NAD+ therapy: what it is and what the research shows

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme present in every living cell and is central to metabolism: hundreds of enzyme reactions use it to convert food into usable energy, and it plays a role in cellular repair and signaling. NAD+ levels are known to decline with age, which is part of why it draws interest in longevity and wellness. For independent background, see NIH / National Institute on Aging.

NAD+ therapy aims to raise the body's NAD+ levels. It is delivered in a few ways: as an injection, as an intravenous (IV) infusion, or as oral precursors the body converts to NAD+. The form, dose, and schedule depend on the provider's assessment. On Panterra, any NAD+ treatment is prescribed and overseen by a licensed provider.

The underlying biology is well established: NAD+ is essential to how cells produce energy, its levels decline with age, and studies show that NAD+ precursors can raise NAD+ levels in the body.

What is not established is that raising NAD+ delivers the benefits often advertised, such as more energy, slower aging, or faster recovery, in healthy people. Most of the encouraging evidence comes from cell and animal studies or small, early human trials, and results are mixed. For example, the NIH National Institute on Aging reported that an NAD+ precursor gave aging mice some health improvements but did not increase lifespan (NIA, study summary). NAD+ therapy is not FDA-approved to prevent, treat, or cure any condition. A provider can help you understand what is and is not known for your situation.

An injection takes moments; an IV infusion takes longer and is given slowly. Your provider decides the approach, dose, and schedule based on your health history and goals, and will tell you what to expect for your specific plan. Because responses differ from person to person, the experience is individual, and NAD+ therapy is not a guaranteed outcome.

NAD+ is generally well tolerated, but side effects can occur. With rapid IV infusion, some people feel flushing, nausea, chest or abdominal tightness, or lightheadedness; slowing the infusion usually eases these. Injections can cause soreness or redness at the site. Tell your provider about your full medical history and any reactions. This is not a complete list of side effects.

Eligibility is a medical decision made by a licensed provider, not by a questionnaire alone. The provider weighs your medical history, current medications, and goals. NAD+ therapy is not appropriate for everyone, including during pregnancy or with certain medical conditions. The only way to know is a provider evaluation.

NAD+ treatment on Panterra is priced per refill, all-in, with no membership required to be a patient. The price includes the medication, the provider, follow-ups, and shipping, and the provider consultation fee is part of that price, itemized before you pay. Each treatment page lists its current "starting at" price.

See current pricing on the treatment pages: Cellular energy (Kalos) and Cellular energy (Hygeia).

1. You complete a health intake online.
2. A licensed U.S. provider reviews your information.
3. If NAD+ therapy is appropriate for you, the provider issues a prescription.
4. Your treatment ships to you, and follow-ups are included in the price.

If NAD+ therapy is not appropriate, the provider will tell you and may suggest other options. A prescription is never guaranteed.

Prescription required. NAD+ therapy through Panterra is available only with a prescription from a licensed provider after an evaluation.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. NAD+ treatments offered through Panterra are compounded. The FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, or quality, and they are not tested in clinical trials the way FDA-approved medications are. See our guide to compounded medications.

Not a treatment for disease. NAD+ therapy is not FDA-approved to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Tell your provider about all your conditions and medications. This page does not list every risk.

This is education, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with your provider, and it is not a diagnosis or a recommendation to use any specific treatment. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Authoritative background: NIH / NIA — NAD+ supplement study in mice and FDA — Compounding and FDA: Questions and Answers.