NAD+ IV Therapy in Birmingham, MI | The Real Science

IV NAD therapy may help support cellular energy production, mental clarity, recovery, healthy aging, and overall wellness.

NAD+ IV Therapy & Injections: The Science Behind the Longevity Trend

By Jill Skurnowicz, ND, MS, CRNA  |  Natural Care Institute, Birmingham, MI

If you spend any time in the wellness world, you’ve heard about NAD+. It’s become one of the most talked-about molecules in longevity medicine, and patients ask us about it every week: Does NAD+ IV therapy really work? Is it worth it? Is it safe?

As a functional medicine practice, our job isn’t to sell hype — it’s to help you understand what the science actually shows. So here’s an honest look at NAD+, including how IV infusions compare to the subcutaneous injections we more often use.

What Is NAD+, and Why Does It Matter?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell in your body. It’s central to how your mitochondria — your cells’ “power plants” — turn food into energy, and it helps power the machinery that repairs your DNA.

Here’s what put it on the longevity map: our NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age. Because the molecule is so essential to energy and repair, researchers have asked an intriguing question — whether restoring NAD+ could help us age better. That question drives the entire trend.

The Honest Truth About the Evidence

The underlying biology of NAD+ is real and genuinely promising. What’s not yet settled is whether giving NAD+ by IV or injection reverses aging or guarantees more energy in healthy people. As of 2026, there are no large, placebo-controlled human trials proving those outcomes. Many people report feeling sharper and more energized — and that matters — but the rigorous proof is still catching up to the marketing.

The honest framing: NAD+ therapy is best understood as a promising, generally low-risk wellness support under medical supervision — not a proven cure. Anyone promising otherwise is getting ahead of the science.

IV Infusion vs. NAD+ Injection: Which Is Better?

NAD+ can be delivered two main ways, and at Natural Care Institute we most often use subcutaneous (SubQ) injections. Here’s why.

An IV infusion puts the full dose into your bloodstream at once — but because pushing NAD+ too fast causes flushing, chest tightness, or nausea, the drip must run slowly, often two to four hours in the chair. A subcutaneous injection delivers NAD+ into the tissue just under the skin, where it absorbs steadily. It takes minutes, is far more comfortable, and is easy to repeat consistently.

For most patients, the injection route simply makes more sense — quicker, gentler, and easier to stay consistent with, which is what matters most. Either way, NAD+ should be given by trained professionals after a proper health review.

Who Tends to Be a Good Candidate?

NAD+ therapy isn’t for everyone. The patients most interested tend to be adults with persistent low energy who’ve already addressed the basics (sleep, nutrition, stress, key labs), or those focused on healthy aging and cellular support. The key word is individualized — NAD+ works best as one tool inside a complete plan, not a stand-alone fix.

That’s the functional medicine difference. If you’re exhausted, we look for why first — thyroid, hormones, nutrient gaps, blood sugar, sleep, stress — because an IV won’t fix a root cause it was never designed to address. (See our posts on lab tests doctors often miss for fatigue and why thyroid medication doesn’t always fix fatigue.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a NAD+ injection better than an IV drip?

Both work; they suit different needs. An IV delivers the full dose at once but runs for hours. A SubQ injection takes minutes, is more comfortable, and is easier to repeat consistently — which is why we most often use it.

Is NAD+ therapy safe?

For most healthy adults, short-term supervised treatment is considered low-risk. Side effects are usually mild and related to how fast it’s given. A medical review beforehand is essential.

The Bottom Line

NAD+ is one of the most exciting molecules in longevity science — but excitement isn’t proof. Appreciate the real potential, stay clear-eyed about what’s still being studied, and never skip the work that addresses why you feel the way you do.

Curious whether NAD+ injections or IV therapy fit your health plan? Schedule a consultation with Natural Care Institute in Birmingham, MI, or call (248) 845-8516.

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. NAD+ therapy is an emerging wellness therapy, not a proven treatment or cure for any disease. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.

Internal Links:

• Painless IV Therapy in Birmingham, MI
• 5 Lab Tests Your Doctor May Be Missing If You Have Fatigue
• Why Thyroid Medication Doesn’t Always Fix Fatigue
• What Is Functional Medicine?