NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays a central role in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular communication. Here is what the science says and what a session actually looks like.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell. It is essential for converting food into cellular energy, activating enzymes that maintain DNA integrity, and regulating your circadian rhythm. Without adequate NAD+, cells cannot produce energy efficiently, repair damage, or communicate properly.
The problem is that NAD+ levels decline with age. Research published in Cell Metabolism shows that by your 40s and 50s, NAD+ levels can drop to half of what they were in your 20s. This decline is associated with fatigue, cognitive fog, slower recovery, and the visible signs of aging.
How NAD+ Therapy Works
NAD+ therapy delivers the coenzyme directly into your body via injection, bypassing the digestive system entirely. Oral NAD+ supplements exist, but absorption through the gut is limited and inconsistent. Direct injection ensures the NAD+ reaches your bloodstream and cells at full potency.
At Vivolo, NAD+ is administered as an intramuscular injection. The injection itself takes just a few minutes, followed by a 15-minute monitoring period. Most clients describe a mild warming sensation at the injection site. The entire visit typically takes under 30 minutes.
What Does the Science Say?
Research on NAD+ has accelerated in recent years. A landmark 2016 study by Imai and Guarente in Trends in Cell Biology established NAD+ as a critical regulator of aging and longevity pathways. More recently, a 2020 clinical trial published in Nature Communications demonstrated that NAD+ precursors safely elevated NAD+ levels in humans and improved markers of cellular health.
The primary benefits supported by current research include improved mitochondrial function (your cells' energy production), activation of sirtuins (proteins involved in DNA repair and inflammation regulation), and enhanced cellular metabolism. While NAD+ research is still evolving, the foundational science is strong and the safety profile is well-established.
Who Benefits Most from NAD+ Therapy?
NAD+ therapy is not a cure-all, but it may help people experiencing specific issues tied to cellular energy and recovery:
Persistent fatigue that does not respond to sleep or caffeine. If you are sleeping enough but still feel drained, depleted NAD+ levels could be a factor.
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating. NAD+ supports neurotransmitter production and neural energy metabolism.
Slow recovery from exercise or illness. NAD+ plays a direct role in cellular repair processes.
General wellness and longevity goals. Many clients in their 30s and 40s use NAD+ proactively to support healthy aging before symptoms appear.
What to Expect During Your First NAD+ Session
Your first visit starts with a brief consultation. Our nursing staff will ask about your health history, current symptoms, and goals to recommend the right dosage. Most first-time clients start with 50mg or 100mg.
The injection is administered into the deltoid or gluteal muscle. It takes about 2 minutes. You will then sit comfortably for 15 minutes while we monitor you. Some people feel a subtle energy boost within hours, while others notice cumulative benefits over several sessions.
We recommend a loading protocol of weekly sessions for the first month, then transitioning to maintenance dosing of 300 to 600mg per month split across weekly or bi-weekly visits. Your provider will adjust based on how you respond.
NAD+ Therapy vs. NAD+ Supplements
You may have seen NMN or NR supplements marketed as NAD+ boosters. These are precursors, meaning your body has to convert them into NAD+ through multiple enzymatic steps. The conversion rate varies by individual and decreases with age, which is the exact population that needs NAD+ most.
Direct NAD+ injection bypasses these conversion steps entirely. You get the full dose delivered to your bloodstream. This does not mean supplements are worthless, but for people seeking reliable, measurable results, injection is the more direct route.
Interested in nad+ therapy?
Learn more about NAD+ Therapy →