What is NAD+ and who is it actually for?
Past the wellness marketing, a clinical primer on NAD+, what the research really says, and when it's appropriate to consider.
NAD+ is having a moment. Every wellness clinic in the country offers it; the marketing copy promises everything from anti-aging to addiction recovery. Some of that copy is grounded in real research. A lot of it is not.
Here's what NAD+ actually is, and how to think about whether it's right for you.
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+, is a coenzyme present in every cell in the body. It's central to energy metabolism (turning food into ATP) and DNA repair. Levels naturally decline with age. By 60, most adults have roughly half the NAD+ they had at 20.
How is NAD+ IV therapy supposed to work?
The hypothesis behind NAD+ infusion is straightforward: replenish what's been lost and restore some of the cellular machinery that depends on it. Whether that works in practice depends on what you're trying to do.
Where the research is strongest
Where the research is strongest: post-event recovery and metabolic support. Athletes and demanding professionals report improved energy and faster recovery from intense physical or cognitive work. The supplement form (NMN) has decent peer-reviewed data; the IV form moves a much larger dose directly to cells.
Where the research is more cautious
Where the research is more cautious: anti-aging and chronic disease. Animal studies are promising. Human longevity studies are still small and short. Anyone telling you NAD+ will extend your lifespan is ahead of the data.
When is NAD+ worth considering?
Where it's appropriate to consider:
After a major physical event, surgery, injury, an intense training block, a difficult travel schedule, when recovery is the priority. The graduated dosing protocol (250mg, 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg) lets the body adjust without the flushing and discomfort a single large dose can cause.
As part of a deliberate cognitive or metabolic protocol with a physician overseeing the broader picture. Not as a standalone wellness fix.
How to choose a provider
If your provider can't tell you what dose they're giving, why that dose, and what they'll watch for, find a different provider. NAD+ is a medication, not a smoothie ingredient.
Kando's NAD+ protocol
Our protocol: graduated dosing, slow drip (60 to 180 minutes depending on dose) for tolerance, full health screen before the first infusion, RN-administered at home. We do not push it on people for whom it's not appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What is NAD+ and what does it do?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme in every cell, central to energy metabolism and DNA repair. Levels decline with age; by 60 most adults have roughly half the NAD+ they had at 20.
Who is NAD+ IV therapy actually for?
It is most reasonable after a major physical event such as surgery, injury, an intense training block, or a punishing travel schedule, when recovery is the priority, or as part of a deliberate protocol with a physician overseeing the broader picture.
Does NAD+ really slow aging?
The animal studies are promising but human longevity data is still small and short. Anyone telling you NAD+ will extend your lifespan is ahead of the evidence. The stronger support is for recovery and metabolic support.
How much does NAD+ IV therapy cost?
NAD+ starts at $399 and is dose-based, so the price depends on the dose selected. Kando uses graduated dosing (250mg to 1000mg) with a slow drip of 60 to 180 minutes and a full health screen before the first infusion.