Beginner’s Guide to NAD IV Therapy: How It Works & Benefits

Introduction: Why NAD+ and NAD IV Therapy Matter

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital coenzyme found in every living cells and is central to how our bodies produce energy and repair themselves.

• It converst food into ATP
• Supports DNA repair
• Powers essential cellular processes

However, NAD+ declines with age. Research shows we hit peak NAD+ in our early 20s, then levels steadily drop by about 40-50% by the time we're 50. This drop is believed to contribute to fatigue, slower recovery, brain fog, and other signs that we attribute to aging. Low NAD+ has been observed in multiple tissues like the brain, skin, muscle as we get older. This may potentially limit our cells ability to cope with stress and stay healthy.

That's where NAD IV therapy comes in. NAD IV therapy is a way to infuse NAD+ directly into your bloodstream to replenish those dwindling NAD+ levels. By delivering NAD+ straight to the blood, we allow for hear 100% absorption into the bloodstream and immediately boost the coenzyme that many of us are lacking. In short, we directly replace the enzyme we lose when we age.

People who have received NAD+ can attest to the benefits in energy, skin, and mental sharpness. All things that we associate with youth.

If you're new to NAD+ or IV infusions, don't worry. We made this guide and many others to help you learn more about NAD+ so you make the most informed purchasing decision possible. Let's start.

NAD+, NADH and NR/NMN?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential coenzyme found in all living cells.  Coenzymes like NAD+ help enzymes in your body perform vital biochemical reactions. Think of NAD+ as a key, that unlocks the rest of the functions in your cell. It helps to turn on functions like converting nutrients into ATP (energy source of the body) and power critical processes like DNA repair and cell signaling.

It is a key player in the metabolism and maintenance of healthy cells, and without enough NAD+, cells won't be able to produce energy efficiently or perform "houskeeping" functions needed to maintain long term health of the cell.

NADH is the reduced form of NAD+. When NAD+ accepts two electrons and a hydrogen ion (H⁺), it becomes NADH.

This redox cycle is fundamental to fueling mitochondrial energy production.

NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) are oral supplements that act as precursors to NAD+. Once ingested, they’re converted through enzymatic pathways into NAD+ within cells. While IV NAD+ delivers the active molecule directly, NR and NMN aim to increase intracellular NAD+ levels over time by fueling your body’s own production. They're often used as daily supplements for long-term support of energy metabolism, cognitive function, and healthy aging.

To simplify:

• NAD+ is what your cells use
• NADH is what NAD+ becomes during energy production
• NR/NMN are what your body uses to make more NAD+ from scratch

When we refer to NAD in general, we're typically talking about the combined function of both NAD+ and NADH as a dynamic system.

What is NAD IV Therapy?

NAD IV therapy delivers NAD+ directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) drip. In a NAD IV therapy session, a medical professional will insert an IV line into your arm and infuse a solution containing NAD+ (often mixed with saline) over the course of a few hours.

By administering this directly into your vein, the compound bypasses the digestive system and ensures 100% bioavailability. This means the body utilizes all of the NAD+ being delivered.

A typical NAD IV infusion can last anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on the dose and your tolerance. A slow drip is crucial because at high doses, it can cause mild discomfort (more on that in the safety section), so medical staff adjust the drip rate to keep you at your most comfortable.  During the infusion, NAD+ travels directly to your cells, where it immediately participates in metabolic and repair activities. Many patients opt to relax, read, or watch a movie during the IV.

It's straightforward as long as we find the optimal drip rate, it just takes a little longer than other IV's, but it's worth it!

Why choose IV delivery?

Compared to oral supplements, IV NAD therapy provides a faster and more potent boost. Oral NAD+ must pass through your digestive tract, where only 20% is absorbed, and before it even reaches your stomach, it has to pass through your liver where most of it is metabolized and taken out of circulation (first-pass metabolism).

This is why you can't just take more oral NAD+ to bypass the low bioavailability. In contrast, IV NAD+ does not have to pass through the gut OR the liver. It becomes maximally effective, right away.

Benefits of NAD+ IV Therapy

Restoring NAD+ levels through IV therapy can have wide ranging benefits for both mind and body. Because NAD+ is involved in so many processes in the body, people often report imrpovements in energy, mental clarity, and mood after NAD+ infusions. Here are some of the key potential benefits.

Boosted Energy & Metabolism

‍Many NAD+ infusion patients notice a surge in following:

• Physical Energy
• Stamina
• Exercise Endurance

In fact, some individuals feel increased vitality immediately or within hours of a NAD drip.

Sharper Brain Function

‍Many users of NAD+ report that it has helped them

• Reduce "brain fog"
• enhance concentration

The ample supply of NAD+ helps to improve conignition and improve resilience against neurodegenerative diseases.

Healthy Aging & Cellular Repair

‍NAD+ is an important cog in cellular repair mechanisms. It effectively promotes anti-aging effects at the cellular level and even maintains our telomere length.  (Check out the full list of NAD IV therapy benefits on our dedicated page for more on how NAD+ impacts longevity and wellness.)

Improved Mood & Stress Resilience

‍There is growing interest in NAD+ for mental health. NAD+ plays a role in neurotransmitter production and cellular defense against stress. Some clients report better mood, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep after NAD IV therapy – possibly because NAD+ helps balance brain chemistry and reduce inflammation. It may even help stress reduction and overall relaxation.

Brain Protection & Neurodegenerative support

‍Beyond short-term cognitive boosts, maintaining NAD+ may protect the brain long-term, against neurodegeneration. Preliminary research into the protective effects of NAD+ for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease is optimistic, and may be a promising tool for the future.

Addiction Recovery & Detox Support

‍Some clinics even use NAD+ drip to help in addiction recovery to reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids. It also helps to balance out withdrawal symptoms and lead to a smoother recovery, likely due to its effects on rebalancing neurotransmitters.

It’s important to note that many benefits of NAD IV therapy, especially around serious conditions, are still being studied. NAD+ is not a miracle cure-all, but early evidence and patient experiences are promising. By restoring a foundational molecule like NAD+, you’re essentially giving your cells a “tune-up,” which can manifest as better energy, cognition, and resilience. And always remember: individual results can vary.

One reddit user summarizes her benefits below:

"My energy was elevated, almost like I'd just finished a month-long meditation retreat. My appetite decreased, my digestion improved dramatically, and I felt a hormonal shift—I had no PMS symptoms, no cravings, and my body felt balanced in a way I hadn’t felt in 20 years."

Signs of Low NAD+

How do you know if your NAD+ levels might be running low? There's no simple at-home test, but because NAD+ is so involved in the processes of your body, these signs may show up to indicate a low NAD+ level:

• Chronic Fatigue: Feeling unreasonably tired and drained, even after a good night’s sleep. Low NAD+ means your cells struggle to produce energy, leaving you exhausted.
• Brain Fog and Memory Issues: Trouble with concentration, forgetfulness, or mental sluggishness. Since NAD+ fuels brain cell activity, a shortage can impair cognitive function (often described as “brain fog”).
• Slow Recovery & Low Endurance: Do you take longer to bounce back from workouts or injuries? Low NAD+ could be a factor. People with NAD+ deficiency may experience muscle weakness, low exercise endurance, and prolonged soreness after exertion.
• Mood Imbalances: NAD+ is tied to neurotransmitter production and stress responses. Persistently low NAD+ might contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, or increased stress sensitivity. (Of course, mood issues have many causes, but cellular energy deficit is one possibility.)
• Signs of Aging Accelerating: NAD+ depletion has been linked to accelerated aging at the cellular level. In practice, this might look like worsening fatigue, more frequent illnesses, cognitive decline, or even skin changes happening earlier than expected.

Keep in mind, these symptoms are nonspecific. They can result from many issues (hormone imbalances, poor sleep, etc.). But if several of these resonate, it might be worth investigating your NAD+ status. In fact, some wellness clinics now measure NAD+ or its markers as part of anti-aging assessments (though peach IV doesn't have this yet, keep an eye out for it in the future!)

The good news is that if low NAD+ is affecting you, NAD IV therapy may help replenish your levels and alleviate these issues. People who undergo NAD drips often report their chronic fatigue lifts, their mind feels clearer, and recovery improves – essentially the inverse of the symptoms above. If you suspect low NAD+ is dragging you down, consult with a medical professional. They can check for underlying causes and discuss whether NAD+ supplementation or IV therapy is appropriate. ‍

What to Expect in a NAD IV Treatment

If you’re considering NAD IV therapy, you’re probably wondering what the actual treatment session is like. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect during a typical NAD+ IV infusion:

• 0 min: Your nurse inserts the IV and starts the drip
• 5 min: The NAD infusion begins slowly. The nurse monitors for symptoms and will slowly increase the drip to your comfort level
• 15 min: The nurse will reach a comfortablerate,and both of you sit, relax, chat, or watch TV while the drip continues.
• 1 hour: Mid-infusion. Keep doing what you're doing and let the nurse know if you have any discomforts.
• 2-4 hour: Infusion complete! The IV is removed and you can go about your day. Many people feel more energize and clear-headed shortly after their session, while for others the effects kick in over the next day or two.

Overall, a NAD IV therapy session is a low-stress, comfortable experience. Providers often liken it to getting a multi-hour spa treatment for your cells. Knowing what to expect can put you at ease, so you can simply sit back and let NAD+ work its magic.

NAD IV Therapy Safety and Side Effects

Is NAD IV therapy safe? In general, yes it is very safe - as long as it is administered by trained medical professions, which we always do here at Peach IV. NAD+ therapy is considered low-risk since NAD+ is a natural molecule in your body and you cannot "overdose" on it.  That said, any IV treatment has potential side effects, and NAD infusions in particular can cause some temporary reactions, especially if infused too quickly. Here's what you should know:

Common Side Effects

During or shortly after a NAD IV infusion these are common side effects:

• Nausea (most common)
• Flushing
• Head pressure or headache
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• muscle cramps or tingling sensation

These occur because NAD+ can temporarily ramp up metabolic activity, but these effects are short-lived. Once the infusion is done (or paused), these sensations subside, and you’re left with the positive effects.

Injection Site Reactions

‍As with any IV, there’s a minor risk of irritation at the injection site. You might have slight redness, tenderness, or swelling where the IV was inserted. After the IV is removed, a little bruise or soreness in the area for a day or two is not unusual. Applying a cool compress can help if needed.

Uncommon or Rare Side Effects

‍In very rare cases, people might experience more pronounced side effects like an allergic reaction. This is exceedingly uncommon, but it underscores why NAD drips should be done under medical supervision by fully licensed individuals. Our providers have protocols to manage any reaction and are trained to deal with emergency situations, god forbid they arise.

In summary, NAD IV therapy is low-risk and well-tolerated for most people. The side effects, if any, are typically mild and manageable. To ensure safety, always receive NAD+ drips from qualified healthcare providers who can monitor you. If you have specific health conditions (heart, kidney issues, etc.), discuss them with the provider – they will determine if any precautions or a modified protocol are needed.

NAD+ Supplements vs NAD+ IV Therapy

You might be asking: Can't I just take a NAD+ supplement instead of doing an IV? There are indeed oral NAD+ supplements and precursors available like niacinamide, NR (nicotinamide riboside), and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), which are beneficial in their own way, but with several key differences to NAD+ as an IV:

• Absorption & Bioavailability: We touched on this earlier but let me reiterate. Oral supplements go through the digestive tract, where only 20-30% is absorbed, then another major portion is degraded through first-pass metabolism in the Liver.  For example, plain NAD+ are not very effective since NAD+ is a large molecule that cant be absorbed in high amounts.  Precurosors like NR or NMN are better absorbed, but only a fraction even become NAD+
• Speed and Peak levels: Oral NAD+ boosters take days to weeks of consistent use to rise NAD+ levels in your system to provide noticeable benefit, and even then the increase is modreate. In contrast, a single NAD+ IV can raise NAD+ levels rapidly and sustainably within hours. This rapid rise means you actually feel the effects, immediately after receiving the infusion.
• Convenience & Mantenance: Don't get us wrong, there's a place for NR and NMN supplements, and that's in maintenane and convenience. It's incredibly easy to take a pill, so admittedly it wins in convenience. It's also great for maintaining the already high levels of NAD+ after a NAD+ IV session so they feel the full effects for longer.  NAD+ supplements are also less expensive per dose, so users can find a good balance between supplement and IV that fits their health and financial needs.
• Purity and Regulation: Quality can vary widely among NAD+ supplements. Since the supplement industry isn’t tightly regulated, you’ll want to choose reputable brands.  With IV therapy, you typically receive pharmaceutical-grade NAD+ sourced by the clinic, and it’s prepared under sterile conditions. There’s peace of mind knowing a medical professional is controlling the dosage and quality.

So, which should you choose? If you’re new to NAD+ and seeking a significant jumpstart, an initial NAD IV therapy protocol can quickly saturate your system and let you feel the difference. After that, oral supplements can help sustain the benefits more gradually. On the other hand, if you’re simply interested in longevity or wellness and aren’t dealing with major fatigue or issues, you might start with supplements and lifestyle measures (like exercise and diet, which also influence NAD+) and see how it goes. NAD IV vs. oral isn’t an either/or battle, they can complement each other.

Conclusion & Next Steps

By now, you should have a solid understanding of NAD+ and NAD IV therapy – what NAD+ does, why it’s crucial for energy and healthy aging, and how NAD IV infusions can help restore this molecule for better vitality.

To recap, NAD+ is like cellular currency: when your levels are high, your cells can perform at their best, but when levels drop (as they do with age and stress), you start feeling the effects in fatigue, brain fog, and overall decline. NAD IV therapy offers a modern, science-backed way to replenish your NAD+ efficiently and effectively, thereby boosting energy and restoring your natural metabolism.

If you’re new to this therapy, it’s normal to have questions or even skepticism. After all, NAD+ has been dubbed everything from an “anti-aging breakthrough” to a “cellular reset,” and not all hype is warranted. But the core science is real: maintaining NAD+ is fundamental to cell health.

Should you decide to proceed with NAD IV therapy, make sure to choose a reputable provider and have a clear plan (how many sessions, what dose, etc.) tailored to your needs. And consider combining the therapy with positive lifestyle changes for synergistic effects, for example, exercise can naturally boost NAD+ and mitochondrial function, complementing the IV treatments.

By starting here, you’ve taken the first step to educate yourself on a cutting-edge wellness approach. We encourage you to continue exploring our linked resources for deeper knowledge on specific NAD+ topics. And if you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email for a full free consultation with a board-licensed US MD.