NAD+​: Supporting Energy, Cellular Health and Healthy Ageing

NAD+ has become one of the most talked about nutrients in the world of wellness, longevity and performance. Interest in NAD+ therapy has grown rapidly as more people look for ways to support their energy levels, mental clarity and overall wellbeing.
If you often feel tired, mentally foggy, stressed, run down or simply not quite yourself, you may have come across discussions about NAD+ and wondered what all the excitement is about.

So, what exactly is NAD+, and why are so many people interested in it?
NAD+ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every cell of the body and is essential for life.  One of its most important roles is helping the mitochondria produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy source used by every cell in the body.

NAD+ is also involved in processes associated with:
• Energy production
• Cellular maintenance
• DNA repair
• Brain function
• Metabolism
• Mitochondrial health
• Healthy ageing

NAD+ plays a role in many of the systems that help us feel energised, focused and resilient. People often seek NAD+ therapy when they are looking to support:
• Energy and vitality
• Mental clarity and focus
• Recovery from periods of stress or burnout
• Healthy ageing goals
• Exercise recovery and performance
• General wellbeing
• Overall resilience and vitality

Levels of NAD+ naturally decline as we get older.

​Stress, poor sleep, illness and lifestyle factors may also influence the body's NAD+ status.

Why Are People Interested in NAD+ Therapy?
Because NAD+ is involved in cellular energy production and repair, it has attracted considerable attention from researchers studying ageing, metabolism and cellular health.
Research in this area continues to evolve, but interest in NAD+ has grown significantly among both healthcare practitioners and individuals taking a proactive approach to their health.

What Is NAD+ Therapy?
NAD+ therapy involves administering NAD+ directly into the body, either through intramuscular (IM) injections or intravenous (IV) infusions.  The aim is to increase the availability of NAD+ within the body and support the many cellular processes that rely upon it.

NAD+ Injections and IV TherapyNAD+ can be administered through either injections or IV infusions.
Both methods are used in clinical practice. However, many practitioners choose to begin with injections before considering IV therapy.  This is because some individuals can experience temporary side effects during or after NAD+ IV therapy, particularly when receiving larger amounts over a short period of time. These may include nausea, headaches, flushing, dizziness or a feeling of chest tightness.

IM injections are often used as a gentler introduction to NAD+ therapy and may be associated with fewer side effects for some individuals.  For many people, starting with injections allows them to assess how they respond before progressing to IV therapy if appropriate.

How Soon Might I Notice a Difference?

Responses to NAD+ therapy vary between individuals.  

Some people report noticing changes relatively quickly, while others find that any perceived benefits develop more gradually over a series of treatments.
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Individual experiences are influenced by many factors including general health, nutrition, sleep, stress levels and lifestyle.

How Long Might Effects Last?

The duration of any perceived effects varies from person to person.
Some individuals choose occasional treatments, while others prefer a more regular maintenance approach depending on their goals and practitioner recommendations.

Typical Injection Schedule

A commonly used introductory schedule is:
• One injection per week for four weeks
Followed by:
• One injection per month for maintenance
Protocols may vary according to individual circumstances and practitioner guidance.

Possible Side Effects
NAD+ therapy is generally well tolerated, although side effects can occur.  Potential side effects may include:
• Discomfort at the injection site
• Redness or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Flushing or a warm sensation
More significant reactions are uncommon but can occur. Anyone considering NAD+ therapy should undergo appropriate screening beforehand.

Who May Need Additional Assessment?
NAD+ therapy may not be suitable for everyone.  Additional assessment may be required for individuals with:
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Significant cardiovascular conditions
• Active cancer
• Autoimmune conditions
• Active infections
• Certain mental health conditions
• Low blood pressure

NAD+ therapy is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited safety data.

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Aftercare

​Following treatment, it is generally recommended to:

• Stay well hydrated

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

• Avoid excessive caffeine for 24 hours
• Rest if required

• Avoid strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day


Your practitioner will provide individual aftercare guidance where appropriate.
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Could NAD+ Therapy Be Worth Exploring?
NAD+ is one of the body's most important molecules, playing a central role in cellular energy production and many of the processes that help keep our cells functioning efficiently.
As interest in healthy ageing, resilience and long term wellbeing continues to grow, NAD+ therapy is becoming an increasingly popular option for those looking to support their health proactively.
If you would like to learn more about NAD+ therapy or discuss whether they may be suitable for you, please get in touch.