NAD Dosing: Optimal Dosage and Frequency Guide

NAD+ has become a buzzword in wellness for good reason. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital coenzyme found in every cell, essential for converting nutrients into energy. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age and stress, leading to fatigue and cellular aging. That’s why health enthusiasts and longevity seekers are embracing NAD+ therapy to boost NAD levels through various methods.

But how much NAD should you take, and how often? Getting the dosage and frequency right is crucial to see benefits while staying safe. We'll break it down for you in this guide, so you can refer to it every time you have questions or need a quick reference.

Before diving in, if you’re new to NAD, consider starting with our Beginner’s Guide to NAD for a primer on what NAD is and why it matters, then return to this when you want a deeper dive.

The Goal of NAD+ Therapy and Tools We Use.

Before we begin, we have to pin down what our goal even is.

In essence, we are using NAD+ therapy (IV, oral, IM) intervention to raise NAD levels in the body to improve health.  The goal of NAD+ therapy is often to enhance energy, cognitive function, and cellular repair by replenishing the NAD+ that diminishes with age. We have three tools at our disposal to do that.

IV NAD+ Therapy: This means intravenous NAD+ infusion, where NAD (often in the form of NAD+ or a precursor) is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip. By bypassing the digestive system, IV NAD achieves near 100% absorption for a rapid NAD boost. So we use IV therapy to load our body up on NAD+ in a short amount of time, bypassing the limitations of oral NAD+ supplements.

Oral NAD+ Supplements: Because NAD+ itself isn’t easily absorbed if taken as a pill, oral NAD+ therapy usually means taking NAD precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). The body takes these and converst them into NAD+. Oral supplements are the most convenient daily option, though they have lower bioavailability than injections (due to digestion and metabolism). They need a lot more time to build up in the system to have meaningful effect, though because of their cost and convenience, they still remain a valuable tool in our kit.

Subcutaneous (SubQ) NAD+ Injections: SubQ NAD involves injecting an NAD solution just under the skin (often in the abdomen or thigh). The NAD is absorbed into the bloodstream from the fatty tissue. This method allows self-administration of NAD at home (after medical guidance) and provides high bioavailability without the need for an IV line. Doses are usually smaller than IV infusions, given more frequently. As you can imagine, this serves as an intermediate pathway between oral supplements and full on IV infusion.

Now that we have our tools, lets see how we can apply them.

IV NAD+ Therapy: Dosage & Frequency

Typical dosage: Most NAD IV infusions use dosages between about 100mg up to 1000 mg of NAD+ per session. Beginners often start on the lower end (around 100-200 mg) to assess tolerance, then may increase to higher doses (500+ mg) in later sessions. Each infusion is generally mixed in a bag of saline and given slowly over 2 to 4 hours.

Frequency – initial loading: To kickstart NAD levels, IV therapy often begins with a loading phase of more frequent sessions, lasking roughly 6 weeks. A common recommendation is 3-5 IV sessions spread over 2 to 3 weeks for new patients, though that may be overkill for most people. At the very least, we recommend once per week over the first 6 weeks, and gradually increasing the dose of NAD at every (or every other) session.This intensive burst helps saturate your system with NAD+ and can lead to rapid improvements in energy and mental sharpness, especially if you’ve been NAD-depleted. Real-world protocols vary based on goals and personal tolerance.

Frequency – maintenance: After the loading phase, you transition into a maintenance schedule. At this point, you can tolerate a lot more NAD+ per session, and have high enough NAD levels to go longer between sessions. This can range from weekly or biweekly infusions to monthly sessions depending on your needs. The maintenance dose can be around 500-1000mg if the initial loading was successful, and can be adjusted based on frequency as well (500mg weekly or 1000mg every 2 weeks). It’s quite personalized as age, health status, and how you feel between infusions will guide the optimal frequency. Many users find NAD+ IV effects last about 1–2 weeks in terms of noticeable energy and mood boost, hence the common practice of weekly or biweekly sessions for sustained benefits. Others feel fine stretching to a month.

Summary of IV NAD+ Pros and Cons: IV NAD is the most potent delivery since it ensures near-total absorption and can rapidly raise NAD+ levels for a noticeable effect. It’s ideal if you want an immediate boost or have significant deficits in energy. The downsides are cost and convenience. Infusions must be done in a medical setting, taking a few hours, and they can be expensive. Some people also experience transient side effects during the drip (which are managed by slowing the infusion). Overall, IV NAD+ therapy is a powerful tool in the longevity toolbox when used judiciously.

Oral NAD+ Supplements: Dosage & Frequency

Typical dosage: For general energy and longevity support, common dosing for nicotinamide riboside or NMN is in the range of 100 mg to 500 mg per day. Many supplement brands sell capsules in 250 mg or 300 mg strengths, often recommending 1–2 capsules per day (roughly 250–600 mg total). Clinical studies have tested doses up to 1000 mg or even 2000 mg daily of NR and found them to be well-tolerated with no serious adverse effects. In fact, one study noted 1,000–2,000 mg per day of NR caused no harmful effects in humans, aside from some mild side effects in a few participants. It’s often wise to start on the lower end (e.g. 150–300 mg daily) for a few weeks to see how you feel, then consider increasing if needed. With NMN, research in humans is still emerging, but similar doses (250–500 mg) are commonly used by consumers, and studies in adults have used up to 600 mg daily safely.

Frequency: Oral NAD supplements are typically taken once daily. To keep NAD levels consistently elevated, daily dosing is recommended rather than occasional use. NAD precursors don’t produce an immediate dramatic energy jolt; instead, they gradually raise your baseline NAD over days and weeks. Skipping days can cause NAD+ levels to fall back so consistency is key. Some advanced users do split the dose (morning and evening) if taking higher amounts, but for most, a single daily dose is sufficient due to the relatively long half-life of NAD+ in cells.

Timing (morning vs night): It’s generally advised to take NAD+ boosters in the morning. This is because taking your supplement early may better align with your body’s natural energy cycle and avoid any chance of mild insomnia. While NAD precursors are not stimulants per se, some people report increased alertness or a subtle energy uptick, which is usually welcome in the daytime. If taken late at night, a minority of users feel it could disrupt sleep or make it harder to wind down (this isn’t universally reported, but caution is advised). Furthermore, research on circadian biology suggests NAD+ is tied to the body clock, so morning supplementation might be optimal for metabolic syncing.

Duration of use and cycling: One advantage of oral NAD supplements is that they can be used long-term as part of your daily regimen. There isn’t a clearly defined “cycle” needed (unlike some therapies that require breaks). You can continuously supplement daily for months or years. Some individuals choose to do it in “blocks” (e.g. 3 months on, 1 month off) but this is more personal preference than a research-backed necessity. If cost or compliance is a concern, you could also aim to use NAD boosters during periods when you need extra support (e.g. a stressful season or intense training period) and pause during quieter times. However, since NAD+ levels drop steadily with age, many longevity experts take these supplements daily without planned breaks. Monitor how you feel – if after sustained use (say 6–12 months) you’re maintaining great energy, you might experiment with a short break to see if there’s any difference, always listening to your body.

Bioavailability considerations: It’s important to note that oral NAD+ precursors have lower bioavailability compared to direct NAD infusions or injections. A portion of the supplement is lost in digestion and first-pass metabolism in the liver. One study showed NR at 300 mg/day increased human blood NAD+ ~50% after 8 weeks, whereas higher doses (1000 mg/day) roughly doubled NAD+ levels. This is significant, but not as immediate as an IV. Because of this, oral supplements are fantastic for maintenance and gradual improvement, though they might not feel a dramatic change from a pill. This is why we believe the optimal strategy for taking NAD is by combining daily oral NAD precursors for baseline support with periodic and loading dose IV or injection therapy.

Subcutaneous NAD+ Injections: Dosage & Frequency

Typical dosage: The dosing for subcutaneous NAD can vary widely depending on the protocol. Generally, individual injection doses are smaller than a full IV dose, because very high amounts of NAD under the skin can be uncomfortable. A common starting dose is around 50 mg of NAD+ per injection. If that is well-tolerated (minimal side effects), the dose might be increased to 100 mg per injection in subsequent weeks. Many providers set 100 mg as the upper limit per single injection for routine use. although higher doses can be split into multiple sites if needed. Some longevity programs and pharmacies suggest slightly higher or more frequent dosing for robust individuals. For example, 100–200 mg daily or every few days for general health, or up to 200–400 mg a few times per week.These larger regimens should only be followed under medical guidance, as not everyone will tolerate high doses.

It’s important to note that NAD injection solutions often come in vials (e.g. 10 mL vials) with a total amount of NAD (like 500 mg or 1000 mg) reconstituted in sterile water. You do not inject the whole vial at once but rather you would draw up a portion for each dose. For example, if you have a 1000 mg vial at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, taking a 0.5 mL injection gives you a 50 mg dose. A typical home injection kit might advise starting at 20 mg (0.1 mL) and ramping up to 100 mg (0.5 mL) over several weeks, a few times per week. The key is to find the dose that gives you benefits without significant side effects like nausea or fatigue. Many people settle in the 50–100 mg per injection range for maintenance.

Frequency: SubQ NAD protocols are quite flexible. A typical regimen that has been circulating online (reddit) states the following

weeks 1-2: 25mg twice a week
weeks 3-4: 50mg twice a week
weeks 5-6: 100mg twice a week
weeks 7+ 100mg up to three times a week

Who is it for: NAD injections are a great option if you want the high absorption of IV therapy but with more convenience. They’re popular among wellness enthusiasts who are comfortable with self-injection or those working with longevity clinics that provide take-home kits. If you travel frequently or can’t spend hours at an IV clinic, subQ shots allow you to maintain NAD levels on your own schedule.

Comparing NAD+ Delivery Methods: IV vs Oral vs SubQ

Now that we’ve detailed each method, let’s compare them side by side to see the pros, cons, and best use-cases of each:

Bioavailability & Absorption: IV NAD+ is the gold standard with ~100% bioavailability since it goes straight into your bloodstream. Subcutaneous injections also bypass the digestive system, so absorption is high. A large portion of the NAD dose eventually reaches circulation, albeit more slowly than IV. Oral supplements have the lowest bioavailability; a portion of the NR/NMN is lost in the gut and liver.

Speed of Effects: IV infusions act fast many people feel effects during or soon after the drip (some describe clearer thinking or a surge of energy later that day). SubQ injections have a moderate pace; you might notice subtle improvements within hours or by the next day. Oral supplements are the slowest; they build up benefits over days and weeks.

Convenience: Oral supplements win for simplicity, just swallow a pill daily, no medical appointments needed. SubQ injections require you to be comfortable with needles and have access to NAD vials, but they can be done at home in minutes. IV therapy is the least convenient, involving hours at a clinic and often a higher cost per session. Travel can disrupt an IV schedule, whereas you can easily pack pills or even pre-filled syringes if needed.

Cost: Costs can vary, but in general IV NAD+ is the most expensive option (each infusion can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000+ depending on dose/clinic). SubQ injections tend to be cheaper per dose; once you have the vial and supplies, each injection’s cost lower overall, though there is an upfront cost for the consultation. Oral NAD supplements range widely in price but are usually moderate, perhaps $1-3 per day for a quality NR/NMN product. If budget is a concern, daily supplements are the most accessible route to maintain NAD, while using IV occasionally as a splurge or for targeted needs.

Effectiveness for Energy/Longevity: All three methods can support energy and healthy aging; the difference is in magnitude and immediacy of effect. IV and subQ can significantly raise NAD levels in tissues and might yield more pronounced improvements in the short term. This can be important for older individuals or those with very low NAD (where a big replenishment is needed). Oral supplements are excellent for maintaining NAD levels once they’re up, and for slow, continuous support.

Safety and Tolerability: Oral supplements have the mildest side effect profile, with almost no side effect profile in most people. IV therapy can have more acute side effects during the infusion (flushing, etc.), but these are manageable with proper administration. SubQ injections might cause local irritation and some systemic effects at higher doses, but these can be mitigated by dose adjustments. All methods are generally considered safe for healthy individuals.

Our Recommended 8-week NAD Loading + Maintenance Schedule

Here is what we believe to be the best way to start NAD and maintain a schedule that should be able to fit your life. It focuses on gradual escalation of NAD dosage, mimicing cellular adaption, and the oral NR/NMN before the IV phase will help to prep NAD salvage pathways. This layered approach of integrating oral, SQ and IV routes layers the pharmacokinetics of NAD delivery, and ensures they act in complement to each other.

One thing we should note, is that we are conservative with our initial loading dose of NAD IV, opting for 100-200 mg instead of a traditional 500-750mg. This is because it takes a really long time, and it may be difficult to portion that type of time commitment before you truly know you enjoy the effects. It is also expensive, so you should know if NAD+ really helps before you invest the time and money. Though we think that once you see it's benefits you will believe it's well worth it!

This guide brings out the full effect of each method of NAD delivery while balancing cost and convenience.

We will use a 8 week loading phase, with a monthly maintenance phase.

Core Principles

IV NAD: high dose, infrequent, best for initial loading and occasional maintenance

SQ NAD: moderate dose, frequent, great for bridging between IV sessions

Oral NAD: Daily dose, steady baseline support

Pre-Week 1

Before you even receive your first IV, we recommend you start with NR or NMN oral pills at around 250mg to prime your system before any parenteral dosing.

Maintain this for 1-2 weeks before week 1 begins.

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 1

Start off with a light loading dose of NAD IV and add in two maintenance shots of SQ NAD later in the week.

Day 1: 100-200mg NAD IV (1-4 hrs)

Day 4: 25mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 25mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 2

We increase the SQ shots here to extend the life of the initial IV dose of NAD.

Day 1: 100-200 mg NAD IV (1-3 hrs)

Day 4: 50mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 50mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 3

We also keep roughly the same routine, though you can ramp up to 500mg NAD IV at this point if you feel you can tolerate it's side effects during infusion.

Day 1: 200mg NAD IV (1.5-2.5 hrs)

Day 4: 50mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 50mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 4

At this point, yourbody should be completely used to the large infusions of NAD and is well equipped to tolerate a larger IV bolus.

Day 1: 500mg NAD IV (2.5-4 hrs)

Day 4: 50mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 50mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 5

Our main goal at this point is to make the NAD IV infusions faster, now that your body is used to the large infusion.

Day 1: 500mg NAD IV (1.5-3.5 hrs)

Day 4: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 100mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 6

We are getting closer to maintenance dosages, you should be feeling incredibly energized and focused throughout the day, with minimal dropoff at the end of the week.

Day 1: 500mg NAD IV (1.5-3hrs)

Day 4: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 100mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 7

We round off our loading phase with a large IV dose of NAD+, getting your body to optimal levels that we maintain throughout the rest of the cycle.

Day 1: 500mg or 1000mg NAD IV (2.5-5 hrs)

Day 4: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 100mg NAD SQ

Daily: 250mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 8

NR/NMN has a dose-response curve but also hits a plateau. So we will increase from 250mg to 500mg and sustain that through to our maintenance schedule. Some people opt to split the 500mg dosage up into 250mg in the morning and 250mg in the night. Either is fine but just know that some people do experience insomnia if they take NAD too late at night, but everyone's body is different and your mileage may vary.

Day 1: 500mg or 1000mg NAD IV (2.5-5 hrs)

Day 4: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 100mg NAD SQ

Daily: 500 mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week 9 onwards (Maintenance)

We split the two week period in week A and week B and cycle continuously between the two.

Week A

Day 1: 500mg NAD IV ( 2-3.5 hrs)

Day 4: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 100mg NAD SQ

Daily: 500mg NR/NMN in the morning

Week B

Daily: 500mg NR/NMN in the morning

Day 1: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 4: 100mg NAD SQ

Day 6: 100mg NAD SQ

Use this cycle and keep repeating, modifying it as you see fit. based on efficacy and convenience.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Optimizing your NAD+ levels can be a game-changer for your energy and longevity journey. By finding the right dosage and frequency tailored to you, NAD+ therapy can help recharge your cells’ batteries, sharpen your mind, and support the repair processes that keep you feeling youthful.

Remember, the key is personalization. Start with the guidelines in this article but closely observe how you feel and adjust accordingly. Always put safety first and consult with a healthcare provider to design a regimen that aligns with your health status and goals.

With expert guidance and attentive self-monitoring, NAD+ therapy can be a safe, worthwhile addition to your wellness routine.