NAD+ IV Therapy: Benefits, Evidence and What to Expect

NAD+ has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in wellness. It appears in podcasts, supplement aisles and IV drip menus, often alongside big claims about energy and ageing. Some of the interest is grounded in real science, and some of it runs well ahead of the evidence. This guide explains what NAD+ is, what research on NAD+ IV therapy does and does not show, what an infusion feels like, and how to decide whether it is worth trying.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme found in every living cell, and it plays a central role in how cells turn food into usable energy. NAD+ is also involved in DNA repair and in the activity of enzymes called sirtuins, which help regulate how cells respond to stress.

Your body makes NAD+ from building blocks in your diet, including forms of vitamin B3 such as niacin and nicotinamide. It recycles NAD+ constantly, so levels depend on both how much is made and how much is used.

Why NAD+ attracts so much attention

Laboratory and animal studies have found that NAD+ levels fall in some tissues with age, and that raising them can improve markers of cell function in those models. Those findings sparked interest in whether boosting NAD+ in people could support energy, metabolism and healthy ageing. The important word is “whether”: translating results from cells and mice into proven benefits for people is a much bigger step, and it has not yet been made.

What the research says about NAD+ IV therapy

What we know

Human studies of IV NAD+ are few and small. They show that NAD+ can be infused, that it is generally tolerated when given slowly, and that the body processes it quickly. Research on oral NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside, is larger and shows that these supplements can raise NAD+ levels in the blood.

What we do not know yet

There is not yet strong clinical trial evidence that IV NAD+ improves energy, slows ageing, sharpens thinking or treats any disease. Claims you may see online about reversing ageing or curing specific conditions are not supported by good quality research. That does not mean nobody feels better after an infusion; it means the reasons and the size of any benefit are not well established.

At AuraWell, we offer NAD+ as a wellness infusion and describe it honestly. Your Nurse Practitioner or practitioner will tell you what is known, what is not, and whether it makes sense for you.

Why people choose NAD+ infusions

People who book NAD+ often describe goals such as:

• Feeling run down during a long, demanding stretch at work or home
• Wanting to support recovery alongside training, sleep and nutrition
• An interest in healthy ageing and longevity routines
• Curiosity after trying oral NAD+ precursors

If your main concern is ongoing tiredness, it is worth checking the basics first. Low iron, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problems and poor sleep are common, treatable causes of fatigue. Our Nurse Practitioners can arrange blood work, and if your iron is low, our guide to low ferritin and iron deficiency explains the next steps.

What to expect during a NAD+ infusion

Screening first

Every first visit starts with a health questionnaire reviewed by a qualified practitioner. Your medications, medical history and vital signs are checked to confirm NAD+ is suitable for you.

A slow infusion

NAD+ is given much more slowly than a standard hydration or vitamin drip. When it runs too fast, many people feel temporary chest tightness, stomach discomfort, nausea, flushing or a sense of pressure. Slowing the rate usually eases these feelings within minutes. Because of this, a NAD+ appointment is longer than a regular drip, and the 500 mg dose takes longer than the 250 mg dose. Your nurse adjusts the pace to keep you comfortable.

Afterwards

Once the infusion is finished, the IV is removed and you rest briefly. Most people return to their day and can drive themselves home. Some feel tired for the rest of the day, others feel no different, and some report feeling clearer. Responses vary.

Side effects and who should avoid NAD+

Most side effects of NAD+ infusions are linked to the infusion rate and settle when it is slowed. They can include:

• Chest tightness or pressure
• Nausea or stomach cramps
• Flushing or warmth
• Headache or light-headedness
• Bruising or soreness at the IV site

NAD+ is not suitable for everyone. It is generally avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding because safety has not been studied, and people with heart, kidney or liver conditions, active cancer treatment or complex medication lists need individual review. Your practitioner may decline NAD+ if the risks outweigh the possible benefits for you.

250 mg or 500 mg: choosing a dose

AuraWell offers NAD+ at two doses. The 250 mg dose is a sensible starting point for most first-time patients, because it lets you see how you tolerate the infusion in a shorter appointment. The 500 mg dose suits people who have had NAD+ before without difficulty and are comfortable with a longer session. Your practitioner will help you choose based on your health history and goals.

NAD+ IV therapy cost at AuraWell

NAD+ infusions at our Woodbridge clinic are $235 for 250 mg and $295 for 500 mg. Each price includes your health screening, a nurse-administered infusion prepared for your visit, and monitoring throughout. If you plan regular sessions, the four-session package applies a fifteen percent saving to any drip, including NAD+. Our IV therapy cost guide for Vaughan explains what affects pricing across the GTA.

IV NAD+ versus oral NAD+ supplements

Oral precursors such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide are taken by mouth and converted to NAD+ in the body. They are convenient and have been studied more than IV NAD+, though benefits beyond raising blood levels are still being researched. IV NAD+ delivers the molecule directly but requires a clinic visit, a longer appointment and a higher cost. Neither option replaces sleep, nutrition, exercise and care for any underlying medical condition. If you take supplements, bring the list to your visit so your practitioner can review them.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a NAD+ infusion take?

NAD+ is infused slowly, so plan for a longer visit than a standard drip. The 500 mg dose takes longer than the 250 mg dose, and your nurse may slow the rate further for comfort.

How often do people have NAD+ infusions?

There is no established schedule backed by research. Your practitioner will suggest a sensible frequency based on your goals and how you tolerated your first infusion.

Is NAD+ therapy safe?

When people are screened first and the infusion is given slowly with monitoring, NAD+ is generally well tolerated. It is not suitable for everyone, which is why every first visit includes a health review.

Can NAD+ reverse ageing?

No reliable evidence shows that NAD+ infusions reverse ageing in people. Research is ongoing, and we prefer to be honest about what is and is not known.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. You complete a health screen before your first infusion, and your practitioner may recommend blood work depending on your history.

Curious whether NAD+ is right for you? Learn more about our NAD+ IV therapy in Woodbridge, see the full IV therapy menu, or call 905-207-7000 to book a screening visit at AuraWell Health, 4600 Hwy 7, Unit 105, Woodbridge.

Keep reading: what is NAD, NAD+ dosage: 250 mg versus 500 mg and how to prepare for your first NAD+ infusion.