NAD+ IV Therapy: Benefits, Risks and What the Evidence Shows
What is NAD+? How intravenous sessions work, the benefits researchers are studying, the possible side effects, and the difference between NAD+ 250 and 500.
Have you come across NAD+ recently and wondered about its benefits or its risks? As intravenous therapy has spread in Saudi Arabia, NAD+ has become one of the compounds drawing the most attention — particularly because of its link to cellular energy and metabolism.
But between the marketing promises and the questions people actually ask — does NAD+ cause weight gain? are NAD+ sessions anti-ageing? what are the side effects? — the picture is less clear-cut than it first appears.
In this guide from Well, we explain what NAD+ is, what to look for in NAD+ infusions, how intravenous sessions work, the potential benefits researchers are studying, the possible side effects, and the difference between the NAD+ 250 and NAD+ 500 doses.
Please note: the information in this article is educational and is not a substitute for a doctor's assessment or individual medical advice.
What is NAD+, and why is it attracting so much attention?
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a molecule that occurs naturally in the body's cells and takes part in many biological processes — particularly the reactions involved in producing energy inside cells. It also contributes to maintaining cellular vitality.
That is why NAD+ has become an important focus in research on ageing, metabolism and cell health.
Does NAD+ decline with age?
Some studies point to changes in NAD+ levels with age, and this is part of why researchers have become interested in its role in ageing — a question that is not yet settled.
Early studies reported that NAD+ levels fall as people get older, because the body consumes it faster than it produces it. More recent work takes a different view: a study published in Nature Metabolism in 2026 found that whole-blood NAD+ levels did not decline with age, which means that treating NAD+ level as a direct marker of ageing needs further research.
NAD+ infusions: how the sessions work and what the benefits are
An intravenous NAD+ session supplies the body with NAD+ through a solution delivered straight into the bloodstream, under the supervision of the medical team. A session usually takes around 60–120 minutes, though the duration can vary from person to person.
NAD+ attracts scientific interest because of its fundamental role in cell function — but it is important to separate the biological role of NAD+ from the clinically proven benefits of intravenous NAD+ sessions.
Supporting energy production
NAD+ takes part in core reactions linked to metabolism and is one of the important elements in converting food into usable energy. Expected results from intravenous NAD+ sessions may differ from person to person.
Supporting cell health
NAD+ participates in a large number of cellular processes and plays a central role in repairing cellular DNA and protecting cells from harmful compounds. A drop in its level is therefore associated with increased cellular damage, and possibly with the appearance of some age-related changes.
Are intravenous NAD+ sessions really anti-ageing?
A review in Nature Aging reported that NAD+ may contribute to slowing ageing and reducing neurodegenerative disease, but noted the need for larger studies to confirm this, to establish doses and routes of administration, and to determine how effective and safe the sessions are over the long term.
So if you are looking at NAD+ infusions for energy or general wellness support, it is better to see them within the frame of integrative care and medical assessment — not as a proven anti-ageing treatment.
Does NAD+ cause weight gain?
No. There is no clear evidence linking NAD+ to weight gain. It is thought that intravenous NAD+ sessions increase metabolic activity, which may in turn support fat burning.
Does NAD+ help with weight loss?
So far there is no strong clinical evidence that intravenous NAD+ sessions are a treatment for weight loss. In theory, NAD+ may increase energy expenditure and fat burning.
Some studies have also pointed to a possible role for NAD+ in reducing insulin resistance, which could be useful for people with type 2 diabetes — but it does not remove the need for medical assessment and established treatment.
What are the side effects and risks of NAD+?
Although NAD+ occurs naturally in the body, giving the compound intravenously is a medical intervention that may carry side effects. Among those recorded in the available studies:
- Nausea or digestive upset.
- Cramping or a feeling of discomfort.
- An increased heart rate.
- A sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest.
- Symptoms related to the infusion itself, such as discomfort at the needle site.
Responses differ from person to person, and may also be affected by the amount of the substance, the flow rate, and the person's health.
What should you do if symptoms appear during an NAD+ session?
If unusual symptoms appear during the session, tell the medical team immediately so your condition can be assessed and the necessary steps taken to keep you safe.
This matters especially where there is chest pain or pressure, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, noticeable palpitations, or any severe or sudden symptoms — all of which need medical assessment.
Who should speak to a doctor before an NAD+ session?
A medical consultation before the session becomes more important if you:
- Have a chronic illness.
- Take medication regularly.
- Have a history of allergy or of reactions to intravenous treatments.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have a health condition that needs ongoing follow-up.
- Have health symptoms of unknown cause.
On that basis, the doctor determines whether intravenous NAD+ sessions are appropriate for you, or whether you need laboratory tests first in particular cases.
How do you choose the NAD+ option that suits you?
There is no single dose that can be considered the best NAD+ dose for everyone. It depends on the doctor's assessment of your case and on the health goals in view.
At Well we offer more than one option, such as NAD+ 250 and NAD+ 500 — but the higher dose should not automatically be treated as the better one. Choosing the right NAD+ option depends on:
- Assessment of your health.
- Defining the goal of the session.
- Reviewing medications and health conditions.
What is the difference between NAD+ 250 and NAD+ 500?
The essential difference is the amount of NAD+ used in the session, according to the available protocol.
We offer different NAD+ session options at Well, including:
- An NAD+ 250 session.
- An NAD+ 500 session.
The dose is best chosen according to medical assessment, the protocol followed, and how well the person tolerates the session.
Are NAD+ sessions suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily. Intravenous care requires individual assessment, and the clinical evidence for general wellness uses of intravenous NAD+ remains limited. For that reason, NAD+ sessions should not be treated as a substitute for diagnosing a health condition or for proven medical treatment.
Get genuine, safely delivered NAD+ sessions with Well
If you are considering intravenous NAD+ sessions, start from a medical assessment rather than choosing a dose based on an advertisement or someone else's experience.
Well offers a range of NAD+ session options, and you can review the available intravenous sessions and choose the appropriate service after a medical assessment.
At Well, your health comes first — we choose what suits your case based on a sound medical assessment.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is a molecule that occurs naturally in the body and takes part in many cellular processes, including metabolism, energy production, and maintaining cell health.
Is NAD+ safe?
Human studies point to intravenous NAD+ being safe, with the possibility of mild side effects during the session. Some studies are still under way to assess the long-term safety of NAD+, so it should be used according to a medical assessment and under specialist supervision.
Does NAD+ help with weight loss?
There is no strong clinical evidence that intravenous NAD+ sessions are a treatment for weight loss or fat burning, although increasing energy expenditure is among its expected effects.
Does NAD+ reverse ageing?
Some research suggests NAD+ may slow signs of ageing, but there is currently no strong evidence that intravenous NAD+ sessions reverse ageing or extend healthy lifespan. This area is still under investigation.
How long does an NAD+ session take?
An NAD+ session may take around 60–90 minutes, but the duration varies according to the dose, the protocol, the flow rate, and the person's response.
What is the difference between NAD+ 250 and NAD+ 500?
The essential difference is the amount of the substance used in the session. Choosing the right dose depends on medical assessment, the protocol used, and how well the person tolerates it.
When do the results of an NAD+ session appear?
There is no single guaranteed result or timeframe that applies to everyone, and the experience may differ from person to person depending on their condition and health goals.
What is the difference between NAD+, NMN and NR?
NAD+ is the molecule the body uses in many cellular processes. NMN and NR are compounds involved in producing NAD+ inside the body. Some limited studies suggest that infusing compounds such as NMN and NR may be more effective at raising NAD+ levels than infusing NAD+ directly, with fewer accompanying side effects and a shorter session. Larger studies are needed to establish the best doses, routes and long-term outcomes.
Is NAD+ better than NMN or NR?
None can be called better for everyone; they are different compounds, and most human studies on NMN and NR do not test intravenous NAD+ directly. Results for one should not be generalised to another.