NAD+ IV therapy remains a research-limited wellness intervention. A decision about it should include the quality of evidence, possible harms, alternatives and any symptoms that need medical assessment.
What NAD+ does in the body
NAD+ is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It acts as a cofactor in cellular metabolism and in enzyme systems involved in signalling and DNA repair. Those biological roles make NAD+ an area of scientific interest.[1][2]
Biological interest does not show that changing NAD-related measures creates a meaningful clinical outcome. A treatment claim needs evidence in people for the precise product, route, population and outcome being discussed.
What research can and cannot tell you
| Research question | Careful interpretation |
|---|---|
| Does NAD+ have a biological role? | Yes. It has recognised roles in cellular metabolism. This does not establish an effect from a direct infusion.[1] |
| Do direct NAD+ IV studies show a health benefit? | The available direct-IV study is a small retrospective tolerability pilot in a commercial setting. It cannot establish effectiveness or long-term safety.[1] |
| Can oral NAD-related research prove an IV effect? | No. A 2024 systematic review included oral NADH or precursor interventions. Route and product matter, so oral findings cannot be transferred to direct NAD+ IV therapy.[2] |
| Does research support anti-ageing or wellbeing claims? | Current evidence does not establish a direct NAD+ IV benefit for ageing, energy, cognition, immunity, performance or general wellbeing.[1][2] |
Safety and uncertainty
The direct-IV evidence base is small. In the 2026 retrospective pilot, participants receiving NAD+ IV reported gastrointestinal symptoms, increased heart rate and chest pressure during infusion. The researchers described the findings as preliminary and called for further studies of effectiveness and longer-term safety.[1]
This signal does not predict what will happen to an individual. It does show why a marketing claim cannot replace an individual discussion of health history, current medicines, risk and alternatives.
Symptoms need assessment, not a wellness infusion
Tiredness, palpitations, breathlessness, weakness, weight change, low mood and neurological symptoms can each have many causes. A course of treatment does not identify the cause.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is one example. NICE says that B12-related symptoms and signs may overlap with many other conditions, and that diagnosis and treatment should take account of symptoms, test results and cause. Some people need a cause-led replacement plan rather than a wellness intervention.[3][4]
Questions to ask before considering NAD+ IV therapy
What outcome am I hoping to change, and what evidence supports that outcome for direct NAD+ IV therapy?
Could my concern be caused by a condition that needs assessment, tests or a different treatment pathway?
Which medical conditions, allergies and medicines need consideration?
What are the known limits of the evidence and the uncertainties about longer-term effects?
Could diet, an oral product, a medicine review or another non-infusion route be more appropriate?
What follow-up route will I use if symptoms continue, worsen or new symptoms develop?
Urgent symptoms need urgent care
Do not wait for a wellness or routine booking if you think you have a life-threatening emergency. Call 999. If you need urgent health advice and you are unsure whether it is an emergency, use NHS 111. A clinic appointment is not a substitute for urgent assessment.[5]
Related information
Frequently asked questions
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a cofactor involved in cellular metabolism and in enzyme systems linked to cellular signalling and DNA repair. Its biological role does not show that an infusion improves a health outcome.
Does NAD+ IV therapy improve energy, ageing or cognition?
Current evidence does not establish those benefits for direct NAD+ IV infusion. The available direct-IV study is a small retrospective tolerability pilot. Research on oral NAD-related products also cannot be used as proof of an effect from an IV infusion.
What does the current evidence say about safety?
Long-term safety and effectiveness of direct NAD+ IV infusion remain uncertain. In a small retrospective pilot, participants receiving NAD+ IV reported gastrointestinal symptoms, increased heart rate and chest pressure during infusion. A person considering any route should discuss individual risks and alternatives with an appropriate health professional.
Can NAD+ IV therapy replace assessment for fatigue or other symptoms?
No. Tiredness, palpitations, weight change, low mood and neurological symptoms can have many causes. An assessment can consider your symptoms, health history, medicines and appropriate tests or referrals.
Do I need a referral?
Referral requirements depend on your circumstances and the care route. The clinic confirms the appropriate route, suitability, referral needs, availability, preparation, reporting and follow-up at booking.
References
- [1]Reyna K, et al. Intravenous infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) versus nicotinamide riboside (NR): a retrospective tolerability pilot study in a real-world setting. Frontiers in Aging. 2026.
- [2]de Mello Gindri I, et al. Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of NAD in different clinical conditions: a systematic review. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2024.
- [3]NICE. Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG239).
- [4]NHS. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia.
- [5]NHS. When to call 999.