George · The Biohack Diaries
NAD+ IV
NAD+ is a coenzyme every cell uses to produce energy. In NAD+ IV, it is given as a slow infusion by pump, to support energy, mental clarity and cellular repair.
None of us can live without NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), but our levels fall steadily as we age. Restoring them has become one of the most talked-about approaches in anti-aging medicine, and NAD+ IV has been called the newest fountain of youth. We offer two doses, 250 mg and 500 mg, using NAD+ of the highest quality, imported from the USA.
What it is and how it works
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells. Its main function is to bind to other enzymes in the body and activate them, so that reactions can take place and your body can perform better. It helps pick up electrons in the electron transport chain: after a complex cascade of biomolecular reactions, food is converted into energy at the cellular level.
NAD+ is required for over 500 enzymatic reactions and plays key roles in the regulation of almost all major biological processes. By modulating NAD+-sensing enzymes, it controls hundreds of key processes, from energy metabolism to cell survival, and its levels rise and fall depending on food intake, exercise and the time of day. NAD+ is a vital redox cofactor for metabolism and ATP production, and a key substrate for at least four families of enzymes involved in healthspan and longevity.
NAD+ acts as fuel for many key biological processes, such as:
Converting food into energy
Repairing damaged DNA
Fortifying cells' defense systems
Setting your body's internal clock, or circadian rhythm
Expressing genes
Although NAD+ was discovered in the early 1900s, doctors have only recently started using it to address chronic conditions and the effects of aging. NAD+ levels decline steadily with age, resulting in altered metabolism and increased susceptibility to disease. Restoring NAD+ levels in old or diseased animals can promote health and extend lifespan.
How the body makes NAD+
The body produces NAD+ through the kynurenine pathway from tryptophan, or from forms of vitamin B3 such as nicotinamide (NAM) or nicotinic acid (NA). Food sources of these NAD+ precursors include foods that contain tryptophan and vitamin B3. Maintenance levels of NAD+ can be achieved by taking in 15 mg of niacin daily; for most of the 20th century, this was considered optimal. It is now known, however, that NAD+ levels decline with age, and that raising levels back up to, or even above, baseline provides a surprising number of health benefits in a wide range of organisms, from yeast to rodents.
Why intravenous?
NAD+ IV delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This allows quicker absorption and use by the cells, promoting energy production and cellular repair.
What it is for
NAD+ IV supports energy, mental clarity and cellular repair. We classify the benefits of NAD+ IV into four major categories:
Anti-aging: slowing the aging process and helping to reverse aging.
Brain health and neurological function: improving mental clarity and supporting brain regeneration.
Energy and fatigue: boosting energy levels and reducing overall fatigue.
Mental health: supporting recovery from addiction and substance abuse, including alcoholism, reducing cravings, and improving depression and anxiety.
NAD+ can also help with:
Chronic conditions such as chronic fatigue
Concentration
Memory
Mental clarity
Mood
NAD+ has also been used effectively to help detoxify from alcohol, opioid and other dependencies. Supplementing NAD+ to restore its levels can dramatically reduce age-related functional decline, counteracting many diseases of aging, including neurodegenerative diseases.
What patients report
Patients report many different benefits after NAD+ therapy. The most common are:
Mood improvement
Reduced anxiety
Better memory
Clarity of thought
The long-term benefits include increased metabolism (relevant to diabetes) and improved cellular function (relevant to immunity). NAD+ also helps DNA repair, which reduces the risk of cancer.
In the words of our patients:
"I had vitamin drips, PRP and NAD+ therapy here. They use the same brands and quality ingredients that I would use back home. Could not be happier with the results. I sleep less, have more energy, and my skin and hair look great. Extremely friendly and professional staff. I have been to this clinic over 10 times and my experience has always been good." (A patient from the USA)
"I did 5 doses of NAD+ over 3 days. Absolutely recommend it to anyone who is considering it, as the clinic has a very peaceful ambiance and the staff were all very professional. The results were amazing and I could feel it on the first night after the treatment. Will definitely be back."
"I decided on fresh stem cells, NAD+ and a placenta injection. Fantastic clinic with experts in their fields. Great modern lab, best practice observed, no sales pitch and results beyond expectations in only 36 hours."
"NAD+ IV worked like magic and brings you back to life."
"Very personalized treatment throughout. People are warm and welcoming, and privacy is maintained thoroughly, without compromising on quality. My skin felt nicer a day after a double-dose placenta shot, while the NAD+ IV unexpectedly gave my metabolism a good kick. Three days after the procedure, I started noticing that my hair had stopped falling out in the shower."
Who it is for
NAD+ IV can benefit people seeking more energy, better mental clarity and overall wellbeing, and those recovering from addiction or chronic conditions. It is also used by men with decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, and by patients with lingering fatigue and brain fog after COVID.
Who should not have it
NAD+ IV may not be suitable in the following situations:
Allergies or sensitivities. People with known allergies or sensitivities to NAD+ or related substances should avoid NAD+ IV.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding. The safety of NAD+ IV during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well studied, so it is usually avoided during these periods.
Severe kidney or liver dysfunction. Impaired organ function may affect how NAD+ is processed and cleared.
Acute illness. NAD+ IV may not be recommended during an acute illness, as it could make certain symptoms worse.
Certain medications. NAD+ IV may interact with specific medications (see below).
Cardiovascular problems. Patients with a history of certain heart and blood-vessel conditions should be evaluated carefully first, as NAD+ can affect heart function.
Neurological conditions. People with certain neurological conditions, such as seizures, may need special consideration and monitoring.
Psychiatric conditions. People with specific psychiatric conditions may need close supervision, as NAD+ can influence mood and mental wellbeing.
If you take certain medications, or have a cardiovascular, neurological or psychiatric condition, we recommend that you consult the doctor who manages your condition before starting NAD+ therapy.
Possible drug interactions
Interactions with NAD+ IV vary with individual factors and the specific medications involved. While NAD+ IV is generally considered safe, these medications may interact with it:
Blood pressure medications. NAD+ IV may influence blood pressure, so people taking medication for hypertension should be monitored; their dose may need adjusting.
Diabetes medications. NAD+ IV may affect blood sugar levels. People taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents should be closely monitored, and their dose may need adjusting.
Psychiatric medications. NAD+ IV has been reported to influence mood. People taking antidepressants or antipsychotics should be monitored for changes in mood or mental wellbeing.
Cardiovascular medications. Medications for heart conditions, including beta-blockers and anti-arrhythmics, may interact with NAD+ IV and affect heart rate and rhythm.
Immunosuppressive drugs. NAD+ IV may affect immune function. People taking corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants should be monitored for changes in immune response.
Chemotherapy drugs. NAD+ IV may interact with chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. The effects can vary and should be closely monitored by the oncologist or treating doctor.
Anticoagulants (blood thinners). NAD+ IV could affect blood clotting and bleeding risk, so people taking anticoagulants such as warfarin should be monitored.
Antiplatelet agents. Medications such as aspirin or clopidogrel may interact with NAD+ IV and influence bleeding tendency.
Interactions between NAD+ IV and medications can be complex and vary from person to person. Your doctor reviews your medical history, current medications and health needs before treatment, so that your treatment plan is safe and personalized. Please tell us about any medication you are taking, especially cold medication.
The treatment
NAD+ IV takes about 2 hours. The last booking of the day is at 3 pm. Two doses are available: 250 mg and 500 mg.
Consultation. Your doctor reviews your health, goals and current medications and decides on the dose.
The infusion. NAD+ is given through an IV line. The 250 mg dose is diluted in 250 ml of standard saline. A controlled infusion pump delivers a slow drip with proper hydration, and the treatment is painless.
During the infusion. You can rest, read a book, listen to music, or chat with a friend or family member. Our on-site doctor monitors you closely throughout.
Afterwards. When your IV is complete, you can go home and resume your normal routine.
The number and spacing of sessions depend on your goals and needs; some people benefit from a series of sessions spaced over a few weeks. The number of sessions is always set by your doctor after an in-person assessment. Several treatments can be combined on the same day, as your doctor advises.
How we give NAD+ safely
We follow established guidelines for intravenous NAD+ therapy:
Qualified administration. NAD+ IV should be given by experienced healthcare professionals who are familiar with NAD+ administration.
Proper dose and rate. The infusion must be given at the correct dose and drip rate. Even the minimal dose should be infused over at least two hours, to prevent adverse effects such as a rapid heartbeat, nausea or anxiousness.
NAD+ as a stand-alone infusion. NAD+ IV is usually given on its own. Many medications cannot be mixed with NAD+ because of possible reactions. If other medications are needed, they may be given separately, through a second IV line or as a direct injection.
Reactivity. NAD+ is a highly reactive molecule that can react with other medications, and it breaks down quickly in acidic or alkaline solutions. This is why incompatible substances are never mixed into the drip.
Building up the dose. When you start NAD+ therapy, your tolerance is built gradually by adjusting the dose step by step, for comfort and successful results.
Before and aftercare
Possible side effects
Some people experience mild side effects such as nausea, flushing, headache or dizziness. These are usually temporary and settle once the infusion is complete. Less common possible side effects include:
Abdominal and chest tightness
Headache
A burning sensation
The cause of these side effects is still unclear; they may come from NAD+ stimulating calcium-channel signaling in inflammatory cells. This is why we drip slowly, with proper hydration, and under close monitoring.
Quality and safety
NAD+ imported from the USA. Our product is of the highest quality, imported from the USA, chosen for the safest and most effective result.
Doctor on site. While many drip places have no on-site medical supervision, we have a doctor available for consultations and monitoring, to ensure the best possible care.
Imported active ingredients. We import the best active ingredients from around the world to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
Hospital standard. We use hospital-standard equipment, including a controlled infusion pump, delivering the same level of care as hospitals.
The science
Aging and chronic disease
Low NAD+ levels have been linked to aging and to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and vision loss. Animal research has found that raising NAD+ levels may help reverse signs of aging and lower the risk of many chronic diseases.
In 2015, the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School discovered a way to reverse vascular aging by boosting naturally occurring molecules in the body (NAD+) that strengthen the physiological response to exercise, fasting and diet.
Brain health
NAD+ plays a key role in helping brain cells age well. Within brain cells, it helps control the production of PGC-1-alpha, a protein that appears to help protect cells against oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function. Researchers believe both oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function are linked to age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Multiple NAD+-dependent enzymes are also involved in synaptic plasticity and in the nerve cells' resistance to stress.
Heart and blood vessels
Aging is a major risk factor for heart disease, the world's leading cause of death. It can cause blood vessels such as the aorta to become thicker, stiffer and less flexible, which can raise blood pressure and make the heart work harder. NAD+ may lower the risk of heart disease.
Other benefits
May aid weight loss: NAD+ can help speed up the metabolism.
May lower cancer risk: high NAD+ levels help protect against DNA damage and oxidative stress, which are linked to cancer development.
May help with jet lag: NAD+ helps regulate your body's internal clock, so it may help with jet lag or other circadian rhythm disorders by resetting it.
May promote healthy muscle aging: raising NAD+ levels has helped improve muscle function, strength and endurance.
NAD+ is safe, with few if any side effects. In human studies, taking 500 mg per day had no harmful effects.
NAD+ and obesity
Scientists studying obesity and its management have turned their attention to NAD+. Research into NAD+ supplementation is still at an early stage and has mainly been carried out in animal models using NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide riboside, but the findings hint at a possible link between NAD+ and obesity.
Evidence suggests that people living with obesity may have reduced NAD+ levels. A human study found that acquired obesity correlates with a suppressed NAD+/SIRT pathway, a biological process involved in regulating metabolism, and the researchers proposed that NAD+ boosters might help prevent the metabolic slowdown often associated with obesity. The effect of NAD+ supplementation on weight loss, however, remains far from established, and there is little literature on the subject so far. The link between low NAD+ levels and acquired obesity is a promising avenue for future research.
Addiction recovery
Addiction is a complex and challenging journey that affects millions of people worldwide. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but emerging research suggests NAD+ IV may play an important role in recovery:
Easing withdrawal symptoms. NAD+ therapy has shown promise in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, making the early stages of recovery more manageable and less daunting.
Restoring brain function. Prolonged substance abuse can lead to neurological imbalances. By replenishing NAD+ levels, NAD+ IV is believed to support brain health, cognitive function and mental clarity during recovery.
Improving energy and mood. Many people in recovery struggle with low energy and mood swings. NAD+ IV may help boost energy and stabilize mood.
Reducing cravings. NAD+'s role in regulating neurotransmitters may help reduce cravings for addictive substances, making it easier to resist relapse triggers.
Supporting overall health. Addiction takes a toll on physical health. NAD+'s role in cellular repair and immune function may help people regain their overall wellbeing.
Addiction recovery is highly individual. NAD+ IV is not a stand-alone cure for addiction and should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to each person, together with addiction specialists and other healthcare providers.
Erectile dysfunction and sexual health
Sexual health is crucial to our function and wellbeing, and it has even been linked to a longer life. Unfortunately, many men struggle with decreased libido and erectile dysfunction (ED) as they grow older. ED has many causes, physical as well as mental, and it is often not clear exactly why a patient has it. We do know that it becomes much more common with age: below the age of 40, around 30–40% of men experience it, while by the age of 70 there is a 70% chance of having ED.
Treatment with NMN (an NAD+ precursor) has been shown to reverse age-related capillary rarefaction (the loss of small blood vessels) and to increase blood flow in skeletal muscle. It has also been shown to increase capillary density, improve endothelial function and blood-flow regulation, and prevent microvascular fragility. Because mitochondrial ATP production requires NAD+ as an essential coenzyme, restoring an optimal NAD+ balance should promote efficient mitochondrial function in the cells of the blood vessels.
Because one of NAD+'s main functions is to help regenerate the body's tissues and slow down aging, it can be very effective at preventing or even reversing sexual health problems. A high dose of this coenzyme rejuvenates cells and reduces inflammation, so you can expect improved performance, and reduced chronic fatigue, so you can expect to feel more active and energetic. Although everyone responds slightly differently, the vast majority of people notice that their sexual performance and the frequency of intercourse increase. Because NAD+ is delivered straight into the bloodstream, it is absorbed faster and more effectively than with pills or creams.
Long COVID
We have seen a sharp rise in patients experiencing lethargy and brain fog after COVID. These symptoms are often worse than the infection itself and interfere with everyday life. There has been a significant increase in patients requesting NAD+ therapy, and all of them experience a sense of "clarity" and "wellbeing" soon after.
NAD+ is a pivotal metabolite involved in cellular bioenergetics, genomic stability, mitochondrial balance, adaptive stress responses and cell survival, and it is central to several cellular energy functions.
Oral NAD+ or IV NAD+?
Oral NAD+ supplements are widely available and convenient to take yourself. However, NAD+ is sensitive to light, moisture, temperature and pH, which can affect its stability in capsule form. To address this, some oral supplements contain NAD+ precursors such as nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinic acid (NA). These precursors need enzymatic steps to be converted into NAD+ and may become available to the body more slowly.
Numerous studies have explored oral NAD+ precursors. The findings suggest that oral supplementation can increase NAD+ levels in various tissues, but the conversion from precursors to NAD+ may be slower, and the stability of NAD+ in oral supplements can be a concern.
IV NAD+ provides a more direct and immediate source of NAD+. By bypassing the need for precursors, it gives a rapid rise in NAD+ levels. Studies have shown that IV NAD+ results in swift and complete uptake by the tissues, with significant use within the first two hours of administration.
Both routes have their merits. The choice depends on your health goals, preferences, convenience, how quickly you want effects, and medical supervision. Regulations and the availability of NAD+ precursors and IV therapy also vary by region. Your doctor can help you decide which approach suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What is NAD+ IV therapy?
It is the intravenous administration of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme found in all living cells that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production and many other biological processes.
What are the potential benefits?
NAD+ IV is known for its potential benefits, including more energy, better cognitive function, enhanced cellular repair, anti-aging effects and support for addiction recovery.
How does it work?
NAD+ IV delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This allows quicker absorption and use by the cells, promoting energy production and cellular repair.
Is NAD+ IV safe?
NAD+ IV is generally considered safe when given by trained healthcare professionals. We use a controlled infusion pump, a slow drip with proper hydration, and close monitoring by our on-site doctor.
How long does a session take?
About 2 hours. The infusion is given slowly to minimize side effects. The last booking of the day is at 3 pm.
Which dose will I have?
Two doses are available, 250 mg and 500 mg. Your doctor decides which is right for you, and builds up the dose gradually when you start.
Are there side effects?
Some people experience mild side effects such as nausea, flushing, headache or dizziness. These are usually temporary and settle once the infusion is complete.
How many sessions are recommended?
This depends on your individual goals and needs. Some people benefit from a series of sessions spaced over a few weeks. Your doctor sets the number of sessions after an in-person assessment.
Can NAD+ IV be combined with other treatments?
Yes, NAD+ IV can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is given as a stand-alone infusion, not mixed with other medications in the same drip, and some infusions may need to be spaced apart. Please discuss any ongoing treatments or medications with your doctor before starting.
Is NAD+ IV suitable for everyone?
No. It may not be suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for people with certain medical conditions, or for those taking specific medications. Your doctor will check whether NAD+ IV is appropriate for you at your consultation.
George writes about his own experience with this on NAD+.
← All treatments in the Healthspan Library