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What Are NAD+ IVs? 

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NAD+ IVs are intravenous solutions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide—a molecule that is fundamental to life as we know it.

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NAD+ is a coenzyme, meaning it helps other enzymes to function correctly (supporting approximately 500 enzymatic reactions!). Essentially, NAD+ is the fuel that makes our cells and organs run smoothly. We need NAD+ for everything from repairing DNA and pumping blood to contracting muscles and helping our mitochondria turn food into fuel.

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However, NAD+ levels tend to decline as we age due to an accumulation of DNA damage and cellular or metabolic requirements, dropping by up to 65% between age 30 and 70. When we have lower NAD+, signs of age-related physiological decline—both internally and externally—can accelerate. Therefore, maintaining your NAD+ levels is a core component of healthy aging and longevity. 

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You may think that boosting NAD+ levels is as easy as popping an NAD+ capsule. However, oral NAD+ is ineffective because it cannot easily cross cell membranes in its original form—the phosphates need to be removed because they’re too large to cross cell membranes. Then, it needs to be converted into its components before it can be taken up by the cell and turned into NAD+.

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Fortunately, there are other options, including intravenous NAD+ and Niagen® IVs, which use the NAD+ precursor Niagen, a patented, pharmaceutical-grade form of NR called nicotinamide riboside chloride (NRCl).

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Directly infusing your bloodstream with NAD+ or Niagen bypasses the digestive system, which may allow for higher bioavailability than capsules. However, there are some prominent differences between NAD+ IVs and Niagen IVs, which we will get into later in this article. 

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Benefits of Maintaining Healthy NAD+ Levels

Both NAD+ IVs and Niagen IVs elevate NAD+ in the body, and research has shown that elevating or maintaining NAD+ levels can support the following areas:

  • Cellular energy production: NAD+ is absolutely vital for helping cells produce energy in the form of ATP. Without ATP, we cannot function; with low ATP, we can feel signs of mental and physical fatigue. 

  • Mitochondrial function: As you may recall from 7th-grade Biology, the mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, meaning they turn the food we eat into fuel (a process known as mitochondrial respiration). Higher NAD+ levels can support more efficient mitochondrial function.

  • DNA repair: Depleted NAD+ stores are associated with reduced abilities to repair damaged DNA—an essential component of cellular health and healthy aging.

  • Healthy autophagy: NAD+ is involved in autophagy, or the removal of toxic and dysfunctional cells and proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis.

  • Aspects of longevity: NAD+ supports sirtuin activity (a group of enzymes that help regulate cellular health and repair DNA) and reduces telomere dysfunction. 

  • Muscle health and recovery: Muscles are also substantial energy users, and low NAD+ may be implicated in age-related muscle loss and poor recovery after activity.

 

Your First Niagen IV: What to Expect Before, During, and After

NAD+ IV therapy has exploded on the wellness scene in recent years, and with good reason—these intravenous solutions provide us with a rapid infusion of a vital coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

This coenzyme is found in every human cell and is necessary for life as we know it. NAD+ is involved in over 500 different chemical processes in the body, one of which is to produce energy known as ATP. As NAD+ declines due to age and exposure to metabolic stressors (such as poor diet), age-related conditions may begin to appear due to accelerated cellular aging and suboptimal organ function. 

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Some of the potential benefits of boosting NAD+ levels in the cells can include cellular energy production, mitochondrial health, and DNA repair—all of which are vital for healthy aging. 

But while NAD+ IVs have been around for decades, they have notorious issues with unpleasant and often painful side effects and long infusion times. 

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Fortunately, there’s a new IV on the block: pharmaceutical grade Niagen® IV, composed of the patented NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide riboside chloride (NRCl). If you’re considering your first Niagen IV session, here’s everything you need to know, including why Niagen IVs are better than NAD+ IVs and what to expect before, during, and after your session.


 

Why Is Niagen IV Better Than NAD+ IV?

Niagen IV is a superior NAD-boosting infusion treatment for several reasons. 

First, NAD+ IVs can be unreliable since many different companies produce NAD+ solutions for IV use, and all may not adhere to the same quality standards. This may lead to variability in the purity and potency of the NAD+ solution.

Conversely, Niagen IV consists of pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® (nicotinamide riboside chloride or NRCl, an NAD+ precursor), which is mixed with bacteriostatic or sterile water prior to intravenous administration. The treatments are always administered by qualified and licensed experts at premium clinics, and soon, in the comfort of your home with a mobile IV service. 

Another prominent downside of NAD+ IVs is the unwanted side effects they may produce during the infusion, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, chest tightness, diarrhea, and flushing.

These adverse effects typically arise because the large dose of extracellular NAD+ (that occurs with IV administration) may be interpreted by the body as the presence of damaged or dead cells. Therefore, NAD+ IV may lead to the perception of trauma within the body, resulting in an immune response that may cause inflammation and unpleasant side effects.

Due to these side effects, the infusion time of NAD+ IV could extend to up to 4 hours. 

Conversely, Niagen IV is made of NRCl, which has fewer side effects, leading to faster infusion rates and a more rapid rise in NAD+ levels. 

According to a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study, people receiving Niagen IV experienced the following (compared to NAD+ IV):

  • 75% shorter infusion time than NAD+ IV

  • Increased tolerability and fewer significant side effects than NAD+ IV

  • Faster elevation and a 20% higher peak of NAD+ in the blood at 3 hours post-infusion (measured by dried blood spot)

  • No detected elevation of inflammatory markers vs. NAD+ IV

The Niagen IV infusions ranged from 10 minutes to three hours, while the NAD+ IV took 20 minutes to just over three hours, averaging a 75% reduction in the total time needed to complete the Niagen IV.

With one-quarter of the time needed for infusions, markedly better toleration with less severe side effects, and a rapid elevation of NAD+, Niagen IV is a superior choice for increasing NAD+ via IV administration with highly bioavailable Niagen®. 

 

Preparing For Your First Niagen IV

If you’ve booked your Niagen IV session and are ready to go, here are a few tips for making the process as seamless as possible. 

  • Maintain proper hydration. Not only are dehydrated veins more difficult to access with the IV, but drinking enough water will also ensure you feel better throughout the session. Optimal hydration helps ensure proper nutrient transportation and absorption throughout the body. In the days leading up to your Niagen IV session, aim to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. 

  • Avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol before your Niagen IV is recommended. 

  • Fueling your body with proper nutrition can support the therapy and how you feel during the infusion.

  • Eat a healthy and nutrient-dense meal before your Niagen IV session, including lean protein, healthy fats (like olive oil or avocado), and antioxidant-rich vegetables or fruit. These foods naturally benefit cellular health.

  • Avoid foods that are detrimental to cellular function, like ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and refined carbohydrates.

  • Ensure that you get enough high-quality sleep during the nights leading up to your Niagen IV therapy since quality sleep aids in cellular repair.

 

Of course, you’ll want to follow any specific instructions given by Vitality Natural Wellness or your healthcare provider.

Before your appointment, you may have a brief consultation to discuss your health goals, any medical conditions, and whether Niagen IV is appropriate for you. This is important for ensuring safety and optimizing the dosage.

Be sure to talk about any existing health conditions, medications, or supplements you currently take. It’s also important to note your baseline measures to see how you are improving with Niagen IV therapy. For example, you can note your current energy levels, sleep, physical performance, or recovery.

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When it comes to the day of your appointment, arrive in soft clothing that you’ll feel comfortable sitting in, and bring a book, headphones, or anything else you’d like to use during the treatment, such as a water bottle, laptop, tablet, or a hobby. However, you don’t have too long—just under an hour!

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What to Expect During Niagen IV

After checking in and filling out paperwork, it’s time to start your treatment. All Niagen IV treatments are administered in a comfortable environment by qualified and licensed experts. 

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Niagen IVs are not nearly as long, intensive, or uncomfortable as NAD+ IVs. This is because Niagen IV consists of Niagen®, or patented NRCl, rather than NAD+. Niagen is one of the most well-researched, patented, and efficient NAD+ precursors and does not need to be broken down or converted into its components to cross the cell membrane, while NAD+ is a large molecule that cannot enter cells intact. 

Another reason for the faster infusion time is that Niagen IVs do not require the loading dose—a smaller dose at the beginning of the treatment—some NAD+ IVs do because of their potential side effects.

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In a pilot study assessing Niagen IV, people reported minor side effects, with tingling in the mouth and extremities being reported most often. Others reported feelings of congestion or “runny nose,” as well as pressure in the head and ears. Comparatively, NAD+ IVs can cause more severe side effects.

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What to Expect After Niagen IV

No recovery process or downtime is required after receiving Niagen IV treatment—in fact, you’ll probably feel great. However, if you feel like you need to rest and recover, honor your body and do so.

The effects of Niagen IV therapy can vary individually depending on factors like your health and current NAD+ status. 

Although it can vary from person to person, the effects of Niagen IV may last up to two weeks after the infusion. 

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How to Maximize Your Niagen IV Results

Just as we mentioned ways to maximize your Niagen IV therapy before the session, you can also enhance your results afterward with similar methods.

Some of the best tips after getting Niagen IV therapy to maximize your results include:

  • Continue with good hydration (8 to 10 cups per day).

  • Get enough high-quality sleep (about 7 to 9 hours per night).

  • Eat a diet high in antioxidants, fresh produce, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-containing legumes or whole grains. 

  • Moderately exercise, beginning with lower-impact activities in the day or two post-IV and gradually increasing based on how you are feeling. 

  • Consider supplementing with Tru Niagen to maintain an elevated NAD+ level between infusions. 

Because individual results may vary, pay close attention to how your body reacts after the IV therapy. Note any changes in your energy levels, mood, mental function, or sleep and compare them to your baseline notes. 

Lastly, avoiding tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs after you get Niagen IV is vital to help maintain the benefits of the therapy, considering that these compounds are known to be detrimental to cellular function.

Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider or wellness clinic to maximize the benefits of Niagen IV therapy. 

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How Often Should You Get Niagen IV?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how often you should get Niagen IV—it’s based on factors like your overall health, any health conditions you have, your current NAD+ status, and your desired results. 

Your healthcare provider can help you tailor an individualized Niagen IV treatment plan specific to you. 

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FAQs About Niagen IV

How can I prepare for my first Niagen IV? 

You can prepare for your first Niagen IV by drinking enough water in the days leading up to it, eating a healthy and nutrient-dense meal beforehand, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting enough sleep. On the day of your Niagen IV, wear comfortable clothes and bring something you want to read or use.

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Does Niagen IV cause side effects? 

Niagen IV causes minimal side effects, especially when compared to NAD+ IV. In a pilot study, people receiving Niagen IVs reported feeling congested, tingling in the mouth, and a slight pressure in the head and ears.

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Is Niagen IV uncomfortable? 

No, Niagen IV is not thought to be uncomfortable—in fact, many people find it relaxing. Conversely, NAD+ IVs are notoriously uncomfortable, causing chest tightness, anxiety, headaches, nausea, hot flashes, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. 

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How long does Niagen IV take? 

Niagen IVs are much faster than NAD+ IVs, lasting just under an hour, depending on the desired rate of infusion. 

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Should I eat before Niagen IV?

Yes, you should eat a healthy and well-balanced meal before your Niagen IV unless instructed otherwise.


Sources: 

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Brakedal B, Dölle C, Riemer F, et al. The NADPARK study: A randomized phase I trial of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in Parkinson's disease. Cell Metab. 2022;34(3):396-407.e6. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2022.02.001

Custodero C, Saini SK, Shin MJ, et al. Nicotinamide riboside-A missing piece in the puzzle of exercise therapy for older adults?. Exp Gerontol. 2020;137:110972. doi:10.1016/j.exger.2020.110972

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Janssens GE, Grevendonk L, Perez RZ, et al. Healthy aging and muscle function are positively associated with NAD+ abundance in humans. Nat Aging 2022;2, 254–263. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-022-00174-3

Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, Guest J, Farnsworth B, Guillemin GJ. Age-associated changes in oxidative stress and NAD+ metabolism in human tissue. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42357. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0042357

Matasic DS, Brenner C, London B. Emerging potential benefits of modulating NAD+ metabolism in cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2018;314(4):H839-H852. doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00409.2017

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Remie CME, Roumans KHM, Moonen MPB, et al. Nicotinamide riboside supplementation alters body composition and skeletal muscle acetylcarnitine concentrations in healthy obese humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 2020;112(2):413-426. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqaa072

Ruszkiewicz JA, Bürkle A, Mangerich A. Fueling genome maintenance: On the versatile roles of NAD+ in preserving DNA integrity. J Biol Chem. 2022;298(6):102037. doi:10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102037

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