Quick answer NAD+ is a molecule every cell needs to make energy and repair DNA. Its levels fall as we age, which is why it has become a focus in longevity. Boosting NAD+ (via IV, or oral precursors like NMN/NR) reliably raises NAD+ levels in the body. What is less certain is how much that translates into feeling or functioning better — human evidence is still early and mixed. It is generally well tolerated, but it is not a cure-all, and IV NAD+ in particular should be done under medical supervision. At My-Health, NAD+ therapy is physician-screened and delivered at home in Dubai from AED 800.

NAD+ has become one of the most talked-about molecules in longevity — promoted for energy, focus, recovery and healthy ageing. Some of that excitement is well founded in biology; some of it is ahead of the human evidence. This guide gives you the balanced version: what NAD+ is, what the research does and doesn’t yet show, how IV compares with oral options, and what to expect if you try it.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays two essential roles: it helps convert the food you eat into cellular energy (ATP), and it acts as a fuel for enzymes involved in DNA repair and cellular maintenance, including the sirtuins that are heavily studied in ageing research. In short, without adequate NAD+, cells cannot produce energy or repair themselves efficiently.

Why NAD+ matters for ageing

NAD+ levels in human tissues — blood, skin, muscle, liver and brain — are thought to decline with age. Because NAD+ is so central to energy production and cellular repair, researchers have hypothesised that restoring it could support healthier ageing. That hypothesis is the reason NAD+ therapies exist. It is important to be precise, though: a decline in NAD+ with age is well described, but that does not by itself prove that topping it up reverses ageing or prevents disease in humans.

What the evidence actually shows

Here is an honest summary of where the science stands in 2026:

 

• • Raising NAD+ works. Oral precursors (NMN and NR) and IV NAD+ reliably increase NAD+ levels in the body across studies.

• • Animal studies are promising. In mice, boosting NAD+ has improved measures of metabolism, muscle and even lifespan in some experiments.

• • Human results are mixed. Some trials show functional improvements — for example, greater six-minute walk distance and better submaximal exercise measures — while others show no change in outcomes such as VO₂ max or grip strength. Clear anti-ageing benefits in humans remain to be proven.

• • IV-specific evidence is thin. Most human trials used oral precursors; high-quality data specifically on intravenous NAD+ is limited, even though it raises levels quickly.

The honest bottom line NAD+ therapy reliably raises NAD+ levels; whether that makes a healthy person feel or perform meaningfully better is still uncertain. Think of it as a promising, well-tolerated intervention with early human evidence — not a proven anti-ageing treatment. This is why My-Health treats NAD+ as one tool within a broader, data-led plan, delivered under medical supervision — not a miracle drip.

NAD+ IV vs oral (NMN / NR): which is better?

There are three common ways to boost NAD+, and they differ in speed, convenience and evidence:

Method	How it works	Trade-offs
IV NAD+	NAD+ infused directly into the bloodstream	Fast, complete delivery; can cause flushing/nausea if run too quickly; time-consuming; limited IV-specific evidence
Oral NMN / NR	Precursors the body converts to NAD+	Convenient, daily; most human trial evidence uses these; effect on function still mixed
NAD+ nasal spray	Absorbed through the nasal lining	Convenient; less studied; used for brain/energy support

A note on NMN vs NAD+: NMN is a building block your body turns into NAD+, whereas an NAD+ IV delivers the finished molecule directly. Neither is definitively “best” in humans yet — the right choice depends on your goals, and is a conversation to have with a physician.

Who might consider NAD+ therapy — and who should be cautious

People typically explore NAD+ for energy, mental clarity, recovery, or as part of a longevity protocol. If you are considering it, the responsible approach is to do so under medical guidance rather than on impulse. Be cautious — and speak to a doctor first — if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a significant heart or kidney condition, or take medications that could interact. As with any IV treatment, a medical screening beforehand matters.

What to expect in an NAD+ session

An IV NAD+ infusion is usually given slowly, because infusing too fast can cause temporary flushing, nausea, or a tight chest feeling — easing the drip rate resolves this. Depending on the dose, a session can take anywhere from 1 to 3+ hours. Oral precursors are simply taken daily. With My-Health, NAD+ therapy is delivered at your home or office in Dubai, with a physician screening first and vital signs monitored during any infusion.

How much does NAD+ therapy cost in Dubai?

At My-Health, an NAD+ IV drip starts from AED 800, and an NAD+ nasal spray from around AED 1,750, depending on strength. As always, be wary of very cheap drips offered without proper medical screening — the assessment is what keeps the treatment safe and appropriate for you.

NAD+ is one of the options covered in our broader guide to IV therapy at home in Dubai, and it fits within a wider longevity plan — see My-Health memberships or request a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Does NAD+ therapy really work?

It reliably raises NAD+ levels in the body. Whether that produces noticeable benefits in energy, cognition or ageing is still uncertain in humans — some trials show functional improvements, others show none. It is best viewed as promising and well tolerated, not proven.

Is NAD+ IV better than NMN tablets?

They achieve the goal differently: IV delivers NAD+ directly and quickly; NMN is an oral precursor your body converts over time. Most human trial evidence uses oral precursors. There is no clear human winner yet — the choice depends on your goals and a physician’s advice.

Are there side effects?

NAD+ is generally well tolerated. IV infusions given too quickly can cause temporary flushing, nausea or chest tightness, which settles when the drip is slowed. A pre-treatment medical screening is important, especially with heart or kidney conditions.

How often would I need it?

There is no established optimal schedule. Rather than a fixed routine, frequency should be guided by your goals and a physician’s assessment.

Can I get NAD+ therapy at home in Dubai?

Yes. My-Health provides physician-screened NAD+ therapy at your home or office in Dubai, administered by DHA-licensed clinical staff.

Medical disclaimer This article is for general education and is not medical advice. NAD+ therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Consult a qualified physician before starting, especially if you are pregnant, or have a heart or kidney condition.

About the author

Dr. Anouk Tans is Medical Director at My-Health, a physician-led longevity and preventive-health service in Dubai. My-Health delivers physician-screened IV and NAD+ therapy, diagnostics and personalised protocols to your home, with all medical care provided by DHA-licensed practitioners.

Considering NAD+? Start with a screening, not a drip menu. My-Health delivers physician-reviewed NAD+ therapy to your home or office in Dubai, as part of a data-led longevity plan. Visit my-health.ae to book a consultation.

Sources & further reading

Nadeeshani et al., NMN in human clinical trials: safety and anti-ageing effects (update)

NAD+ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness: PRISMA-guided systematic review (ScienceDirect)