How Does NAD Therapy Work? A Deep Dive into Cellular Energy Production
- November 14, 2023
- Written by : Rebecca LaMarca, MSN, APN-BC, CNS
Over the past few years, NAD therapy has been gaining attention in the wellness world as a way to support energy, focus, and overall health. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD, is a molecule that’s found in each of your body’s cells. It helps your cells turn food into energy by supporting the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is your cells’ main energy source. In other words, NAD plays an important role in how your body makes and uses energy.
As you get older, your NAD levels get lower, which means your cells might have a harder time making energy and repairing damage. These effects could raise your risk of certain health problems, which is why many people are interested in NAD therapy. So, what is NAD therapy? It’s a treatment that increases the amount of NAD in your body, usually through intravenous (IV) infusion. Here’s what you should know about it and what to expect during NAD IV therapy in NJ.
What is NAD IV therapy?
NAD therapy refers to any service that increases your body’s NAD levels. Some people increase their NAD levels by taking oral supplements or getting intramuscular injections. But the most popular type of NAD therapy is an IV infusion treatment called NAD IV therapy. This method bypasses your digestive system, allowing NAD to enter your bloodstream directly.
Some researchers think that increasing NAD could have a number of benefits, which you can learn about here.
What does an NAD IV appointment look like?
When getting ready for your first NAD IV session, it’s important to understand what will happen before, during, and after your infusion.
Before treatment
On the day of treatment, many providers suggest that you drink plenty of water and eat a light meal before heading to the clinic. They may also tell you to avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours before treatment.
When you first arrive at the clinic, you’ll go through a short intake process. A certified nurse will ask about your medical history, including any medical conditions, allergies, and medications or supplements you use. You’ll also be asked if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and if you have certain health conditions, usually including severe liver or kidney disease, heart conditions, or cancer.
You and the nurse will discuss your specific goals for NAD therapy, such as improved energy or anti-aging effects. Next, the nurse will take your vital signs, typically including your blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, oxygen level, and weight. The nurse will then explain how NAD therapy works and discuss possible side effects. You’ll also usually be asked to sign some consent forms.
During treatment
To begin treatment, you’ll first be seated in a comfortable recliner or treatment chair. The nurse will then insert your IV line. It typically goes in your arm or hand. Your nurse will then start the drip, which generally lasts between 1 and 4 hours. Some people get longer drips depending on the dose and their goals.
During the infusion, you might choose to read, listen to music, watch videos, or just sit and relax. The nurse will check on you throughout the infusion to make sure you’re comfortable and adjust the IV flow rate if needed.
After treatment
Once your infusion is complete, the nurse will remove your IV and put a bandage on the injection site. They will also make sure you’re feeling well and give you aftercare tips. You’ll usually be told to stay hydrated and avoid intense exercise for the next 24 hours. In addition, you’ll be asked to contact the clinic if you experience any unusual symptoms in the next few days.
How will I feel during and after NAD therapy?
Most people tolerate NAD therapy well. Some feel sensations like warmth or mild chest pressure during the infusion — these usually ease when the drip slows. For a complete guide, see our full breakdown of NAD IV therapy side effects.
Who should consider NAD therapy?
NAD therapy can benefit lots of different types of people. However, you might be particularly interested in it if:
- you struggle with fatigue or brain fog
- you want to improve your recovery after physical exhaustion or illness
- you’re looking for new ways to manage stress
- you have a condition that some researchers think could be managed with NAD therapy, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, or substance use disorder
Does NAD therapy really work?
Since NAD therapy is a newer treatment, its effectiveness is still being studied. However, preliminary research suggests that the infusions can indeed help improve the health of your cells and boost energy. Future studies could help determine how effective the treatment is for particular health conditions or if it offers additional benefits.
Part of what makes NAD IV therapy effective is the delivery method itself. NAD can be taken in several ways, but the route you choose makes a real difference in how quickly and efficiently your cells can use it. Here’s how the most common delivery methods compare:
| Delivery method | Absorption | Time to effect | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral supplements (capsules or precursors like NR/NMN) | Low — roughly 5–10% reaches the bloodstream after digestion | Days to weeks of consistent use | Daily maintenance, general anti-aging support |
| Intramuscular (IM) injection | Higher — bypasses the digestive system; commonly cited around 70–90% | Within a few hours | Between IV sessions, ongoing maintenance, milder boosts |
| IV infusion | Highest — delivered directly into the bloodstream (close to 100%) | During or shortly after the session | Intensive protocols, fatigue, focus, recovery, addiction support, neurological conditions |
This is why most people who want noticeable results from NAD choose IV therapy — your body can put the molecule to work right away instead of losing most of it during digestion.
How often should I get NAD therapy?
It depends on your body, your treatment goals, and your provider. You can learn more about ideal session frequency in this guide.
Begin your NAD therapy journey with IV Elements
Now that you’ve had NAD IV therapy explained, consider taking advantage of this cutting-edge treatment at IV Elements. Our clinical team, led by nurse practitioner Rebecca LaMarca, is proud to hold memberships in the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine (PAAM), Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM), and Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO). We also attended the virtual Springfield Wellness Center 2020 NAD+ Brain Restoration Summit, where we explored the latest research on NAD therapy alongside scientists, physicians, and other experts.
Our certified nurses offer personalized NAD IV therapy at our drip lounges in Hoboken, Asbury Park, Parsippany, and Marlton, NJ. If you’d rather boost your wellness from the comfort of your own home, book our mobile service that covers New Jersey, NYC, Philadelphia, and Bucks County! Schedule your first session today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to feel a difference from NAD IV therapy?
It depends on factors like your dose, body, and overall health. Some people notice positive effects like increased energy, better focus, or improved mood within just a few hours. But others just feel tired after, with the positive effects not appearing until a couple days or weeks have gone by. Some people also need multiple sessions to feel the effects.How long does an NAD IV take?
It usually takes between 1 and 4 hours, depending on factors like your health, dose, provider, and treatment goals.How much does NAD therapy cost in NJ?
It varies based on factors like your provider and the type of NAD therapy you get. At IV Elements, we offer three different NAD IV drips: 250mg BR+ NAD, 500mg BR+ NAD, and 3-day BR+ NAD. You can learn more about our NAD therapies and pricing here.Which NJ towns have IV Elements NAD therapy lounges?
Our calming NAD therapy lounges are located in Hoboken, Asbury Park, Parsippany, and Marlton.Can I get a mobile NAD IV at home in NJ, NYC, or Philadelphia?
Yes! IV Elements offers convenient in-home NAD IV therapy across NJ, NYC, Philadelphia, and Bucks County.What’s the difference between in-lounge and mobile NAD therapy?
During in-lounge therapy, you’ll get your NAD infusion while relaxing in one of our peaceful drip bars. If you choose mobile therapy, you’ll get your infusion right from the comfort of your own home. No matter where you get it, NAD therapy can make it easier to reach your health and wellness goals.References
- Braidy, N., Berg, J., Clement, J., Khorshidi, F., Poljak, A., Jayasena, T., Grant, R., & Sachdev, P. (2019). Role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and related precursors as therapeutic targets for age-related degenerative diseases: Rationale, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and outcomes. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 30(2), 251–294. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2017.7269
- Cleveland Clinic. (2026, February 26). NAD+ supplements: Can they really slow down aging? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/nad-supplement
- Pétriacq, P., Ton, J., Patrit, O., Tcherkez, G., & Gakière, B. (2016). NAD acts as an integral regulator of multiple defense layers. Plant Physiology, 172(3), 1465–1479. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.16.00780
- Blomquist, S. A., Kelly, G., Adães, S., Ardagh, A., Ramer, S., & Scuba, W. (2025, January 1). Qualia NAD+ increases NAD+, improves well-being, and alleviates aging symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. medRxiv. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.14.25327611v1.full
- Lundt, S., & Ding, S. (2021). NAD+ metabolism and diseases with motor dysfunction. Genes, 12(11), 1776. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12111776
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BR+ NAD IV Therapy and Treatment
Studies have shown that NAD+ can help those battling from an array of aging and chronic conditions in the human body and brain, and can also be the light at the end of the tunnel for many people suffering from opiate, alcohol and other drug addictions.
