NAD IV Therapy: Side Effects, Costs, & Treatment Applications

What Is NAD?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is one of two chemicals needed to produce niacin, or vitamin B3, in the body. Most people get niacin through certain foods like eggs, meat, and leafy greens or by taking vitamins or supplements that contain it.^1,2,3 More recently, the intravenous use of NAD has become more popular and is an alternative therapy for anti-aging purposes, depression, disease prevention, and even addiction.^1,4,5

As a coenzyme, NAD helps to convert various foods into usable forms of energy in the body while also helping your body generate, maintain, and repair itself on a cellular level.^1,2 As you age, your body produces less niacin, which makes you more likely to become deficient in B3.^1,3,5 Some potential signs of B3 deficiency include depression, fatigue, brain fog, memory loss, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and in extreme cases, even hallucinations.^1,2

Vitamin B3 deficiencies have also been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. More recent research also suggests vitamin B3 deficiencies may increase the risk for depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and even alcoholism and addictions.^3,4,5,6 Many also believe that a natural decline in NAD production creates more oxidative stress in the body, which can make people vulnerable to a range of health problems in later life.⁵

What Is NAD IV Therapy?

NAD IV therapy is an alternative treatment that involves the use of IV infusions of NAD+ (a bioavailable form of NAD) to boost levels of vitamin B3 in the body. Most of the time, NAD infusions take 4-6 hours and are done in outpatient clinics specializing in alternative or holistic treatments. A typical dose ranges between 300 mg to 1000 mg, and each clinic has slightly different guidelines about the scheduling of doses and length of treatment.⁷

Benefits of Oral NAD Vs. IV NAD

More research is needed to fully understand the different effects of oral and intravenous NAD, which could have different effects.^5,6,8 Some believe that NAD IV infusions are superior to oral supplements because they are more concentrated and bypass the digestive tract by introducing NAD into the bloodstream.³ Of the studies looking into the benefits of IV NAD, researchers have found evidence that the treatment may help people struggling with depression, addiction, Parkinson’s, and heart ischemia (animal study).^4,6,12,13

According to one recent study, NAD+ IV therapy promotes superior absorption to multiple organs and tissues in the body, while oral NAD supplements are metabolized by the liver.³ Another study on IV NAD found similar results but noted that when given intravenously, NAD levels in blood plasma didn’t rise until several hours into the infusion. Before this, the NAD was rapidly being broken down in the first two hours, having little to no effect on blood levels.¹¹

How Much Does NAD IV Therapy Cost?

The cost of NAD+ infusions vary depending on your location and the specific fees of the facility. Also, many providers who offer this treatment include options to add other vitamins or supplements to your infusion, which can increase the cost. The price per infusion can range from $200-$1000 per appointment, and multiple infusions may be required to get optimal results.

Both NAD+ supplements and NAD+ drip therapy are not FDA-approved. This means that NAD is considered a “natural supplement,” and providers offering it cannot claim that it treats or cures any physical or mental health condition. This also means that people who are interested in getting NAD infusions may find their health insurance plan will not cover the cost of infusions.^2,7

What Problems Can NAD IV Treatment Treat?

Despite the fact that NAD treatment is still experimental, there are several studies that have demonstrated the potential physical and mental health benefits of intravenous NAD. Studies examining intravenous NAD have found evidence that IV NAD therapy may help with addiction, depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, heart ischemia, and age-related decline^3,5,6,12,13

Some of the potential conditions and disorders that may respond to NAD treatment (oral or intravenous) include:^{1,3,5,6,8,9,13}

• Neurodegenerative diseases May improve cognitive functioning and memory in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and other forms of dementia and accelerated aging diseases
• Mood disorders May improve mood, energy, and depressive symptoms in mood disorders like Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar disorder
• Psychotic disorders May reduce hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis in disorders like Schizophrenia
• Substance use disorders May provide relief for cravings and withdrawal symptoms for substance use disorders associated with cocaine, opioids, alcohol, or other addictive substances by influencing reward pathways in the brain (i.e. food addictions)
• Anxiety disorders May alleviate symptoms of anxiety or toxic stress, as well as possible relief from PTSD symptoms
• Traumatic brain injuries that result in the loss of specific knowledge, memories, or skills may respond well to NAD, which can accelerate the healing process

In addition to showing promise for the treatment of specific disorders, some of the other potential benefits of NAD+ drip therapy include:^1,3,5,6,7,9

• Improving cognitive functioning, memory, or mental clarity
• Improving mood and boosting levels of energy
• Combatting physical and mental signs of aging
• Promoting cellular health, regeneration, and DNA repair
• Reducing inflammation related to a health or medical issue
• Facilitating the detox of toxins accumulated in the body
• Preventing neurodegenerative or age-related disorders and diseases
• Curbing unhealthy food, alcohol, or drug cravings
• Improving the look and feel of your skin or combatting skin problems
• Strengthening muscles, bones, and tissues
• Stabilizing blood pressure or cholesterol levels
• Support a healthy immune system
• Help to regulate the Central Nervous System

What Are the Benefits of NAD IV Therapy?

Since NAD+ drip therapy infusions aren’t FDA-approved, it’s illegal for providers to promote this as a treatment or cure for any disease or disorder. Still, it is well known that NAD and niacin play an essential role in maintaining the cellular health of the body. For example, NAD helps with metabolism, energy production, detoxification, and healthy cognitive functioning. It is also believed to have powerful anti-aging effects, and some researchers believe it can promote cellular regeneration and DNA repair. While it’s clear that the body produces the coenzyme, the question remains whether supplementation can help amplify its natural effects.^{2,5,7,9,11,12}

Below are ten of the potential benefits of IV NAD treatment:

1. Improved cognitive functioning

One of the most commonly cited benefits of NAD therapy is improved mental clarity, concentration, and memory.^2,5,7 People who struggle with symptoms of ADHD, like getting easily distracted, not being able to concentrate for long periods of time, and forgetting things, may benefit from NAD+ supplements. Brain fog is one of the most common reasons for seeking out NAD therapy and is often listed as the top benefits of this treatment.

2. Boosts energy & reduces chronic fatigue

Another common benefit reported by people who supplement with NAD is feeling more energetic. NAD is used by the body to help turn food into energy and also affects certain neurochemicals that help people feel awake and alert.^1,7 People who struggle with chronic fatigue and daytime sleepiness may benefit from trying NAD supplements, either through IV infusions or oral supplements.

3. Lower levels of stress & anxiety

NAD supplements may also help people who are struggling with high levels of stress or anxiety. NAD plays a central role in reducing oxidative stress and optimizing the CNS, which can help lower a person’s levels of stress and anxiety. People who try NAD IV therapy sometimes report that they feel less stressed or anxious after starting NAD treatment. Most of the available research on this benefit is for studies using oral NAD supplements and not IV NAD therapy.^1,3

4. Lowered blood pressure & cholesterol

Adequate levels of NAD in the body help to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Specifically, NAD can help boost levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood while reducing the bad kind of cholesterol (LDL). NAD also helps to prevent your arteries from restricting, which means better circulation and lower blood pressure. Together, these benefits translate into a range of significant health benefits, including reduced risk for heart attacks and strokes. It is important to note that the studies looking at this benefit either use oral NAD supplements or IV NAD treatment given to rats^5,12

5. Targets inflammation in the body

Inflammation is one of the root causes of several different health problems, including asthma, autoimmune disorders, and arthritis. Some research suggests that oral NAD has anti-inflammatory effects in the body, which could provide broad protection against inflammatory conditions and diseases.^5,6 Since inflammation is also a common cause of pain, some people may also experience an improvement in their levels of chronic pain. More research is needed to explore whether this benefit is associated with intravenous NAD.

6. Supports healthy lifestyle choices

One of the more interesting and surprising benefits of NAD is that it may help people break unhealthy habits, including addictions. While the research isn’t settled yet, some studies suggest that NAD can improve cravings and withdrawals in people addicted to alcohol, opioids, or cocaine. It’s believed that NAD may influence certain reward pathways in the brain related to addiction, making it easier for people to overcome unhealthy habits like addiction. Some of this research has included the use of IV NAD in combination with oral supplements.^4,6

7. Boosts metabolism & supports weight loss

NAD is needed for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and nutrients in the body.² Being deficient in niacin or B3 vitamins can slow down your metabolism, leading to weight gain. By boosting your NAD levels, it’s possible that your metabolism could speed up, making it easier for you to lose weight (if that’s your goal). Other benefits of an increased metabolism include more energy and better sleep, which are critical for physical and mental well-being.^1,2,5

8. Clearer, brighter skin

Another benefit attributed to NAD is related to skin health. NAD may improve the appearance and health of your skin in a number of ways, including by reducing inflammation, improving hydration, and even reducing wrinkles and age spots.^6,10 Some of these benefits may be achieved by using skin products that contain niacinamide or taking oral niacin or NAD supplements, but this could be another potential benefit of IV NAD treatment.

9. Slows down the aging process

As the body ages, it naturally produces less NAD, and some believe that this accelerates the aging process and makes the body more vulnerable to disease. By boosting your levels of NAD through supplementation or infusions, it may be possible to slow the aging process down. Scientists believe that the anti-aging effects of NAD are linked to its role in reducing oxidative stress, promoting cellular regeneration and DNA repair, and helping the body and brain rid itself of toxins.¹ At least one study shows that intravenous NAD can help slow the process of age-related decline.⁶

10. Improves mood & combats depression

While this has not been fully confirmed, it’s been suggested that some people receiving NAD therapy experience improvements in their mood after treatment. NAD may help to regulate brain chemicals involved in mood disorders like depression. As a result, some people with depression report positive effects on depressive symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and sadness. In one study of mice, NAD supplementation was found to reverse depressive behaviors and symptoms.³ In other studies exploring the benefits of IV NAD therapy, this treatment was found to help improve depressive symptoms in 93% of the subjects.¹³

Side Effects of NAD Treatment

Almost all treatments carry some risk for side effects, including alternative treatments like NAD therapy. Generally, NAD therapy is believed to be safe, with only mild and temporary adverse effects reported during or directly after an infusion. Most of the potential adverse effects are linked to raising niacin levels too much or too quickly, which can lead to uncomfortable side effects like rashes, flushing, or nausea. Taking NAD in combination with vitamin C may reduce the likelihood of these effects, which normally resolve on their own in less than a day.^1,2

Some of the potential side effects associated with NAD supplements include:^1,2,7

• Nausea or vomiting
• Flushing of the face or body
• Dizziness or vision problems
• Headaches or cramps
• Red, itchy skin or rashes
• Glucose intolerance
• Liver toxicity (long-term use of oral supplements)
• Pain or swelling at the injection site
• Infection at the injection site

How to Find a NAD IV Therapy Provider

NAD infusions are offered at some med spas and holistic health practices across the United States and beyond. Most of the time, NAD IV therapy is offered as an outpatient treatment provided in offices and clinic settings providing cosmetic, anti-aging, or holistic treatments. Most of the time, a doctor, nurse, or other licensed healthcare worker will be involved in administering IV NAD treatments.

Because it is not an FDA-approved treatment, NAD IV treatment is rarely offered by doctors working in medical offices, clinics or hospitals. This also means that health insurance plans usually won’t pay for NAD IV therapy, and the high cost can be a barrier to receiving this kind of treatment.

People who are interested in finding NAD therapy can conduct an online search to find clinics near them that offer this service. When possible, it’s a good idea to look at online reviews, talk with a staff member, and inquire about costs before committing to treatment. This will help to ensure you receive high-quality treatment at the most affordable price.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin b3 (aka niacin) might have powerful anti-aging, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, and recent research suggests it may even have the potential to help with issues like brain fog, depression, addiction, and anxiety. The safety profile and physical and psychological benefits of NAD supplements appear to be safe, but questions remain about whether the benefits are the same for people who take NAD orally vs. intravenously.^{1,3,4,6,12,13} One of the biggest drawbacks to NAD IV treatment is the high cost of infusions, which may make this treatment less accessible for some people. Those who are interested in trying NAD IV treatment can often find it offered at holistic health clinics, but should always consult with their doctor first.