What to Know Before Trying NAD+ Therapy | Primary Wellness NY

Quick Answer

NAD+ therapy has gained popularity as a potential way to boost energy and slow aging, but there are important things to know before trying it. NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell that plays a key role in energy production and cellular repair . NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, dropping approximately 50% between ages 20 and 60 . However, NAD+ therapies including IV infusions, injections, and supplements are not FDA-approved, and human clinical evidence for many of their anti-aging claims is limited . While they appear generally safe for short-term use, side effects can include nausea, headaches, and flushing, and there are theoretical concerns about stimulating cancer cell growth . A thorough medical evaluation is essential before starting any NAD+ therapy.

Introduction

You have heard about NAD+ therapy from celebrities, wellness influencers, or a friend who swears it changed their energy levels. You are feeling tired, low on energy, and curious whether this treatment could help you feel like yourself again.

NAD+ short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a molecule found in every cell of your body that plays a key role in turning food into fuel . It is essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and stress response . As we age, our NAD+ levels decline, which has led to interest in therapies that aim to boost them.

But before you book an infusion or order supplements, it is important to understand what NAD+ therapy involves, what the evidence actually shows, and what you should consider before starting.

What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?

NAD+ is a coenzyme that naturally occurs in every cell of your body . It has two essential functions: creating cellular energy from the food you eat and providing cellular defense against metabolic stress caused by factors like inflammation, infections, and aging .

NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and this decline can compromise the body's ability to repair damaged cells and maintain metabolic balance . When NAD+ is in short supply, it can struggle to carry out its duties, contributing to cellular stress, inflammation, and age-related decline .

Because NAD+ creates cellular energy, it is highly demanded by high-functioning organs like the heart and brain . This is why therapies targeting NAD+ have gained attention for potential benefits related to energy, cognition, and healthy aging.

What Is NAD+ Therapy?

NAD+ therapies are medical interventions intended to increase or replenish your NAD+ supply . They are available in several forms:

NAD+ IV infusions are the most popular and expensive option, with sessions costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. The infusion typically takes about four hours .

NAD+ injections are administered into fatty tissue under the skin and take less time than IV infusions .

NAD+ supplements contain NAD+ precursors—substances your body uses to build NAD+—and are available at pharmacies. Common precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) .

Most NAD+ products are classified as dietary supplements, not FDA-approved medications. This means their safety, quality, and effectiveness have not been evaluated by the FDA .

What Are the Potential Benefits?

Because NAD+ plays such an important role in energy production and cellular repair, some people pursue NAD+ therapy to prevent health issues and potentially slow aging .

Promoters claim NAD+ therapy may support:

• Increased energy and reduced fatigue

• Improved brain function and mental clarity

• Enhanced metabolic health

• Better recovery from stress and injury

However, it is important to understand that much of the evidence is still developing. Research on NAD+ in animal models has shown promising results, including potential benefits for aging, metabolic health, and neurodegenerative diseases . But human clinical trials are limited, and large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm these benefits .

Some studies in humans have shown mixed results. For example, dietary supplementation with NR for 12 weeks did not improve insulin sensitivity in obese, insulin-resistant men, suggesting that translation from animal models to humans may be less straightforward than expected .

What Are the Risks and Side Effects?

NAD+ therapy is generally considered safe for most people in the short term, but side effects can occur .

Common side effects include:

• Nausea and stomach discomfort

• Headaches

• Flushing

• Lightheadedness

• Diarrhea

• Irritation at the injection site

During IV infusions, patients may experience a warming sensation in the chest or abdomen, nausea, or a feeling of pressure . These symptoms can often be managed by slowing the infusion rate .

More serious concerns include:

Cancer risk: Because NAD+ supports energy production in cells, there is theoretical concern that boosting NAD+ could potentially support the growth of cancer cells . This is not conclusive, but it is an area of concern that warrants caution, especially for anyone with a history of cancer .

Contamination risks: In 2024, the FDA issued a warning that some injectable NAD+ products may be unsafe because they are made with food-grade ingredients that are not sterile, potentially introducing bacteria or toxins that can cause serious reactions . The FDA has already received reports of people becoming very sick after NAD+ infusions, including severe chills, vomiting, shaking, and fatigue .

Long-term safety: There have not been long-term studies on NAD+ infusions, so the long-term effects are not known .

What to Consider Before Trying NAD+ Therapy

Ask yourself why you want to try it. Are you treating burnout, chasing a quick fix, or genuinely invested in long-term wellness? NAD+ therapy should be a considered medical decision, not a first resort .

Focus on lifestyle first. If you are not already sleeping well, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress, those fundamentals should come first. NAD+ therapy is most effective when paired with healthy lifestyle practices .

Speak with a healthcare provider. A provider can review your medical history, check for contraindications, and help determine whether NAD+ therapy is appropriate for you. This is especially important if you have a history of cancer, advanced liver disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding .

Be cautious about sources. If you are considering NAD+ infusions or injections, look for a reputable clinic staffed by certified, trained professionals in a clean environment . Products from unregulated sources may contain contaminants or impurities.