NAD+ oral and injectable information

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NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a central role in energy metabolism, DNA repair, gene expression, and cellular signaling. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, which is linked to reduced mitochondrial efficiency, slower metabolism, and increased susceptibility to age-related disease. Because of this, NAD+ supplementation has gained a lot of attention in the anti-aging and biohacking space.

 

Oral NAD+ Supplements:

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Oral delivery typically comes in the form of NAD+ precursors rather than pure NAD+ itself, since NAD+ is not well absorbed in the digestive tract. The most common precursors are nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).

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Mechanism:

• These compounds enter the bloodstream after digestion.

• Once inside cells, they undergo conversion through enzymatic pathways into NAD+.

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Pros:

• Convenient (pills, powders, sublingual lozenges).

• Relatively inexpensive compared to injections or IV infusions.

• Can be used daily for long-term maintenance.

Cons:

• Lower bioavailability compared to injectable NAD+.

• Requires the body to convert precursors into NAD+, and efficiency can vary between individuals.

• Effects tend to be more gradual and subtle.

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Typical Use:

• NR: 250–500 mg daily.

• NMN: 250–1000 mg daily.

These doses are often stacked with lifestyle strategies like fasting, exercise, and sirtuin activators (resveratrol, pterostilbene) for synergistic effects.

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Injectable NAD+:

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Injectable NAD+ is usually administered either intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV). Unlike oral precursors, injectable NAD+ delivers the coenzyme directly into circulation in its active form.

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Mechanism:

• Bypasses digestion and conversion steps.

• Provides a rapid rise in systemic NAD+ levels.

• Readily taken up by cells to support mitochondrial function and repair.

Pros:

• Much higher bioavailability and faster onset than oral routes.

• Can provide immediate effects in energy, cognition, and recovery.

• Used in clinical settings for addiction recovery, chronic fatigue, depression, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Cons:

• Requires professional administration (especially IV).

• Can be uncomfortable: NAD+ infusions often cause chest tightness, flushing, or nausea if pushed too fast.

• Expensive compared to oral options.

• Not as practical for daily use.

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Typical Use:

• IV NAD+ protocols: 250–1000 mg per infusion, often given over 2–4 hours.

• IM injections: smaller doses, 50–200 mg, for quicker but less intense boosts.

• Often used in cycles, like a few infusions over 5–10 days, then maintenance sessions every few weeks or months.

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Practical Takeaway

• Oral precursors (NMN/NR) are best for long-term, consistent maintenance of NAD+ levels and general anti-aging purposes.

• Injectable NAD+ is better suited for people looking for rapid results, recovery from burnout, addiction, or neurological support, but it’s less practical for everyday use

 

1. Oral NAD+ (NR or NMN)

Since oral NAD+ itself isn’t well absorbed, people use precursors like NR or NMN:

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Typical dosing: Daily Dose

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Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

250–500 mg

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Usually split into 1–2 doses; taken with or without food. Higher doses (up to 1000 mg) are sometimes used in research.

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Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

Dose: 250–1000 mg

Often split into morning and afternoon doses to avoid sleep disturbance, since NAD+ can slightly increase energy.

Tips:

• Take in the morning if you want energy or cognitive benefits.

• Can be stacked with resveratrol, pterostilbene, or alpha-lipoic acid for synergistic NAD+ support.

• Effects are gradual; consistent daily use is key.

 

2. Injectable NAD+ (IV or IM)

Intravenous (IV) NAD+:

• Dose: 250–1000 mg per session (sometimes up to 1500–2000 mg for intensive therapy).

• Frequency: Often administered over 2–4 hours per infusion.

• Protocol: Commonly 5–10 sessions in a row for intensive therapy, then maintenance infusions every 1–3 months.

• Notes: Infusion speed matters—too fast can cause nausea, flushing, or anxiety. Administering over 2–4 hours is standard.

Intramuscular (IM) NAD+:

• Dose: 50–200 mg per injection.

• Frequency: Can be given a few times per week depending on goals.

• Notes: IM dosing is less intense than IV but still more direct than oral supplementation.

 

3. Safety Considerations

• Oral NR/NMN is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects (mild nausea or digestive discomfort possible).

• IV NAD+ can cause flushing, sweating, mild anxiety, or chest tightness if infused too quickly.

• Always work with a qualified clinician for injectable NAD+, especially at higher doses.

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Oral – Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) 250–500 mg (up to 1000 mg) Daily

Continuous, long-term

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General anti-aging, energy support, cognitive enhancement. Split into 1–2 doses. Take in morning for energy.

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Oral – Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) 250–1000 mg. Daily Continuous, long-term  Supports NAD+ levels, mitochondrial function, metabolic health. Morning/afternoon dosing preferred.

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IV NAD+

250–1000 mg (up to 2000 mg in intensive therapy)

1–10 sessions initially; maintenance every 1–3 months

Infused over 2–4 hours

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Rapid energy boost, neuroprotection, recovery, addiction therapy, chronic fatigue. Administer slowly to avoid side effects.

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IM NAD+

50–200 mg 2–3 times per week depending on goal.

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Short-term or maintenance cycles:

Moderate boost in energy, cellular repair support. Less intense than IV but more direct than oral.

 

Practical Guidelines:

1. Consistency matters: Oral NAD+ works best with daily use over weeks to months.

2. Infusion speed is critical: For IV NAD+, slower is safer—never rush the dose.

3. Stacking: Oral NAD+ often works best with supporting compounds like resveratrol or pterostilbene.

4. Cycle vs Maintenance:

   • Oral: continuous daily dosing is fine.

   • IV: intensive cycle first, then maintenance every few months.

   • IM: can be used as mini-maintenance in between IV sessions.