What Is NAD and What Does the Evidence Actually Say?

 

A Surge in Hype, A Need for Clarity

From podcasts to IV lounges, NAD is everywhere. Marketed as a breakthrough in anti-aging, energy, and mental clarity, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out if you’re not hooked up to an NAD drip. But what is NAD, and does science support the claims?

At Allure, we want to ensure there is strong evidence for anything we’re offering. So before you jump into the latest longevity trend, here’s a closer, evidence-based look at NAD IV or IM therapy and why we’re watching the research closely, but not acting just yet.

What Is NAD?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a vital role in:

  • Converting nutrients into energy
  • Repairing DNA
  • Regulating circadian rhythms
  • Activating sirtuins (enzymes linked to longevity)

It exists in two forms: NAD+ (oxidized) and NADH (reduced). NAD+ is the form most associated with energy production and cellular repair.

Why Is NAD Linked to Aging and Wellness?

NAD+ levels decline with age, sometimes by as much as 50% by the time you’re 50. This decline is associated with:

  • Increased oxidative stress
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Reduced DNA repair

Theoretically, restoring NAD+ could:

  • Boost energy metabolism
  • Enhance DNA repair
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Improve resilience to cellular stress

This has led to interest in NAD-boosting strategies, from supplements to IV infusions and intramuscular injections.

 

NAD+ functions infographic showing its roles in energy, DNA repair, circadian rhythm, immunity, and aging-related processes
Naturally occurring NAD+ plays key roles in DNA repair, metabolism, immunity, and aging. But IV or oral NAD therapies don’t necessarily replicate these effects.

 

NAD Supplements vs. NAD IV: What’s the Difference?

Most current research has been done on oral NAD precursors like:

  • Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
  • Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

These are available as over-the-counter supplements that provide the necessary resources for your body to make its own NAD. Most have shown some promise in increasing NAD+ levels in human blood.

NAD IV therapy, on the other hand, involves direct infusion of NAD+ into the bloodstream. It’s marketed as:

  • Faster-acting
  • More bioavailable
  • More potent

However, the reality is more complex and unclear.

Factor NAD IV Therapy Oral Precursors (NR, NMN)
Evidence in Humans Very limited Moderate, early-stage studies
Bioavailability Rapid clearance, low tissue uptake Proven to raise NAD+ levels in blood
FDA Approved? No No (but sold as dietary supplements)
Typical Use IV infusions in wellness clinics Daily supplements
Long-Term Safety Data None Limited, but more available
Clinical Outcomes Studied None Fatigue, metabolism, sleep

Is NAD IV Therapy FDA-Approved?

No. Neither NAD IV therapy, IM therapy, and NAD+ supplements are FDA-approved to treat or prevent any disease.

  • NAD+ IV is not part of any recognized medical guidelines
  • There is no standard dosing or established safety profile

  • Most uses are considered “no-label,” meaning there is no FDA-approved indication or established medical guideline for NAD+ therapy; its use is based solely on anecdotal reports, very small studies, and wellness marketing

What Happens to NAD After an IV Drip?

This is where the hype seems less promising.

  • NAD+ has a very short half-life in plasma
  • Most is metabolized or excreted within hours
  • It’s unclear how much actually reaches tissues in a usable form

  • Any noticeable effect, if it occurs, may be brief, lasting only a few hours

In fact, some studies suggest that oral precursors produce a more measurable effect than IV therapy, despite the current hype.

Are There Any Proven Benefits?

At this point, no large-scale human trials have shown that NAD IV therapy:

  • Improves longevity
  • Enhances cognitive or mental performance

  • Provides sustained increases in energy or metabolic function

To be clear, if we could reliably return NAD levels to those of a younger age, this would likely lead to notable outcomes in terms of how you feel. Unfortunately, it seems doubtful that the current IV and IM NAD+ treatments can do that in a reliable way.

Some small studies on oral NAD+ precursors (like NR and NMN) suggest possible short-term improvements in fatigue, sleep quality, and metabolic markers, but even those findings are early-stage and not consistently replicated.

Meanwhile, IV NAD+ appears to be rapidly cleared from the body, with unclear bioavailability and minimal evidence of lasting therapeutic benefit. One published pilot study in healthy adults found that after a 6-hour NAD infusion, plasma NAD levels didn’t begin to rise until after two hours, and increased urinary excretion was observed at six hours, suggesting minimal tissue uptake and fast clearance. No clinical benefits or long-term safety data were reported.

There are currently no published human studies on intramuscular NAD, and most research has focused on oral supplementation with NAD precursors.

What About Side Effects or Risks?

Reported side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Muscle cramping
  • Flushing or warmth during infusion

Long-term risks remain unknown, especially with repeated IV use. Though treatment so far appears safe, there are some theoretical concerns about:

  • Altered methylation pathways
  • DNA repair interference
  • Tumor promotion in specific contexts

These concerns also revolve around just how much NAD is being introduced to the body and how that affects natural NAD production.

Syringe resting on a medical vial, symbolizing NAD IV therapy
While NAD is often administered through IM injections or IV infusions, current research shows limited absorption and no proven long-term benefit.

 

Is It Safe for Healthy People to Use Just for “Longevity”?

That remains unclear. While NAD+ is natural and essential, more is not always better. NAD-related pathways are tightly regulated, and artificial elevation (especially via IV) may have unintended consequences.

Currently, there is no evidence that NAD IV prolongs life or prevents aging.

What Do Biohackers Get Wrong?

Many influencers promote NAD IV as a one-size-fits-all solution. But real longevity science is nuanced, personalized, slow-moving, and cautious for a reason.

Claims like “cellular rejuvenation” or “instant energy reset” lack credible evidence and oversimplify complex biology. The truth is that many biohacking treatments are based on theory rather than evidence, are experimental, and effectiveness and long-term safety are unknow

What Would It Take for Allure to Offer NAD Therapy?

We would need:

  • More high-quality studies demonstrating effectiveness
  • Standardized dosing and delivery protocols
  • More long-term safety data and a better understood risk profile

Until then, like all experimental treatments, we watch and wait. We are always hopeful that new therapies will prove to be revolutionary, but we never offer them until we feel they are actually effective and safe.

Want to Talk it Through?

We know it’s tempting to chase the next big thing in wellness, especially when it seems to be everywhere. But with emerging science, it’s important to understand the facts before diving in. When and if the science aligns, we’ll be ready to offer treatment with the same level of thought, care, and precision we always do.

If you’re curious, concerned, or just want to understand what’s worth watching (and what’s not), we’re here to talk it through.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@allureaestheticsllc.com or call or text us at 610 393-1253. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss all your goals and options, please visit our booking page.

Evidence Matters.

At Allure, we believe you deserve clear, trustworthy information before making decisions about your health. The following references were used to guide and support the information shared above. Feel free to read through them for more detailed information.

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  2. Age-Associated Changes in Oxidative Stress and NAD+ Metabolism in Human Tissue. Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, et al. PloS One. 2012;7(7):e42357. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042357.
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