Your Guide to NAD+ Therapy
Everything you need to know about NAD+ — what it is, how it works, and which protocol is right for your goals.
The molecule behind cellular energy.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every cell of your body. It's essential for converting food into energy, repairing DNA, and activating sirtuins — the proteins that regulate aging and inflammation.
The problem: NAD+ levels decline significantly as we age. By age 50, most people have half the NAD+ they had at 20. This decline is linked to fatigue, cognitive changes, slower recovery, and accelerated aging. At Range Medical in Newport Beach, we offer clinical protocols to restore your NAD+ levels through IV infusions and injections.
by age 50
for cellular uptake
with IV delivery
How NAD+ actually enters your cells.
For years, scientists believed NAD+ couldn't cross cell membranes. We now know it enters cells through two distinct mechanisms — which is why IV and injection delivery works.
Direct Uptake via Connexin 43
Research has identified connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels as a direct pathway for NAD+ to enter cells. These protein channels in cell membranes allow intact NAD+ molecules to pass through directly, bypassing the need for conversion. This mechanism is particularly active in cardiac and muscle tissue.
CD73 Conversion Pathway
The second pathway involves enzymes on cell surfaces (CD38 and CD73) that break down extracellular NAD+ into smaller precursors — nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These precursors easily cross cell membranes and are reassembled into NAD+ inside the cell.
Both pathways work simultaneously, which is why IV and injection NAD+ therapy effectively raises intracellular NAD+ levels — something oral supplements struggle to achieve.
Signs your NAD+ levels may be depleted.
NAD+ depletion shows up in many ways. If any of these sound familiar, NAD+ therapy at our Orange County clinic may help.
Two proven approaches to restore NAD+.
We offer two clinical protocols for NAD+ restoration. Both are effective — the right choice depends on your goals and lifestyle.
Subcutaneous NAD+ injections you administer at home. Convenient, consistent, and effective for building and maintaining NAD+ levels over time.
- Self-administered subcutaneous injections
- Gradual, sustained elevation of NAD+ levels
- Flexible scheduling — do it on your time
- Lower cost per dose than IV
Front-loaded IV infusions for rapid NAD+ restoration. Five sessions over 10 days, then one maintenance IV per month. Repeat the front-load quarterly.
- Higher dose per session (250-500mg)
- Rapid restoration of NAD+ levels
- In-clinic sessions with medical supervision
- Quarterly front-load for sustained results
What NAD+ does for your body.
NAD+ isn't just another supplement — it's foundational to how your cells function.
What the research shows.
NAD+ has been studied extensively. Here's what the science tells us about cellular uptake and clinical effects.
NAD+ Enters Cells Through Connexin 43 Channels
Research has identified that extracellular NAD+ can directly enter cells through connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels. This direct uptake pathway allows intact NAD+ molecules to cross the cell membrane, challenging the previous belief that NAD+ couldn't enter cells directly.
Billington et al., Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2008
CD73 Pathway: NAD+ Conversion to Absorbable Forms
The second mechanism involves extracellular NAD+ being broken down by CD38 and CD73 enzymes into nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These smaller precursors easily enter cells and are reconverted to NAD+ intracellularly.
Sociali et al., FASEB Journal, 2019
NAD+ Decline Is a Hallmark of Aging
Studies show NAD+ levels decline by approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60. This decline correlates with mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced DNA repair capacity, and decreased sirtuin activity — all factors in age-related decline.
Massudi et al., PLoS ONE, 2012
NAD+ Supports Neuronal Health
Research demonstrates that NAD+ supplementation supports neuronal health by improving mitochondrial function in brain cells, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting the brain's energy demands. Clinical observations suggest improvements in cognitive clarity.
Hou et al., Neurobiology of Aging, 2018
NAD+ Regulates Metabolic Pathways
NAD+ is a critical cofactor in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Studies show that restoring NAD+ levels can improve metabolic efficiency and support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.
Cantó et al., Cell Metabolism, 2015
Sirtuin Activation Requires NAD+
Sirtuins (SIRT1-7) are longevity-associated proteins that depend entirely on NAD+ for their function. Research shows that maintaining NAD+ levels keeps sirtuins active, supporting DNA repair, inflammation control, and metabolic regulation.
Imai & Guarente, Trends in Cell Biology, 2014
These studies reflect research findings. Individual results may vary. NAD+ therapy at Range Medical is provided under medical supervision with proper monitoring.
Common Questions
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It's essential for energy production, DNA repair, cellular signaling, and activating sirtuins — proteins that regulate aging. As we age, NAD+ levels decline significantly, which is linked to many age-related issues.
Oral NAD+ has very poor bioavailability — most of it is broken down in the gut before reaching your bloodstream. IV and injection delivery bypass the digestive system entirely, delivering NAD+ directly to your bloodstream where it can reach your cells. This is why clinical protocols use IV or injection routes.
Both are effective. The injection protocol (3x/week for 12 weeks) offers convenience and gradual building of NAD+ levels. The IV protocol provides higher doses per session and a front-loaded approach. We'll recommend based on your goals, schedule, and how you respond to treatment.
NAD+ IVs are infused slowly over 2-4 hours. Some people experience flushing, chest tightness, or nausea if infused too quickly — this is why we go slow. Most patients describe feeling energized and mentally clear after their infusion. The sensation is temporary and manageable.
Individual results vary, but most patients report sustained benefits for 2-4 weeks after completing a protocol. This is why we recommend maintenance sessions (monthly IV or continued injections) to maintain elevated NAD+ levels long-term.
Yes, when administered by trained medical professionals. NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule in your body — we're simply replenishing what declines with age. Side effects are typically mild and transient. We monitor you throughout IV infusions and adjust the rate as needed.
Ready to restore your NAD+ levels?
Start with a $199 Range Assessment. We'll discuss your goals and determine which NAD+ protocol is right for you. Our Newport Beach team is here to help.