What is a NAD⁺ Shot? Benefits, Uses, and How It Works

Introduction / Key Takeaways

A NAD⁺ shot involves the delivery of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) directly into the bloodstream—typically via an intravenous (IV) or intramuscular injection. NAD⁺ is a fundamental coenzyme found in every cell, where it plays an essential role in cellular energy production, metabolism, and DNA repair. These injections are increasingly used in wellness and recovery settings to support energy, focus, recovery, and healthy aging, offering faster absorption and higher bioavailability compared to many oral supplements. Services such as Drip Hydration’s NAD IV Therapy reflect this trend into in-clinic and at-home care.

What is NAD⁺?

NAD⁺ is a naturally occurring coenzyme present in all living cells. It functions as the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and plays a central role in redox reactions (where it alternates between NAD⁺ and its reduced form NADH). In these reactions, NAD⁺ accepts electrons and becomes NADH, which then donates electrons in the mitochondrial electron transport chain to help generate ATP, the body’s primary energy molecule. [1]

Beyond energy generation, NAD⁺ is vital for mitochondrial maintenance, DNA repair via PARP (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase) and sirtuin pathways, chromatin regulation, and adaptive responses to cellular stress. [2]

Importantly, NAD⁺ levels tend to decline with age, chronic stress, poor sleep, and metabolic dysregulation—leading to reduced mitochondrial function, increased oxidative damage, and impaired repair capacity. [3]

Differences Between NAD⁺, NAD, and NADH

Our article, What Is The Difference Between NAD, NAD+, And NADH?, offers an indepth look on this topic. In short:

• NAD⁺: The oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; serves as the electron acceptor.

• NADH: The reduced form; carries electrons to be used in ATP generation.

• NAD (sometimes used loosely): May refer generically to the family of NAD-related molecules (NAD⁺, NADH, NADP, NADPH) but in the context of therapy usually “NAD” is shorthand for NAD⁺.

Understanding the ratio of NAD⁺ to NADH is important because a higher NAD⁺/NADH ratio is associated with more robust cellular metabolism and repair, while a low ratio is often found in aged or dysfunctional tissues.

What is a NAD⁺ Shot?

A NAD⁺ shot refers to the administration of NAD⁺ via injection—either intramuscularly (IM) or intravenously (IV)—so that the molecule enters the bloodstream directly rather than being absorbed through the digestive tract. This method is chosen because it offers faster and more predictable delivery, higher bioavailability, and bypasses first-pass metabolism in the gut.

When you receive a NAD⁺ shot, the intent is to elevate NAD⁺ levels in circulation, thereby giving cells greater access to this coenzyme for mitochondrial energy production, repair processes, and signal-transduction activities. The elevated NAD⁺ may support enhanced cellular energy, improved cognitive focus, faster recovery, and healthier metabolic function.

Drip Hydration offers NAD⁺ IV therapy as part of their anti-aging and recovery services. Because NAD⁺ injections are typically administered under professional supervision in-clinic, or through self-administered home kits.

Key Benefits of NAD⁺ Shots

1. Boost Energy & Metabolism

• NAD⁺ supports mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by accepting electrons and catalyzing ATP production; thus, higher NAD⁺ can mean more efficient cellular energy production. [4]
• In practice, individuals who undergo NAD⁺ shots often report reduced fatigue, sustained performance throughout the day, and better metabolic resilience.
• Because NAD⁺ supports metabolic pathways, it may also assist in weight-management or metabolic health when combined with exercise and nutrition.

2. Support Brain Health & Focus

• Because neurons are highly energy-dependent, NAD⁺ plays a critical role in brain-cell mitochondrial health. Depleted NAD⁺ is associated with neurodegenerative changes. [5]
• By elevating NAD⁺, there is potential for improved mental clarity, focus, and mood stability. Some wellness protocols integrate NAD⁺ shots specifically for “brain fog,” cognitive support, and recovery from stress.
• While large human trials are still limited, pre-clinical data support NAD⁺ in ameliorating neuroinflammation and mitochondrial damage in brain cells. [6]
  

3. Recovery & Cellular Repair

• NAD⁺ is a substrate for DNA repair enzymes (e.g., PARP) and sirtuins that manage cellular stress responses, autophagy, and mitochondrial turnover. [7]
• In recovery settings—such as post-exercise, illness or intensive training—higher NAD⁺ may support faster tissue repair, decreased inflammation, and improved recovery outcome.
• Drip Hydration’s recovery services may include NAD⁺ shots or infusions as part of a broader treatment plan.
  

4. Anti-Aging & Longevity

• NAD⁺ depletion is now considered one hallmark of aging—a molecular feature associated with mitochondrial decline, genomic instability, and reduced repair capacity.
• Because NAD⁺ supports sirtuin activation (which regulates cell survival, metabolism and lifespan in certain models), elevating NAD⁺ is theoretically linked to healthier aging. [8]
• However, while preliminary trials show promise, it’s important to emphasise: human clinical evidence for NAD⁺ shots as a definitive “anti-aging” therapy is still emerging.

Learn more about NAD+ IV therapy for anti-aging.

Who Can Benefit from NAD⁺ Shots?

• Busy professionals dealing with chronic fatigue, high stress, or cognitive load—might benefit from NAD⁺ support to maintain focus and energy.
• Athletes or fitness-enthusiasts seeking faster recovery, improved endurance, or metabolic support after heavy training sessions.
• Aging adults who want to maintain vitality, energy, cognitive clarity and wellness as they navigate transitions in metabolism, sleep and recovery.
• Anyone undergoing wellness, recovery, or anti-aging protocols in a medically supervised environment—especially when integrated with a holistic lifestyle plan.

Important Considerations & Safety

• NAD⁺ shots should be administered by a licensed medical provider in a clinical or properly supervised setting.
• These injections are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Their effectiveness will be limited without foundational habits: healthy nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
• Individual results vary depending on age, baseline health, genetic factors, lifestyle, and the frequency/dose of treatment.
• Though NAD⁺ supplementation appears safe in many studies, long-term human data are limited, and there may be unknown risks (for example in cancer-related pathways) when manipulating NAD⁺ metabolism. [9]
• Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting NAD⁺ therapy—especially if you have underlying medical conditions, are on medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Summary

NAD⁺ shots represent a modern wellness intervention designed to deliver a vital cellular coenzyme directly into the bloodstream, supporting energy metabolism, cellular repair, cognitive clarity, and recovery. With faster absorption and greater bioavailability than many oral supplements, NAD⁺ injections can offer a meaningful boost—especially when paired with professional-administered protocols such as Drip Hydration’s NAD IV Therapy and recovery offerings.

Despite promising mechanisms and early research, NAD⁺ shots are not a magic bullet for aging. They work best when integrated into a broader program of healthy living: smart nutrition, movement, restful sleep, and stress management. With the right approach and professional guidance, NAD⁺ therapy can be a valuable component of your wellness toolkit.

References

[1] [3] [4] National Library of Medicine, NAD+ in Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Implications, Fang., E.F., Lautrup, S., Hou, Y., Demarest, T.G., Croteau, D.L., Mattson, M.P., Bohr, V.A., September 2017

[2] Nature, NAD+ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential, Zhang, L., Gao, W., Huang, C., Huber, P.E., Zhou, X., Li, C., Shen, G., Zou, B., October 2020

[5] National Library of Medicine, NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders,  Lautrup, S., Sinclair, D.A., Mattson, Mark P., Fang, E.F., October 2019

[6] National Library of Medicine, 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, Zhao, Y., Zhang, J., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, X.J., Wang, H., Du, Y., Guan, J., Wang, X., Fu, J., September 2021

[7] National Library of Medicine, NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing, Covarrubias, A.J., Perrone, R., Grozio, A., Verdin, E., December 2020

[8] National Library of Medicine, The Role of NAD+ in Regenerative Medicine, Conlon, N.J., September 2021

[9] National Library of Medicine, NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis, Braidy, N., Liu, Y., April 2020