Written by: Chaz Faulhaber
Published: July 1, 2022

What is NAD+ and How Does It Work?

Simply put, NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, but what is it exactly? Found in all living cells, NAD+ is a molecule that is crucial for key physiological bodily processes to function properly.
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What is NAD+ and How Does It Work?

NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for cellular energy production and metabolic function. It plays a key role in supporting normal biological processes, including energy conversion and DNA maintenance. As our medical director, Dr. Wilks, emphasizes: "Without this molecule, life as we know it would cease to exist."

Understanding NAD and Its Role in Your Body

At its core, NAD acts as a vital coenzyme that supports your cells’ natural energy systems. It helps the mitochondria—often referred to as the body’s powerhouses—convert nutrients into usable energy and aids in normal cellular maintenance, including DNA support and metabolic balance. By promoting efficient cellular function, NAD contributes to overall energy, vitality, and well-being.

How Does NAD Work at the Cellular Level?

Your cells naturally produce NAD through a process called biosynthesis, using amino acids and other nutrients as building blocks. This essential coenzyme is made up of two nucleotides connected by phosphate groups and acts as a key participant in cellular energy transfer. By helping move electrons within cells, NAD supports numerous biochemical reactions that are fundamental to healthy cellular function and energy metabolism. NAD works with various enzymes in the body to support essential metabolic and cellular functions. As NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, these processes may become less efficient, influencing how the body produces energy and maintains normal cellular activity. Supporting healthy NAD+ levels can help promote balanced metabolism and overall cellular vitality.

What is NAD IV therapy and Why Consider It?

NAD+ IV therapy provides this essential coenzyme directly into the bloodstream, allowing for efficient delivery and utilization by the body. Because it bypasses the digestive process, IV administration may support greater bioavailability compared to oral supplements. This method is designed to help promote healthy cellular energy production and overall metabolic function.


The Benefits of NAD+ Therapy

Supports Cognitive Function and Mental Clarity

Occasional memory lapses, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating can occur as part of the natural aging process and may be associated with lower NAD levels. Because this coenzyme supports the brain’s ability to produce cellular energy, reduced availability may affect mental performance and focus. NAD IV therapy is designed to help support mental clarity, cognitive function, and overall brain health by promoting efficient cellular energy metabolism.

Optimized Metabolic Function

NAD is a vital coenzyme that supports healthy metabolic processes and energy production within the body. As metabolism naturally slows with age, maintaining balanced NAD levels may help promote efficient energy use and overall vitality. By contributing to the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the body’s main source of cellular energy—NAD plays an important role in sustaining normal metabolic function and energy balance.

Sustained Energy and Vitality

Fighting fatigue can become easier when your cells have adequate NAD to efficiently produce ATP, the body’s main energy source. By supporting normal cellular function and energy metabolism, NAD therapy may help promote both physical and mental vitality. Many individuals report feeling more refreshed and balanced following wellness treatments that support healthy NAD levels.

Natural Pain Management Support

Emerging research suggests that NAD may help the body manage oxidative stress and support a healthy inflammatory response. As a non-pharmaceutical wellness approach, NAD therapy is designed to complement pain management strategies and promote overall comfort without the use of traditional medications.

Protection for Neurological Health

Preliminary studies indicate that NAD supports neuronal health and cellular function in the brain. By helping cells manage oxidative and metabolic stress, NAD contributes to overall brain wellness and cognitive balance as part of a healthy aging process.

Mood Support and Emotional Balance

Beyond its role in physical wellness, NAD assists in normal neurotransmitter function, including the processes involved in serotonin production. Supporting healthy NAD levels may help promote emotional balance, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

Who Can Benefit from NAD Therapy

NAD therapy supports a wide range of wellness goals. Athletes may use it to promote recovery and performance, while professionals often turn to it to help maintain mental clarity and focus during demanding schedules. Many adults notice that as they age, energy and vitality naturally decline, and NAD therapy can help support healthy cellular function and balance.

NAD therapy may be beneficial for:

  • Professionals seeking help managing occasional fatigue or burnout

  • Athletes focused on recovery and sustained performance

  • Individuals over 35 supporting natural energy levels

  • Those aiding their body’s recovery after physical stress or surgery

  • Anyone aiming to strengthen immune function naturally

  • People interested in maintaining a healthy response to inflammation

The Science Behind IV Delivery

When administered intravenously, NAD therapy bypasses the digestive system, allowing for direct delivery into the bloodstream. This approach may support more efficient utilization of nutrients and coenzymes by the body. During each session, our ER-certified medical team carefully monitors comfort and adjusts the infusion rate to ensure a safe, personalized experience.

A typical NAD IV session at Onus IV Therapy + Longevity lasts approximately 2 to 5 hours, depending on individual tolerance and infusion rate.

Combining NAD with Comprehensive Wellness

For best results, many clients complement NAD therapy with additional vitamin and nutrient infusions that target specific wellness goals. Ingredients such as glutathione for antioxidant support or vitamin C for immune health may enhance overall results when combined thoughtfully under medical supervision.

You may consider pairing your NAD therapy with:

  • Immunity-focused treatments during seasonal changes

  • Athletic recovery infusions to support endurance and repair

  • Customized vitamin blends tailored to your personal wellness goals

Starting Your NAD Journey

At all Onus locations across Colorado, we offer both NAD IV therapy and NAD injections to fit your schedule and preferences. Our complimentary telehealth consultations make obtaining a required prescription simple and convenient—often available the same day as treatment.

Our medical team typically recommends beginning with a series of loading sessions to help replenish natural NAD levels, followed by maintenance treatments customized to your ongoing needs. Whether you choose a full IV infusion or a quick intramuscular injection, you’ll receive attentive, professional care from our experienced staff.

Experience the Difference at Onus

Discover how NAD therapy can support your wellness, energy, and vitality. At Onus IV, our ER-certified staff provides a safe, comfortable environment designed for your rejuvenation and relaxation.

With flexible scheduling, walk-in availability, and a welcoming setting, taking the first step toward cellular wellness has never been easier.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation or visit any of our Colorado locations to learn more about how NAD therapy can support your journey toward optimal well-being. 

Your NAD IV Therapy Questions, Answered

Many individuals report feeling a sense of renewed energy or focus shortly after an NAD IV therapy session. However, results can vary depending on factors such as individual metabolism, baseline wellness, and treatment frequency. Most people notice gradual improvements in mental clarity, energy, and focus within several hours to a few days after treatment.

A healthcare professional may recommend beginning with a loading phase of multiple sessions close together, followed by maintenance treatments spaced every few weeks. The ideal frequency depends on personal wellness goals, current NAD levels, and how your body responds to therapy.

NAD IV infusions deliver the coenzyme directly into the bloodstream, allowing for steady absorption over several hours. NAD injections provide a smaller, quicker dose administered intramuscularly. Both approaches aim to support cellular energy and metabolic function, but IV infusions generally offer a longer, more sustained delivery.

Emerging research suggests that NAD therapy may help support neurotransmitter balance and cellular energy—key components of brain function and wellness. While NAD is being studied in the context of recovery and mood regulation, treatments should always be viewed as supportive wellness tools rather than substitutes for medical or addiction care.

It’s recommended to eat a light, balanced meal containing protein before your NAD session to prevent nausea and promote comfort. Staying well-hydrated before, during, and after treatment helps support circulation and nutrient delivery. Afterward, nutrient-dense foods—such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains—can help maintain overall wellness and energy.

Low NAD levels may be associated with sensations of fatigue, brain fog, slower recovery, or decreased energy despite adequate rest. Supporting healthy NAD function through proper nutrition, lifestyle choices, and, when appropriate, NAD therapy, can promote cellular balance, mental clarity, and metabolic health.