAD+ Therapy?
Most clients report feeling energized within hours to a few days, but individual responses vary. Chief Science Officer at Restore, Dr. Rachele Pojednic, describes NAD+ Therapy as a “long game.” While benefits can be felt immediately, NAD+ Therapy is really an investment in future health and vitality.
Can NAD+ Therapy help with weight loss?
NAD+ helps our metabolism run more efficiently by boosting mitochondria and energy use. Some preclinical studies suggest that higher NAD+ levels can increase fat burning and reduce appetite.13
However, NAD+ should not be considered a standalone weight-loss treatment. For optimal results, prioritize a balanced diet and regular exercise. If you’re serious about weight loss, our GLP-1 Plans combine clinically effective components with personalized plans that deliver results.
Is NAD+ Therapy safe?
When administered by trained clinicians, NAD+ IV Therapy is generally well tolerated. Common side effects (flushing, nausea, headache) are typically mild and related to infusion rate.
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