What is NAD+ and why does it matter?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell. It powers mitochondrial energy production and activates key longevity proteins called sirtuins, which regulate DNA repair and metabolic health. NAD+ levels naturally decline 50%+ between ages 20 and 60, which is why supplementation has become foundational in regenerative and anti-aging medicine.

IV NAD+ vs. injectable shots vs. NMN/NR — which should I choose?

IV NAD+ delivers the highest, most direct dose (300–1000mg per session) and is preferred for protocols targeting cognitive enhancement, addiction recovery, or significant longevity goals. Subcutaneous shots (50–100mg) are convenient at-home maintenance. Oral precursors (NMN, NR / Niagen) are gentler and better suited for daily background support. Many patients combine them — IV monthly + a daily oral precursor.

How long does an IV NAD+ infusion take, and what does it feel like?

A typical infusion runs 60–120 minutes depending on dose and how slowly we titrate. Many patients feel a tightness in the chest, jaw, or stomach if we go too fast — easily resolved by slowing the drip. Most people feel calm, focused, and energized for several days after.

How often should I do NAD+ therapy?

For peak performance / longevity, a typical protocol is 4–6 loading sessions spaced over 1–2 weeks, then a maintenance infusion every 4–8 weeks. For cognitive recovery (e.g., post-concussion), more intensive front-loading is appropriate. Dr. Shewmake will design your cadence based on your labs and goals.

Are there side effects?

NAD+ is well tolerated when administered slowly. The most common acute sensations are transient chest, jaw, or stomach tightness during infusion (rate-related, not dangerous). Some patients report mild nausea or headache that resolves within hours.

NAD+ Therapy

Reclaim your youth & resilience with our NAD+ Restoration Protocol. The master coenzyme your cells need for energy, repair, and longevity.

Why NAD+ Matters

Cognitive Enhancement

NAD+ is essential for neuronal function, DNA repair, and neurotransmitter production. Patients consistently report improved mental clarity, sharper focus, and reduced brain fog after infusion therapy.

Cellular Energy Production

NAD+ is a critical coenzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Declining NAD+ levels with age directly reduce ATP production — the energy currency of every cell in your body. Restoring NAD+ revitalizes energy at the deepest level.

Anti-Aging & Longevity

NAD+ activates sirtuins — a family of proteins that regulate aging, inflammation, and DNA repair. Higher NAD+ levels are associated with longer telomeres, reduced oxidative stress, and improved healthspan.

Addiction & Recovery Support

NAD+ IV therapy has been used in addiction recovery protocols to help repair neurotransmitter pathways damaged by substance use. It can reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and support neurological healing.

NAD+ Formats & Pricing

NAD+ Injectable — 50mg

$50

A quick intramuscular NAD+ shot for maintenance between IV sessions. Ideal for patients who want a regular NAD+ boost without the time commitment of a full infusion.

5-minute treatmentIM injectionMaintenance dosing

NAD+ Injectable — 100mg

$100

A higher-dose intramuscular injection for patients who need more significant NAD+ replenishment but prefer the convenience of a quick shot over a multi-hour IV.

5-minute treatmentIM injectionTherapeutic dosing

Most Powerful

NAD+ IV Infusion — 500mg

$550

The gold standard. A full 500mg NAD+ infusion delivered directly into the bloodstream over 2–4 hours for maximum cellular uptake. This is the most powerful format — patients report dramatic improvements in energy, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Recommended for initial loading protocols and serious anti-aging or recovery programs.

2-4 hour infusion100% bioavailabilityMaximum therapeutic impact

Niagen (Nicotinamide Riboside) IV Therapy

Niagen is a patented form of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) — a naturally occurring precursor to NAD+. Unlike direct NAD+ infusion, NR works by fueling your body's own NAD+ production pathways, effectively teaching your cells to generate more NAD+ on their own.

When administered intravenously, Niagen bypasses the digestive system entirely, achieving significantly higher bioavailability than oral NR supplements. This makes IV Niagen an excellent option for patients who want sustained NAD+ elevation between full NAD+ infusion sessions, or for those who prefer a gentler approach to NAD+ optimization.

Clinical research has shown that Nicotinamide Riboside supports mitochondrial function, reduces cellular inflammation, improves insulin sensitivity, and may protect against age-related neurodegeneration. It is particularly well-suited for longevity protocols, metabolic optimization, and patients managing chronic fatigue.

Boosts natural NAD+ production pathways

Superior bioavailability via IV delivery

Supports mitochondrial health & energy

Reduces cellular inflammation

Neuroprotective properties

Ideal between full NAD+ infusion sessions

500mg IV Niagen Infusion$550

Who Should Consider NAD+?

Anyone over 35 experiencing energy decline

Patients with chronic fatigue or brain fog

Athletes seeking peak performance & recovery

Individuals in addiction recovery programs

Anti-aging and longevity-focused patients

Post-COVID recovery and neurological symptoms

Patients with neurodegenerative concerns

Anyone seeking cellular-level optimization

Real Results

NAD+ Patient Stories

Real patients, real results. See how NAD+ therapy has transformed lives at Zen.

James M.

Male, 52 | Executive

Concern

Chronic fatigue, afternoon crashes, brain fog that worsened over the past 3 years. Tried supplements, sleep optimization, and diet changes with minimal improvement.

Zen Protocol

NAD+ 500mg IVMyers CocktailCJC/Ipamorelin

Result

After his first 500mg NAD+ infusion, James reported mental clarity he hadn't experienced in years. By his 4th weekly session, his energy was sustained throughout the day and his afternoon crashes were gone. Now maintains with monthly sessions.

"I walked out of my first session and called my wife from the car. I told her I felt like someone turned the lights back on in my brain. I'm not exaggerating — it was that dramatic."

— James M.

4 weeks to sustained results

Sarah K.

Female, 44 | Attorney

Concern

Post-COVID brain fog and fatigue lasting 14 months. Difficulty concentrating during depositions and trial prep. Previously sharp cognitive function had noticeably declined.

Zen Protocol

NAD+ 250mg IV (2x/week)Glutathione PushNeoLight

Result

Sarah completed 8 NAD+ sessions over 4 weeks. By session 3, she noticed her reading speed and comprehension returning. By week 4, she described her cognition as "95% of pre-COVID levels." She continues monthly maintenance.

"Long COVID stole my edge. I'm a trial attorney — I need to be sharp. NAD+ gave me back the mental horsepower I thought I'd lost permanently. I tell every colleague about this."

— Sarah K.

4 weeks to significant cognitive recovery

Names have been changed to protect patient privacy. Individual results may vary.

From the Regen Blog

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NAD+ Therapy

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NAD+ is the master coenzyme your cells depend on for energy production, DNA repair, and longevity signaling. By age 40, your levels have dropped by up to 50%.

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NAD+ Therapy

NAD+ vs. NMN vs. NR: Which NAD+ Precursor Actually Works?

The longevity space is obsessed with NAD+ — but should you take NMN, NR, or get IV NAD+ directly? Brad breaks down the science, the absorption differences, and what actually moves the needle.

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8 min read

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Exosomes in Regenerative Medicine: The Science Behind the Hype

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Kris Shewmake, MD

8 min read

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Frequently Asked

NAD+ Frequently Asked

Common questions about IV NAD+, oral precursors, and how to integrate NAD therapy into a longevity protocol.

Restore Your Cellular Energy

Schedule your NAD+ consultation and discover the right protocol for your goals.