The longevity crowd has a new favourite molecule—and this time, they’re injecting it.
NAD (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell in your body, where it plays a critical role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic function. As we age, NAD levels decline. That decline has been linked to fatigue, cognitive decline, metabolic dysfunction, and a host of age-related diseases.
Enter NAD injections—a fast-rising intervention designed to restore intracellular NAD levels and reverse some of the biological wear-and-tear that comes with getting older. They’ve gone from fringe biohacking circles to luxury wellness clinics and longevity-focused medical practices. But what does the science say? And is injecting NAD more effective than taking it orally or via an IV drip?
Let’s unpack what’s real, what’s hype, and what you need to know before considering it.
What are NAD injections and how do they work?
NAD injections involve delivering nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide directly into the muscle via intramuscular (IM) injection. Once administered, NAD enters the bloodstream and is taken up by tissues throughout the body, where it supports cellular energy production, mitochondrial health, and DNA repair.
Unlike oral supplements, which must be converted from precursors like NR (nicotinamide riboside) or NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), NAD injections bypass digestion and first-pass metabolism, providing a more direct and efficient increase in circulating NAD levels.
What are the benefits of NAD injections for energy and brain function?
Proponents of NAD injections report a range of benefits, particularly in areas where cellular energy and neurochemical function play a role:
- Increased energy and reduced fatigue
- Improved mental clarity and focus
- Better mood and stress resilience
- Enhanced motivation and drive
These effects are consistent with NAD’s role in ATP production (cellular energy), neurotransmitter synthesis, and oxidative stress regulation. People experiencing burnout, chronic stress, or “brain fog” often report the most noticeable improvements.
How do NAD injections support cellular repair and anti-ageing?
NAD is essential for activating enzymes called sirtuins and PARPs, which regulate:
- DNA repair
- Inflammation control
- Mitochondrial function
- Cell survival under stress
As NAD levels decline with age, these repair and protection mechanisms become less efficient—leading to accelerated cellular ageing. Restoring NAD through injections may help reactivate these longevity pathways, improving resilience at the cellular level and slowing the biological ageing process.
This is why NAD is a cornerstone of many anti-ageing protocols and longevity clinics.
Are NAD injections more effective than oral supplements or IV therapy?
NAD injections provide faster and more direct delivery than oral supplements, which must first be converted from precursor compounds (like NR or NMN). Many oral supplements are also degraded in the gut, limiting how much NAD actually reaches the bloodstream.
Compared to IV therapy, injections are:
- Less time-consuming (takes minutes, not hours)
- Less expensive (typically a fraction of the cost of IV infusions)
- Still highly bioavailable, although IV may deliver higher peak levels
The best delivery method depends on your goals, budget, and tolerance. Injections offer a strong balance of efficiency, effectiveness, and practicality for most people.
How long do the effects of NAD injections last?
The acute effects—such as increased energy and mental clarity—can often be felt within a few hours to a day after injection and may last several days depending on the individual.
At the cellular level, NAD injections may support longer-term improvements in:
- Mitochondrial function
- DNA repair capacity
- Metabolic health
For ongoing benefits, regular dosing is required, as NAD is rapidly used and recycled within the body. Most protocols involve 1–3 injections per week for several weeks, followed by a maintenance schedule.
What does the science say about the effectiveness of NAD injections?
While large-scale, long-term studies are limited, the mechanism of action is well understood and strongly supported by cellular biology. Key findings include:
- NAD levels decline significantly with age and stress
- Supplementation can restore levels and improve mitochondrial function
- Animal studies show improved lifespan, metabolic health, and cognitive function
Human trials on NAD injections specifically are still emerging, but early research and clinical use suggest positive outcomes for fatigue, mood, and neurodegeneration, particularly in individuals with low baseline NAD levels.
Are NAD injections safe and what are the possible side effects?
NAD injections are generally well tolerated, especially when administered under professional guidance. However, mild side effects can include:
- Flushing or warmth at the injection site
- Nausea or lightheadedness (especially if delivered too quickly)
- Temporary muscle soreness
Rare but possible risks include allergic reactions or infection at the injection site, as with any intramuscular injection.
Experts recommend starting with a lower dose and slower protocol, especially for first-time users or those with sensitivity to metabolic shifts.
How often should you get NAD injections for optimal results?
Protocols vary depending on the use case. Common approaches include:
- Loading phase: 1–3 injections per week for 4–6 weeks
- Maintenance: 1 injection every 1–2 weeks
More intensive protocols may be used for recovery from burnout, chronic fatigue, or neurodegenerative conditions, often in combination with IV NAD or oral precursors.
As with most longevity therapies, consistency and personalisation are key.
Do NAD injections help with recovery from burnout or chronic fatigue?
Yes—this is one of the most well-documented use cases for NAD. By replenishing depleted energy pathways, NAD injections can:
- Improve ATP production at the cellular level
- Enhance mitochondrial function
- Support neurotransmitter balance and adrenal recovery
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, or high-stress lifestyles often report significant improvements in energy, focus, and emotional resilience within a few weeks of starting NAD protocols.
Can NAD injections improve athletic performance or muscle recovery?
NAD plays a crucial role in:
- Cellular energy metabolism (via the Krebs cycle)
- Muscle regeneration and repair
- Inflammatory control post-exercise
While it’s not a performance enhancer in the traditional sense (like caffeine or creatine), NAD injections may support faster recovery, reduce fatigue, and optimise energy output in highly trained individuals—especially during overreaching or high-volume phases.
Emerging research is exploring NAD’s role in exercise-induced mitochondrial adaptation, making it a potential tool for elite athletes or aging populations looking to stay active.
How much do NAD injections cost and are they worth it?
Pricing varies widely depending on location and provider, but typical costs range from:
- £50–£150 per injection
- £300–£1,000+ per protocol cycle
Whether they’re “worth it” depends on your health status and goals. If you’re dealing with burnout, chronic fatigue, brain fog, or actively pursuing longevity optimisation, many people find the energy and mental benefits immediate and worthwhile.
If you’re healthy, young, and already supplementing well, the marginal gains may not justify the cost—unless you’re experimenting with deeper biohacking protocols.
Who should avoid NAD injections or speak to a doctor first?
While generally safe, NAD injections are not for everyone. You should speak to a healthcare provider first if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a history of cancer or metabolic disorders
- Are taking medications for autoimmune or neurological conditions
- Have cardiovascular issues (especially if combining NAD with other stimulants)
Like all targeted interventions, NAD should be used as part of a wider health strategy, not a standalone miracle cure.
Photography Ian Talmacs
