NAD+: What the Evidence Supports and What It Does Not
What NAD+ is
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every cell in the body. It participates in a wide range of biological processes, including energy production in the mitochondria, DNA repair, and the regulation of several cellular pathways. Its role in normal cellular function is well established biochemistry.
Its use as a supplement or infusion for energy, cognition, and longevity is a separate question, and one where enthusiasm currently runs well ahead of the evidence.
What is established and what is not
NAD+ levels do decline with age. That much is measurable and reasonably well documented.
What is less clear is whether raising NAD+ levels through supplementation or infusion produces the outcomes people are seeking. Human trials of NAD+ precursors have generally shown that these compounds do raise measurable NAD+ levels — but studies of downstream clinical effects on energy, cognition, physical function, and aging have been small, short, and mixed in their results. There is not yet strong evidence that supplementation changes how people feel or function.
Reports of benefit are largely anecdotal. That does not make them worthless, but it is different from demonstrated effect, and it is worth being clear about which is which.
Intravenous versus oral
Intravenous NAD+ delivers the compound directly into the bloodstream. It is expensive, time-consuming, requires a clinical setting, and commonly causes chest tightness, nausea, or flushing during infusion if run too quickly.
Oral precursors such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide have been studied more extensively than IV NAD+ and are considerably less expensive. Whether IV delivery offers advantages that justify the cost difference has not been established.
Our program
We offer NAD+ through a medically supervised telehealth program, and we also carry a liposomal oral NAD+ supplement for patients who want a daily option at lower cost.
If you are considering either, we would rather have an honest conversation about what is known than sell you on a promise. For patients whose main complaint is fatigue or brain fog, it is usually worth ruling out thyroid dysfunction, anemia, sleep apnea, and hormone deficiency first — those have identifiable causes and established treatments.
Talk to a provider
Call Slender Me Medical at (951) 898-8515 to discuss what makes sense for you.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. NAD+ products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. A consultation and provider approval are required for prescription programs and not all patients will qualify. Individual results vary. This article is educational and does not constitute medical advice.