NAD+ Supplementation Methods Explained: Injections, Oral Supplements and IV Drips

In this article, we explain each NAD+ delivery method in detail, comparing their effectiveness, safety and suitability depending on individual needs. The insights provided here are backed up by Vivere's Head of Nutrition, Yusra Serdaroglu Aydin, a registered dietitian with a background in nutrition, food engineering and culinary arts. Her science-led approach, rooted in personalised nutrition and a strong understanding of the human microbiome, offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions about NAD+ supplementation.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about NAD+ supplementation methods:

• NAD+ is essential for energy metabolism, cellular repair and overall health, but levels naturally decline with age.

• Oral supplements offer convenience and accessibility, though they may be less efficient due to absorption limits.

• Injections deliver NAD+ directly into the bloodstream, allowing for higher bioavailability.

• IV drips provide the most direct and immediate impact, though they are more expensive, time-consuming and require professional assistance.

• Choosing the right method depends on personal health goals, budget, lifestyle and medical guidance.

NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme involved in many biological processes. It helps turn nutrients into energy through its role in mitochondrial function and supports key enzymes that regulate ageing and stress responses, such as sirtuins and PARPs.

In simple terms, NAD+ helps keep your cells healthy and functioning properly [1] [2]. Low levels of NAD+ are associated with ageing, chronic illness and decreased resilience to physical and mental stress [3] [4]. For this reason, maintaining or restoring NAD+ levels is a promising area for improving long-term health and vitality.

As more people look for ways to optimise their energy levels, mental clarity and metabolic health, NAD+ supplementation is gaining popularity. However, it’s important to understand the different ways this can be done and how effective they are.

Oral NAD+ supplements are the most widely available option. They typically come in capsule or tablet form and contain either NAD+ itself or a precursor such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which the body can convert into NAD+.

• Convenient: Easy to take at home as part of a daily routine

• Widely available: Found in most health shops and online

• Cost-effective: Generally more affordable than injections or IV therapy

The main drawback of oral supplements is absorption. NAD+ is a large molecule, which can make it difficult for the body to absorb it efficiently when taken orally. This is why many supplements focus on precursors such as NR or NMN, which have better bioavailability.

Despite this, research suggests that regular intake of these precursors may still help increase NAD+ levels over time. However, results may vary depending on individual metabolism, gut health and overall lifestyle.

NAD+ injections involve administering the coenzyme directly into muscle tissue (intramuscular injection) or under the skin (subcutaneous injection). This method bypasses the digestive system, leading to more efficient absorption.

• Higher bioavailability: More of the supplement enters the bloodstream

• Faster results: Supports noticeable improvements in energy and focus

• Controlled dosing: Can be tailored to individual needs

NAD+ Injections may be seen as less convenient than oral supplements as they have to be injected; however, the benefits are far greater in terms of bioavailability.

Vivere NAD+ injections deliver high-quality NAD+ subcutaneously. This allows for higher bioavailability and faster results, delivered without the need for assistance, from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you like. NAD+ injections are also categorised as food supplements, meaning you don’t need to have a prescription to purchase them.

Keen to learn more about NAD+ injections but unsure where to start? If you answered 'yes', our beginner's guide is the perfect place to discover how a NAD shot can boost energy, enhance focus and optimise longevity.

IV (intravenous) NAD+ therapy involves delivering the compound directly into the bloodstream through a drip, often over a period of 1 to 2 hours. This method ensures 100% bioavailability, making it the most efficient way to increase NAD+ levels rapidly.

• Maximum absorption: Immediate entry into the bloodstream without digestive breakdown

• Potential for rapid effects: Users often report a boost in energy, mood and mental clarity

• Customisable treatment: Can be combined with other nutrients (e.g. B vitamins, magnesium)

IV therapy must be administered in a clinical setting by qualified professionals. It is time-consuming, with each session taking between 60 and 120 minutes. The cost can also be a big issue, with sessions often starting from £250 or more in the UK.

Some people may feel light-headed or experience flushing during the infusion. These effects usually pass quickly, but anyone considering IV therapy should undergo a thorough health assessment beforehand.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best NAD+ supplementation method depends on your individual health goals, budget, preferences and medical advice.

If you are generally healthy and looking for long-term support, injections may be sufficient and convenient.

If you are seeking a more targeted or rapid effect, such as for recovery after illness or high stress, IV drips may be more appropriate; however, keep in mind how time-consuming and expensive they can be.

It’s worth noting that not everyone needs NAD+ supplementation. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, good sleep and stress management can all support natural NAD+ production. Supplementation should be viewed as an enhancement, not a replacement for healthy habits.

Always speak to a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

One of the most talked-about benefits of NAD+ is its role in healthy ageing. By supporting mitochondrial function and DNA repair, NAD+ helps slow down cellular deterioration, which is a key factor in the ageing process.

Emerging research also links NAD+ to improved cognitive function, metabolic regulation and cardiovascular health [5] [6] [7] [8]. While more long-term studies are needed, early findings suggest that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels may support ageing well, rather than simply adding years to life.

This is why NAD+ supplementation is often explored alongside other longevity-focused approaches such as intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating and exercise optimisation.

In the UK, NAD+ supplements are legally classified as food supplements. This means they must comply with regulations set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and must not make unsubstantiated health claims. NMN supplements are currently classed as a novel food.

IV therapy is considered a medical treatment and must be administered by trained professionals in a clinical environment. While these treatments are generally well tolerated, they are not yet endorsed by the NHS due to the current lack of large-scale clinical evidence.

Anyone seeking these therapies should choose reputable providers, ideally with healthcare professionals on-site and ensure full transparency around ingredients, dosage and safety protocols.

NAD+ is a key molecule that plays an essential role in energy production, cellular repair and healthy ageing. As awareness of its benefits continues to grow, so does the interest in supplementation. Whether you choose oral supplements, injections or IV drips, the best approach will depend on your health, goals and preferences. Understanding the pros and cons of each method is the first step towards making informed choices that support your long-term well-being.

NAD+ supplementation is an exciting advancement in the science of healthy ageing, offering new ways to support energy, cellular repair and resilience. It’s worth noting that the benefits of NAD+ supplementation are maximised when paired with the foundations of longevity: a nourishing diet, regular movement, quality sleep and balanced stress. Together, these habits create the strongest platform for living longer, healthier and with greater vitality.

Vivere helps you take control of your health with personalised insights from state-of-the-art gut microbiome testing, nutritional guidance, science-backed supplements and expert support. Sign up today and start living better, for longer.

[1] The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine - PMC

[2] NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing - PubMed

[3] The Safety and Antiaging Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Human Clinical Trials: an Update - ScienceDirect

[4] NAD+ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential | Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy - Nature

[5] NAD+ improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation by ameliorating mitochondrial damage and decreasing ROS production in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion models through Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway - PMC

[6] Supplementation with NAD+ and Its Precursors to Prevent Cognitive Decline across Disease Contexts - PMC

[7] Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence - PMC

[8] NAD+ Metabolism in Cardiac Health, Aging, and Disease | Circulation - AHA