Are NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) subcutaneous injections effective and safe for treating any medical conditions?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 15, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

NAD+ subcutaneous injections are not currently recommended for treating any medical conditions due to the lack of sufficient scientific evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. The provided evidence does not support the use of NAD+ subcutaneous injections for any medical condition, and the FDA has not approved them for any medical use. While NAD+ is an important coenzyme involved in cellular metabolism and energy production, and its levels naturally decline with age, the available research on NAD+ supplementation is primarily from laboratory and animal studies, with very limited human clinical data 1.

Some studies have investigated the use of nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, for chemoprevention in organ transplant recipients, but these studies did not involve subcutaneous NAD+ injections 1. The use of nicotinamide in these studies showed some promise, but the evidence is not strong enough to support its use for other medical conditions, and it is not clear whether the results would be generalizable to other populations.

Additionally, there are potential risks associated with subcutaneous injections, including injection site reactions, allergic responses, and unknown long-term effects. Patients interested in NAD+ therapies should consider that oral NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) have been more extensively studied, though even these require more research before clear medical recommendations can be made 1.

The evidence provided on the management of bullous pemphigoid and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in organ transplant recipients does not support the use of NAD+ subcutaneous injections for these conditions 1. In fact, the guidelines for the management of bullous pemphigoid recommend the use of systemic corticosteroids, topical steroids, and anti-inflammatory antibiotics, but do not mention NAD+ subcutaneous injections 1.

In conclusion is not allowed, so:

  • The current evidence does not support the use of NAD+ subcutaneous injections for any medical condition.
  • Patients should focus on established treatments for their specific conditions.
  • More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of NAD+ supplementation.

From the Research

NAD+ Subcutaneous Injections

  • There is limited research on the effectiveness and safety of NAD+ subcutaneous injections for treating medical conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • The available studies focus on oral supplementation with NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, which have shown potential benefits in improving physiological function and reducing the risk of age-related diseases 2, 3, 5.
  • A systematic review of randomized clinical trials found that NADH supplementation was well-tolerated and associated with improved clinical outcomes, such as decreased anxiety and increased muscle insulin sensitivity 4.
  • However, the review also noted that the studies had limitations, including small sample sizes and varying dosing regimens, which limited the interpretation of the results 4.
  • Another study found that nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide can facilitate NAD+ synthesis via enterohepatic circulation, which may have implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies 6.

Safety and Efficacy

  • The available evidence suggests that NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, are safe and well-tolerated when taken orally 2, 3, 4, 5.
  • However, the studies also reported some side effects, such as muscle pain, nervous disorders, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and headaches, although these were generally mild and did not pose a serious risk to the health of the participants 4.
  • The efficacy of NAD+ subcutaneous injections for treating medical conditions is unclear, as there is limited research on this specific topic 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Potential Therapeutic Applications

  • NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide, may have potential therapeutic applications in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and endothelial dysfunction 3, 5.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of NAD+ subcutaneous injections on human health and to determine their potential therapeutic applications 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.