Can NAD+ Slow Aging? What the Science Says-

What Is NAD+?

Here's the frustrating part: your body doesn't maintain the same NAD+ levels throughout your life. Research consistently shows that NAD+ levels decrease significantly as we get older.

By the time you hit middle age, your NAD+ levels may have dropped by as much as 50% compared to when you were in your twenties. That's a substantial decline, and it helps explain why many of us start feeling different as we age.

So why does this happen?

Several factors contribute to this age-related decline:

Increased cellular stress and inflammation: As we age, our bodies experience more oxidative stress and inflammation. Think of it like your cells being under constant pressure. This increased stress requires more NAD+ to manage, depleting your reserves.

Accumulated DNA damage: The older you get, the more DNA damage accumulates from decades of sun exposure, environmental toxins, and normal metabolic processes. Your cells use up more and more NAD+ trying to repair this damage.

Reduced production of NAD+ precursors: Your body becomes less efficient at making the building blocks needed to create NAD+. It's like a factory that's slowing down with age.

Higher activity of enzymes that consume NAD+: Certain enzymes in your body, particularly CD38, become more active with age. These enzymes actually break down NAD+, further depleting your levels. Recent 2024 research has revealed that mitochondria serve as NAD+ reservoirs that supply cells during times of increased demand, but chronic depletion of these reserves may be a key factor in age-related diseases.

When NAD+ levels drop, your body's ability to maintain and repair cells becomes impaired. This is why scientists are so interested in exploring whether boosting NAD+ could support healthier aging.

The relationship between NAD+ and aging is one of the most exciting areas in longevity research right now. Let me break down what we're learning.

NAD+ as the Master Regulator

Think of NAD+ as a master switch that controls many of the processes related to how we age. When NAD+ levels are healthy, your cells can:

• Produce energy efficiently
• Repair damaged DNA effectively
• Manage inflammation appropriately
• Clear out damaged cellular components
• Communicate properly with other cells
• Maintain strong mitochondria

When NAD+ levels decline, all of these processes slow down. It's like trying to run your ranch with half the crew you used to have, things start falling behind.

Scientists have identified several "hallmarks" of aging, basically, the key biological changes that happen as we get older. Fascinatingly, declining NAD+ levels touch nearly all of them:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction: Your cellular power plants start sputtering
• Genomic instability: Your DNA accumulates more errors
• Cellular senescence: Cells stop dividing and start causing inflammation
• Altered cellular communication: Cells don't talk to each other as well
• Stem cell exhaustion: Your body's ability to regenerate slows down

The decline in NAD+ appears to be a central thread connecting many age-related changes. This has led researchers to ask a crucial question: if we can restore NAD+ levels, can we slow or even partially reverse some aspects of aging?

Current Understanding: Hope with Caveats

Here's where I need to be completely honest with you. The science shows real promise, but we're not talking about a fountain of youth here. NAD+ isn't going to make you twenty again.

What the research does suggest is that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels may help support:

• Cellular resilience: Your cells may handle stress better
• Metabolic health: Better blood sugar control and energy production
• Cognitive function: Sharper thinking and better memory
• Physical performance: Improved endurance and recovery
• Overall vitality: That general sense of feeling good in your own skin

Think of NAD+ optimization as one tool in your healthy aging toolkit, alongside good nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and regular checkups with your primary care provider.

Let's dive into what the actual science shows. I'll be straight with you—there's exciting research, but there's also still a lot we don't know. That's the honest truth.

Animal Studies: Impressive But Not the Whole Story

Much of the excitement around NAD+ comes from animal research, and the results have been pretty remarkable. In laboratory studies with mice and other animals, boosting NAD+ levels has been associated with:

• Improved mitochondrial function: Aged mice showed cellular energy production similar to that of much younger mice
• Enhanced muscle endurance: Older animals performed better physically after NAD+ supplementation
• Better metabolic health: Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Increased DNA repair activity: Cells became better at fixing damaged DNA
• Reduced markers of inflammation: Less of the chronic inflammation associated with aging
• Extended lifespan in some models: Certain studies showed animals living longer

A groundbreaking December 2024 study even showed that restoring NAD+ balance in mice with Alzheimer's disease led to remarkable recovery, the mice regained memory and cognitive function. The research team, publishing in Cell Reports Medicine, found that NAD+ levels decline precipitously in both human and mouse Alzheimer's brains.

These findings are genuinely exciting. But here's the critical caveat: animal studies don't always translate to humans. Mice aren't just small people. Their metabolism, lifespan, and biology differ in important ways from ours.

This is where things get really interesting—and where we need to separate established evidence from promising possibilities.

Current Clinical Applications

Right now, NAD+ therapy administered through injections or IV infusions is being used in medical settings for several purposes:

Cognitive Wellness: Some patients report improved mental clarity, focus, and memory. While large-scale studies are still ongoing, anecdotal reports and smaller trials suggest potential benefits for brain health.

Chronic Fatigue and Energy: This is probably the most commonly reported benefit. Many people experience noticeable improvements in energy levels and reduced fatigue. The mechanism makes sense. NAD+ is central to cellular energy production.

Metabolic Support: For individuals with metabolic dysfunction, NAD+ therapy may help support better glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Recovery and Performance: Athletes and active individuals sometimes use NAD+ injections to support recovery from intense training or to optimize physical performance.

Addiction Recovery: Some clinics use high-dose IV NAD+ as part of addiction treatment programs, particularly for withdrawal symptoms. This application has shown promising results in clinical observations.

The Age-Related Disease Question

Can NAD+ injections actually improve age-related diseases? The honest answer is: we're still learning. Here's what we know so far:

Neurodegenerative Diseases: This is the most active research area. Mounting evidence suggests that nervous system degeneration is largely caused by deficits in energy metabolism, which NAD+ enhances. Clinical trials are currently testing NAD+ precursors in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mild cognitive impairment. Early results have been encouraging in some studies, but we're still waiting for larger, longer-term trials.

Metabolic Conditions: For people with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome, some studies have shown improvements in key health markers. A study currently recruiting participants is testing NAD+ precursors in obese people with type 2 diabetes and liver disease.

Cardiovascular Health: Initial research suggests potential benefits for heart health, including improved vascular function. However, there's an important caution: a 2024 Nature Medicine study found that a terminal metabolite of niacin (a form of vitamin B3) may actually promote vascular inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. This highlights the complexity of NAD+ metabolism and why medical supervision is important.

An Important Safety Note

Here's something crucial that often gets overlooked: a December 2024 study warned that over-the-counter NAD+ precursors have been shown in animal models to potentially raise cellular NAD+ to dangerously high levels that could promote cancer. The study emphasized that therapeutic approaches should aim to maintain proper NAD+ balance under stress, not elevate NAD+ to supraphysiologic levels.

This is why working with a qualified medical provider matters. We're not trying to flood your system with as much NAD+ as possible, we're trying to restore healthy, balanced levels.

The Reality Check

While the potential is exciting, we need to be realistic. NAD+ therapy isn't a miracle cure for age-related diseases. It's a tool that may support cellular health and function as part of a comprehensive approach to healthy aging.

If you're dealing with a specific health condition, NAD+ therapy should be viewed as a complementary approach, not a replacement for proven medical treatments. Always work with your healthcare provider to develop a complete treatment plan.

This is probably the question we hear most often: "Which method of getting NAD+ is actually best?" The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Let me walk you through each option so you can make an informed decision.

Oral Supplements: The Convenient Daily Option

Let's start with what you can pick up at the health food store or order online.

How They Work:

Here's something important to understand: NAD+ itself isn't typically taken by mouth because it doesn't absorb well when swallowed. Instead, oral supplements contain "precursors"—building blocks that your body converts into NAD+. The two most common are:

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Also sold as "Niagen"Nicotinamide
Mononucleotide (NMN): Gaining popularity in the longevity community

When you take these supplements, they travel through your digestive system, get absorbed in your gut, and then your cells convert them into NAD+. It's a multi-step process.

The Advantages:

Convenience: Just take a pill with your morning coffee. No clinic visits needed.
Affordability: Generally ranges from $30-80 per month for quality supplements, making it accessible for most people
Consistency: Easy to maintain daily supplementation over the long term
No needles: Great if you're not comfortable with injections
Safety for some populations: Good option for immunocompromised individuals who need to avoid injection site risks

The Limitations:

Lower bioavailability: Here's the big one. Because these supplements have to survive your stomach acid, pass through your digestive system, and get metabolized by your liver, only about 10-40% actually make it into your bloodstream as usable NAD+. That means if you take 500mg, you might only absorb 50-200mg.
Slower results: It typically takes 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use before you notice any effects. Some people need even longer.
Variable absorption: Your individual digestive health, when you take it (with food or empty stomach), and even your gut bacteria affect how well you absorb these supplements.
Quality concerns: The supplement industry isn't as tightly regulated as pharmaceuticals. Quality and actual dosing can vary significantly between brands.

Clinical Evidence:

Multiple clinical trials show that oral NR and NMN can successfully raise blood NAD+ levels in humans. A study published in Nature Communications demonstrated that oral NR safely increased NAD+ metabolites, while research in NPJ Aging found NMN was well-tolerated even at doses up to 2,000mg daily.

NAD+ Injections: The Middle Ground

Intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (under the skin) NAD+ injections are becoming increasingly popular, especially for people who want better absorption than oral supplements without the time commitment of IV therapy.

How They Work:

A healthcare provider (or you, if you're trained and have a prescription) injects NAD+ directly into muscle tissue or just under the skin. This bypasses your digestive system entirely, allowing the NAD+ to enter your bloodstream more directly.

The Advantages:

Better absorption: Significantly higher bioavailability than oral supplements, though not quite as high as IV therapy
Faster results: Many people notice effects within a few days rather than weeks
More convenient than IV: A quick injection takes just a few minutes compared to hours for an IV
Take-home option: Some clinics provide patients with take-home injection kits after proper training
Good for maintenance: Ideal for maintaining NAD+ levels between IV sessions

The Limitations:

Still requires clinic visits: Unless you're comfortable self-injecting (and have proper training and prescription)
Not for needle-phobic individuals: You're getting a shot, plain and simple
May require multiple injections: Often done 2-3 times per week for best results
Mid-range cost: More expensive than oral supplements but less than IV therapy

Who It's For:

Injections work well for people who want the effectiveness of direct administration but can't commit the time for IV sessions. They're popular among wellness enthusiasts and those working with longevity-focused practitioners.

NAD+ IV Therapy: The Gold Standard

Intravenous NAD+ therapy delivers the compound directly into your bloodstream through an IV drip, usually over 2-4 hours.

How It Works:

A healthcare provider inserts an IV line into your arm, and NAD+ (mixed with saline solution) slowly drips directly into your bloodstream. The slow infusion rate is important—going too fast can cause uncomfortable side effects.

The Advantages:

Highest bioavailability: Nearly 100% of the NAD+ enters your bloodstream. None is lost to digestion.
Rapid, noticeable effects: Many people feel improvements during or immediately after the infusion, increased energy, mental clarity, overall sense of well-being
Controlled dosing: Your provider can precisely measure and adjust the dose
Medical supervision: A healthcare professional is monitoring you throughout the treatment
Intensive replenishment: Ideal when you need to quickly restore depleted NAD+ levels
Additional hydration: The saline solution simultaneously hydrates you and helps flush out toxins

The Limitations:

Time commitment: You're sitting in a clinic for 2-4 hours per session. Not ideal if you have a packed schedule.
Higher cost: Typically $100-700+ per session. While effective, it adds up quickly.
Requires clinic visits: You can't do this at home
Potential side effects during infusion: Some people experience nausea, chest tightness, or flushing if the drip rate is too fast (though slowing it down usually resolves this)
May not be necessary for everyone: If you're just looking to maintain healthy levels, IV therapy might be overkill

Who's It For?

IV therapy makes sense for people who:

-Want the fastest, most dramatic results
-Are dealing with significant fatigue or burnout
-Are starting a NAD+ protocol and need an initial "loading phase"
-Have compromised digestive function that limits oral absorption
-Don't mind the time and financial investment

NAD Therapy in Amarillo, Texas
with Awaken Medical Aesthetics

You remember what real energy felt like...the kind that carried you through full days without crashing, kept your mind sharp through late afternoons, and left you with enough left over to actually enjoy your life???

That wasn't luck, and it wasn't youth; it was your cells operating at full capacity. What if you could get that back, not through another supplement that disappoints, but by replenishing the exact coenzyme your body has been running low on for years? 

We can help you. With NAD+

Whether you choose oral supplements, injections, or IV therapy, let's talk about what you can realistically expect. I believe in setting proper expectations so there are no surprises, just honest information.

The Consultation

Before starting any NAD+ therapy at our practice, you'll have a comprehensive consultation. This isn't a quick "sign here and we'll start the IV" situation. Here's what we cover:

Medical History Review: We'll discuss your current health status, any chronic conditions, medications you're taking, and previous health issues. NAD+ therapy isn't appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain conditions like active cancer, severe liver disease, or specific autoimmune disorders.

Goal Setting: What are you hoping to achieve? More energy? Better mental clarity? Athletic performance? Understanding your goals helps us recommend the right approach.

Lifestyle Assessment: We'll talk about your sleep habits, stress levels, diet, and exercise routine. NAD+ therapy works best as part of a comprehensive wellness strategy, not as a magic bullet.

Laboratory Work (Sometimes): Depending on your situation, we might recommend baseline blood work to check your general health markers.

Treatment Planning: Based on all of this information, we'll develop a personalized plan, whether that's oral supplements, injections, IV therapy, or a combination approach.

What The Results Feel LIke

Let me be real with you: NAD+ therapy isn't like drinking a cup of coffee. The effects are usually more subtle and gradual, though some people do notice dramatic changes.

In the First Few Days to Weeks:

With IV Therapy:

• Many people feel noticeably more energized during or right after the infusion
• Mental clarity often improves—that brain fog lifts
• Some experience better mood
• Sleep quality may improve
• Physical recovery from exercise feels easier

With Injections:

• Effects typically show up within a few days
• Gradual increase in energy levels
• Improved sense of well-being
• Better mental focus

With Oral Supplements:

• Most people don't notice much in the first week or two
• Improvements become apparent after 2-4 weeks of consistent use
• Changes are subtle and cumulative

Longer-Term Benefits (Weeks to Months):

As you continue with NAD+ therapy, many patients report:

• Sustained energy: Not jittery energy like caffeine, but a steady, reliable vitality throughout the day
• Cognitive improvements: Better memory, sharper thinking, easier problem-solving
• Physical performance: Better endurance during workouts, faster recovery, improved muscle function
• Metabolic benefits: Some people see improvements in weight management and body composition
• Improved skin appearance: Some patients notice healthier-looking skin (makes sense, given NAD+'s role in cellular repair)
• Better sleep: More restorative, deeper sleep

Not everyone experiences dramatic results. Some people are "super responders" who feel like new people after NAD+ therapy. Others notice modest improvements. And yes, some people don't feel much difference at all.

Your response depends on many factors:

-Your starting NAD+ levels (if they're already decent, you may not notice as much)
-Your age and overall healthYour lifestyle habits
-How depleted your system was to begin withThe quality and dosing of your treatment

Common Side Effects: What's Normal

Let's talk about the not-so-fun stuff so you're prepared.

With IV Therapy:

The most common side effects happen during the infusion itself:

Nausea: This is probably the most common. It usually happens if the drip rate is too fast.
Solution: We slow it down.
Chest tightness or pressure: Again, usually rate-related. Not dangerous, just uncomfortable.
Flushing: You might feel warm or notice your skin getting red
Lightheadedness: Particularly if you stand up quickly during or right after treatment
Headache: Some people get a mild headache
Stomach discomfort: Occasionally happens

The good news: Nearly all of these resolve when we adjust the infusion rate or shortly after treatment ends. This is why having a trained provider present matters. We can manage side effects in real-time.

With IV Therapy:

• Mild soreness at the injection site
• Occasional bruising
• Temporary redness or swelling where the shot was given

With Oral Supplements:

• Mild nausea (especially on an empty stomach)
• Occasional headaches during the first few days
• Stomach upset in some people

These side effects are typically very mild and often resolve as your body adjusts.

NAD+ therapy isn't appropriate for everyone. We don't recommend it if you:

• Are pregnant or nursing
• Have active cancer (NAD+ could potentially fuel cancer cell growth)
• Have severe liver disease
• Have certain autoimmune conditions
• Are taking specific medications that interact with NAD+
• Have had allergic reactions to B vitamins or NAD+ components

This is why the consultation phase is so important. We need to make sure NAD+ therapy is safe for you specifically.

The Time Commitment

IV Therapy
Each session: 2-4 hours at the clinic
Initial phase: Often weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks
Maintenance: Monthly or every few months, depending on your response

Injections
Each session: 5-10 minutes
Frequency: 2-3 times per week initially, then as needed

Oral Supplements
Daily: 30 seconds to take your pills
Ongoing: Continuous daily use for sustained benefits

The Bottom Line: Is NAD+ Therapy Right for You?

After all this information, you might be wondering: "Okay, but should I actually do this?"

Here's my honest take after working with countless patients in the Texas Panhandle.

NAD+ therapy shows genuine promise based on current science. We're not talking about snake oil here There's real research backing the role of NAD+ in cellular health and aging processes.

But it's not a magic bullet. You're not going to walk out of your first IV session as a new person (despite what some clinics might promise on Instagram). The benefits are real and build over time.

It works best for the right candidates. People who seem to benefit most are those dealing with:

• Noticeable fatigue or burnout
• Brain fog and cognitive sluggishness
• Age-related metabolic changes
• High-stress lifestyles
• Recovery challenges (whether from exercise or illness)
• Interest in preventive longevity medicine

It's part of a bigger wellness strategy. NAD+ therapy should complement—not replace—the fundamentals: good nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and preventive healthcare.

The science is still evolving. We're learning more every year, and while the current evidence is encouraging, we don't have decades of long-term human data yet. This is cutting-edge medicine, which means both exciting potential and some unknowns.

Medical supervision matters. Whether you're considering oral supplements, injections, or IV therapy, work with a qualified healthcare provider. This ensures proper dosing, appropriate monitoring, and someone who can help you navigate any issues that come up.

Here at our practice in Amarillo, we take a thoughtful, evidence-based approach. We're not interested in jumping on every wellness trend that comes along. We offer NAD+ therapy because the science supports it and because we've seen it genuinely benefit our patients, when used appropriately and as part of a comprehensive wellness plan.

If you're curious about whether NAD+ therapy might be right for you, the best next step is a consultation. We'll review your health history, discuss your goals, answer all your questions, and help you make an informed decision.

Because at the end of the day, the best healthcare is personalized healthcare. What works beautifully for your neighbor might not be what you need—and vice versa.