A few months ago, a patient came into our Ann Arbor clinic describing a feeling she couldn’t quite name. She wasn’t sick, exactly—her labs were normal, her physical exam unremarkable. But she felt as though her internal battery had slowly drained over the years. Mental sharpness had dulled. Physical stamina had diminished. Recovery from exercise took longer. She wanted to feel like herself again.
What she was describing is a pattern I see often in my practice, and it frequently points to something happening at the cellular level: a decline in NAD+, one of the most critical molecules for energy production and healthy aging.
What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter for Longevity?
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays an essential role in converting the food you eat into usable energy, supporting DNA repair, regulating circadian rhythms, and maintaining the health of your mitochondria—the powerhouses of your cells.
Research published in peer-reviewed journals including Cell Metabolism and Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology has shown that NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, often dropping by as much as 50% by the time we reach middle age. This decline is associated with many of the hallmarks of aging: reduced energy, slower metabolism, cognitive changes, and decreased cellular resilience.
The science is clear: when NAD+ levels fall, cellular function falters. And when we can restore those levels, we often see meaningful improvements in how patients feel and function.
How Does NAD+ IV Therapy Work?
While NAD+ precursors can be taken orally—such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)—NAD+ IV therapy delivers the molecule directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system entirely. This allows for higher bioavailability and more immediate cellular uptake.
During an NAD+ infusion, the coenzyme is absorbed rapidly by cells throughout the body, where it supports mitochondrial function, activates enzymes involved in DNA repair (called sirtuins), and helps regulate metabolic processes that influence how we age.
Most patients report feeling the effects within hours to days: improved mental clarity, better focus, more sustained energy, and in some cases, enhanced mood and sleep quality. The treatment is not a stimulant—it works by restoring the biochemical processes your cells need to function optimally.
What Conditions Can NAD+ IV Therapy Support?
At Arbour Longevity, we use NAD+ IV therapy in Ann Arbor as part of a comprehensive approach to regenerative and longevity medicine. While it is not a cure for any disease, it can support a wide range of health goals:
- Chronic fatigue and low energy: By enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, NAD+ helps your cells produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the body.
- Cognitive performance: NAD+ supports brain health by protecting neurons and improving communication between brain cells.
- Healthy aging and longevity: Sirtuin activation and DNA repair mechanisms may slow certain aging processes at the cellular level.
- Metabolic health: NAD+ plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism, which can support weight management and insulin sensitivity.
- Recovery from substance use or overexertion: NAD+ has been studied in the context of addiction recovery and post-athletic recovery due to its role in cellular repair.
One patient, a 52-year-old engineer from Southeast Michigan, came to us struggling with brain fog and afternoon crashes that were affecting his work performance. After a series of NAD+ infusions combined with lifestyle optimization, he reported feeling mentally sharper than he had in years—and his energy lasted well into the evening.
Is NAD+ IV Therapy Safe?
NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule in your body, and IV administration is generally well-tolerated when performed in a clinical setting by trained professionals. Most patients experience minimal side effects, though some report mild flushing, nausea, or cramping during the infusion—symptoms that typically resolve by slowing the infusion rate.
We monitor every patient throughout the process and tailor the infusion speed and dosage to individual tolerance. NAD+ IV therapy is not appropriate for everyone, and a thorough consultation is essential to determine whether it aligns with your health history and goals.
How Is NAD+ IV Therapy Administered at Arbour Longevity?
At our Ann Arbor clinic, we offer NAD+ IV therapy in a comfortable, private setting. Infusions typically take between one and three hours, depending on the dose and your tolerance. Many patients use the time to relax, read, or work remotely. You Can Book your first appointment at arbourlongevity.com
We often recommend a series of treatments initially—such as two to four infusions over the course of a few weeks—followed by maintenance sessions every few months, depending on your response and goals. Some patients combine NAD+ therapy with other regenerative treatments such as peptide therapy, hormone optimization, or IV nutrient therapy to amplify results.
Because NAD+ works at the cellular level, the benefits tend to build over time. This is not a quick fix—it’s a foundational intervention that supports long-term vitality.
What Should You Expect During and After Treatment?
During the infusion, you’ll be seated comfortably with IV access established in your arm. We start the drip slowly and adjust based on how you feel. Some patients feel a warming sensation or mild abdominal tightness, which we can manage by slowing the rate.
After treatment, most patients feel clear-headed and energized within a few hours. Some notice improved sleep that night. Others report cumulative effects—more energy, better focus, improved mood—over the following days and weeks.
It’s important to stay hydrated, maintain good nutrition, and get adequate sleep to maximize the benefits of NAD+ therapy. We provide personalized guidance at every stage of your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About NAD+ IV Therapy
How often should I get NAD+ IV therapy?
Most patients begin with a loading phase of two to four infusions spaced an every week apart, followed by maintenance infusions every four to eight weeks. The frequency depends on your individual goals, baseline health, and how you respond to treatment. We create a personalized plan during your consultation.
Can I take NAD+ supplements instead of getting IV therapy?
Oral NAD+ precursors like NR and NMN can be helpful and are often part of a longevity-focused supplement regimen. However, IV administration delivers NAD+ directly into the bloodstream at higher concentrations, which many patients find more effective for acute concerns like fatigue or brain fog. We can help you determine which approach—or combination—is right for you.
Is NAD+ IV therapy covered by insurance?
NAD+ IV therapy is considered an elective wellness treatment and is not typically covered by insurance. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation, and many patients find the investment worthwhile given the improvements in energy, cognition, and overall quality of life.
Take the Next Step Toward Cellular Health in Ann Arbor
If you’re ready to address fatigue, brain fog, or the effects of aging at the cellular level, NAD+ IV therapy may be a powerful tool in your longevity toolkit. At Arbour Longevity, we combine cutting-edge regenerative therapies with personalized medical care to help you feel your best at every stage of life.
We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss whether NAD+ therapy is right for you. Your first visit is $35, and that fee is applied toward any treatment you choose to move forward with. You can book online at arbourlongevity.com or call or text us at (734) 436-3357. We’re located at 2217 Packard St #15, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, and we’re open Thursday through Monday 10am–7pm.
Let’s restore your energy—from the inside out.
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