As interest in longevity and biohacking grows, therapies targeting cellular health are at the forefront of innovation. Two such interventions—IV NAD+ therapy and oral NMN supplementation—focus on replenishing NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular resilience. This blog explores their mechanisms, benefits, and what current research reveals.
What Is NAD+
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells, required for fundamental biological processes such as:
- ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation
- DNA repair through PARP activation
- Cellular stress resistance via SIRTUIN activation
However, NAD+ levels decline with age, contributing to fatigue, cognitive decline, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation (Yoshino et al., 2018). Boosting NAD+ levels is now a targeted intervention for promoting healthy ageing and disease prevention.
IV NAD+ Therapy: Direct Cellular Replenishment
IV administration bypasses the digestive system, delivering NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, potentially leading to faster and more pronounced physiological effects.
Key Benefits:
- Mitochondrial Function & Energy: IV NAD+ has been associated with enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and increased cellular energy output (Grant et al., 2019).
- Cognitive Support: Pilot studies suggest NAD+ infusions may support memory and executive function in ageing populations (Radenkovic et al., 2020).
- Neurological & Addiction Recovery: NAD+ has shown potential in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and restoring neurochemical balance in substance use recovery (Sturman et al., 2022).
Limitations: The therapy requires clinical oversight, is more invasive, and long-term efficacy requires further research.
What are the benefits of NAD+ supplements (Oral supplementation)
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a precursor to NAD+ and can be taken orally to stimulate the body’s own NAD+ synthesis.
Evidence-Based Benefits:
- Metabolic Health: A 2022 double-blind RCT showed that daily NMN improved insulin sensitivity and muscle insulin signaling in prediabetic women (Yoshino et al., 2021).
- Muscle Strength & Endurance: A 2021 human study demonstrated improved walking distance and muscle strength in older adults after 12 weeks of NMN (Irie et al., 2021).
- Neuroprotection: Animal studies show NMN supports brain NAD+ levels, reduces neuroinflammation, and may protect against Alzheimer’s-related pathology (Hou et al., 2018).
Advantages: Oral NMN is non-invasive, safe in human trials, and increasingly accessible.
Comparative Summary
| Feature | IV NAD+ Therapy | Oral NMN Supplementation |
| Delivery | Intravenous (clinical setting) | Oral capsule or powder |
| Onset | Rapid | Gradual (2–6 weeks) |
| Best For | Intensive cognitive, energy or detox support | Long-term mitochondrial and metabolic health |
| Cost & Accessibility | High, limited to clinics | Affordable and widely available |
| Scientific Support | Emerging (pilot & observational studies) | Stronger (RCTs & clinical studies) |
Final Thoughts
IV NAD+ and oral NMN both offer pathways to restore vital cellular function and combat the effects of ageing. While IV NAD+ delivers rapid and intense NAD+ elevation, oral NMN may be a more sustainable, evidence-backed method for long-term metabolic and neurological support.
Before beginning any NAD+ intervention, consult a healthcare professional to assess suitability and dosing.
References
- Yoshino, J., et al. (2018). NAD⁺ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metabolism, 27(3), 513–528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2018.01.016
- Grant, R., et al. (2019). NAD+ Therapy in Mitochondrial Disease. Mitochondrion, 46, 198–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mito.2018.06.007
- Radenkovic, D., et al. (2020). Clinical Evidence for Targeting NAD+ Metabolism in Ageing and Disease. Translational Medicine, 18(1), 254. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02433-9
- Sturman, O., et al. (2022). NAD+ and Addiction: A Molecular Perspective. Neuropharmacology, 211, 109012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109012
- Irie, J., et al. (2021). Effect of Oral NMN on Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in Humans. Endocrine Journal, 68(3), 347–355. https://doi.org/10.1507/endocrj.EJ20-0378
- Hou, Y., et al. (2018). NMN Administration Protects Against Alzheimer’s Disease in Mice. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 10, 253. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2018.00253
- Yoshino, M., et al. (2021). Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Increases Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in Prediabetic Women. Science, 372(6547), 1224–1229. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abf3602