Why NAD+?
Restore the Younger You
Repair Cells
Boost Energy
Improve Mental Clarity
Restore Athletic Performance
Slow Aging
Boost Metabolism
What is NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme in our cells that plays a multitude of roles in regulating many biological processes, including metabolism and DNA repair.
Our NAD+ levels drop by up to 50% by the time we reach middle age, and declining NAD+ levels are associated with the changes that occur with aging, including cognitive decline, muscle loss, and metabolic diseases.
In recent years, NAD+ has gained popularity as a treatment for overall wellness and potentially slowing down the physical effects of aging.
Can NAD+ Really Reverse Aging? What Animal and Human Studies Say
Aging isn’t just about wrinkles and gray hair — it's about what happens inside your cells. At the heart of this process is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule that fuels critical biological processes like DNA repair, energy production, and cellular resilience. Over the past decade, NAD+ has gone from an obscure coenzyme to the star of anti-aging research. But how much of the hype is supported by real science?
Let’s break down what animal and human studies have actually show
Animal Studies: Promising
Most of the excitement started with mouse models and other laboratory animals. Here’s what researchers have seen:
Reversal of Age-Related Damage
NAD+ precursors (like NR – nicotinamide riboside, and NMN – nicotinamide mononucleotide) have reversed age-related decline in mice, improving:
Mitochondrial function
Cognitive performance
Physical endurance
Insulin sensitivity
Improved Longevity and Healthspan
Some studies report increased lifespan in animals given NAD+ boosters.
Others found improved organ function (heart, liver, brain) and protection against age-related diseases such as neurodegeneration.
One pivotal study from Harvard (2013) showed that NAD+ restoration could make old mouse cells “indistinguishable” from young ones within a week.
Bottom line: In animals, boosting NAD+ often results in dramatic improvements in age-related decline — though it’s not exactly “immortality in a bottle.”
Human Studies: Early Days, Modest Results
The big question: Does this translate to humans? The answer is “partially” — and cautiously optimistic.
Safety and Bioavailability
NAD+ precursors (like NR and NMN) are generally well-tolerated in humans, with minimal side effects.
Blood levels of NAD+ do increase with supplementation, proving bioavailability.
Potential Cognitive Benefits
Some small-scale studies show improvements in cognitive performance in older adults or people with mild cognitive impairment after NAD+ precursor use.
Metabolic and Physical Health
A few clinical trials suggest:
Improved cardiovascular health
Better insulin sensitivity
Slight reductions in inflammatory markers
Improved muscle strength and endurance
But results are inconsistent, and many studies are:
Short-term
Small in size
Focused more on safety than long-term aging outcomes
What’s Missing?
Large, long-term trials on actual aging markers, disease incidence, or longevity
Standardization across NAD+ delivery methods (oral vs IV, NR vs NMN)
The Takeaway: NAD+ May Be a Piece of the Aging Puzzle
Studies clearly show NAD+ can reverse multiple signs of aging in mice and rats but benefits in humans remain unproven at this point.
NAD+ is not a miracle anti-aging cure, but it may be a promising piece of the puzzle — especially when paired with other science-backed habits like diet, exercise, and sleep.
Benefits from NAD+ injections are usually noticed within the first month or two of consistent use.
NAD+ Injections
NAD+ injections are intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) doses of the NAD+ molecule. By bypassing the digestive system, injections deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, allowing for faster and more efficient absorption than with oral NAD+ precursors.
Skinspirations provides NAD+ injections for you to administer to yourself at home. Some people notice the benefits starting within days, while others may require a few weeks to see a difference. Consistent dosing over 4 - 8 weeks is recommended for optimal benefits.
Side effects are usually minimal, but some people may experience mild headaches, flushing, or nausea, especially with higher doses.
Pricing for NAD+
$50 for an in-office injection
$180 for a 1,000 mg vial that provides an average of four weeks of injections
Quick NAD+ Dosage Guide (IV, IM, SubQ)
Important: NAD+ dosing is individualized and will vary depending on patient needs. Use this chart as an educational overview and follow the plan created with your licensed healthcare professional. This chart, and this blog, are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to substitute or replace medical advice.
IV - Recommended Dosing
For 2-hour weekly infusion:
250mg NAD+ (2.5mLs) in 500ml NS over 2 hours
For 4-hour weekly infusion:
500mg NAD+ (5mLs) in 1000ml NS over 4 hours
IM - Recommended Dosing
50mg (0.5mL or 50 units) up to 3 times per week
SUB-Q - Recommended Dosing
Start with 30 units (0.3mLs) every day for at least a week, then you may increase to 50 units (0.5mLs) if desired.
If injecting 30 units: use daily
If injecting 50 units: use ONLY Monday through Friday
Maximizing The Results Of Your NAD+ Treatments
NAD+ Dosing
Initially, it’s best to start with a small dose to allow your body to become accustomed to the NAD+.
Start with 0.3ml (30mg) NAD+ every other day, the first week. If you don’t have any problems, increase to 0.3ml every day.
If you’re tolerating that dose well, you may increase it to 0.5ml (50mg), but only inject it Monday through Friday.
Never use more than 0.5ml in less than 24 hours to avoid side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
Preparing Your Medication
You will be supplied with everything you need for one month’s worth of NAD+.
Refrigerate your vial as soon as you get home. Always read the label of your medication before administering an injection and sterilize the rubber top of the vial with alcohol before inserting the needle.
As a subcutaneous or IM injection. NAD+ is best administered on either your stomach or upper arm. To avoid irritation, alternate the side you administer injections each time.
How to Give Yourself A Subcutaneous Injection
https://www.olympiapharmacy.com/resources/guides/how-to-administer-a-subcutaneous-injection/
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
Nicotinimide mononucleotide (NMN) is a dietary supplement and a direct precursor to NAD+. NMN is thought to increase NAD+ levels better than vitamin B3 derivative NAD+ precursors, like nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinic acid (NA). Animal studies have shown that NMN administration may enhance NAD+ levels, insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity, improve lipid profiles, and suppress age-related weight gain.
Oral NMN is a convenient oral option that may complement injected NAD+, and for those who only desire increased energy or don’t want injections, it may offer some of the benefits of NAD+.
Are you a candidate for a regenerative therapy?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Elliott soon to find out if a cell-based treatment can help you.
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“I'm so glad that I found Skinspirations! For every concern I've gone to them for, they have had the most advanced treatment options possible. The staff is always wonderful, and the knowledge of Dr. Elliott and the other clinicians is second to none.”
– Rodney Taylor