NAD+ Benefits, Infusions, and Why Everyone’s Talking About This Cellular Powerhouse

Once a secret of high-performance circles, NAD+ is now gaining traction in everyday wellness. It has become one of those acronyms that people whisper about in wellness spaces, often with a mix of curiosity and confusion. It sounds like something reserved for elite athletes or biohackers, but the truth is, NAD+ is something we all need. In fact, our bodies make it naturally. We just make less of it as we age, and that decline might be more important than we thought.

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and it is found in every cell of the body. It plays a critical role in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular communication. Think of it as cellular fuel. Without it, the body slows down. Brain fog creeps in. Energy drops. Recovery lags. The sparkle dims a bit. So it makes sense that people are trying to restore it.

Supplementing NAD+ can take a few different forms. The most common are oral precursors, like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Both are derived from vitamin B3 and act as building blocks the body can use to create NAD+ internally. These are easy to find, generally well tolerated, and a good place to start for many. Oral supplements are best taken consistently over time, and while they are not a magic bullet, some people report better energy, sharper focus, and a subtle but meaningful improvement in overall vitality.

Then there are NAD+ infusions. This is where things get interesting. Intravenous NAD+ delivers the molecule directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and allowing for higher concentrations. These infusions are usually administered over a period of one to three hours, depending on the dose and the individual’s tolerance. People often describe feeling a mix of sensations during the drip. Some feel energized. Some feel calm. Others feel a strange warmth in their chest or a bit of tightness in the stomach if the infusion runs too fast. These effects are temporary, and slowing the rate usually resolves them. The goal is not to rush but to restore.

So how often should someone do NAD+ infusions? It depends on the person and the purpose. Some clients come in for a single session when they are feeling depleted – like when life has been “a lot.” Others choose to do a short series, such as once a week for three to four weeks, then transition to monthly maintenance. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but regularity tends to deliver better results. Your cells are not necessarily impatient, but they do love consistency.

One of the most promising aspects of NAD+ is its potential synergy with other treatments. For clients undergoing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, NAD+ can serve as a powerful support tool. Ketamine helps create new neural pathways. NAD+ helps energize and repair the neurons themselves. It is not required, but for some, it adds a layer of replenishment to the deep work of psychedelic therapy. When someone is doing emotional excavation, it helps to nourish the body too.

The people who tend to benefit most from NAD+ are often those who feel depleted. This includes individuals recovering from burnout, chronic stress, poor sleep, or long-term medication use. It can also support recovery in people healing from addiction, given NAD+’s role in neurotransmitter balance and cellular repair. Athletes, high performers, and those seeking cognitive optimization are frequent users, but so are parents, teachers, and people who simply want to feel more like themselves again.

There are some important considerations. NAD+ is generally safe, but infusions should always be administered by trained professionals who understand proper dosing, titration, and contraindications. People with active cancer, for instance, should avoid NAD+ therapy unless advised otherwise by an oncologist, given its role in cellular replication. Some individuals may experience mild nausea or lightheadedness with IV administration, particularly if they are dehydrated or sensitive to infusions in general.

As for insurance coverage, NAD+ therapy is typically not covered. That is because it is still considered “wellness” or “elective” rather than medically necessary. In other words, it helps you feel better, think clearer, and recover faster, but it does not check enough boxes in the current healthcare system to qualify for reimbursement. If that logic feels a bit upside down, you are not alone. The U.S. healthcare system sometimes treats prevention and restoration like optional luxuries, while hospital stays and medications get the green light. It is a system built to treat disease, not necessarily to preserve wellness. That is part of why clinics like ours exist.

The best route of administration depends on the goal. Oral NAD+ precursors work well for maintenance and long-term support. Infusions are ideal for people who want a more immediate effect or who are feeling particularly run down. Some clinics also offer subcutaneous injections or nasal sprays, but these are less common and not as well studied. At Kalea Wellness, we offer infusions in a setting designed to promote calm, safety, and genuine care. If NAD+ is something you are curious about, we are happy to talk through whether it may be a good fit for your goals.

NAD+ will not fix everything. But when used intentionally, it can support the body's natural rhythms, restore a sense of clarity, and offer a gentle push toward balance. Like most things in wellness, it works best when paired with the basics. Sleep. Movement. Connection. Honesty. And maybe a little help when the tank feels low.