NAD IV vs oral supplements
An NAD infusion and an oral NAD precursor are not the same intervention. A 2026 systematic review found no eligible outcome trials of intravenous or intramuscular NAD itself for anti-aging or wellness within its search. Oral NMN and NR had human studies, but clinical benefits were mixed despite NAD-related biochemical changes.
What was covered in the review?
Swipe or scroll sideways to compare all columns.
| Intervention | What the review found |
|---|---|
| Oral NR / NMN | Human studies with biochemical target engagement; heterogeneous clinical outcomes |
| IV / IM NAD itself | No eligible anti-aging/wellness outcome trials in this review |
| IV NMN | One nonrandomised study; mainly short-term safety and biomarkers |
| IV NAD pharmacokinetics | A pilot discussed as context, not eligible clinical-outcome evidence |
“It reaches the bloodstream” is not the final outcome
Pharmacokinetics describes what happens to a compound after administration. It does not, by itself, establish less fatigue, better function or longer life. The review separated a pharmacokinetic pilot from studies meeting its clinical-outcome criteria for this reason.
What “no eligible trials” means here
The authors searched studies from January 2010 through October 2025. Their finding is bounded by those dates and inclusion criteria; it is not a claim that no NAD infusion research exists anywhere. It also cannot establish that a particular commercial infusion is effective or appropriate.
Use the table and its sources
Related reading
CompareNMN vs NR: human research
NMN and NR both have human studies of NAD-related biology.
CompareBiological-age tests compared
“Biological age” can mean different measurements.
ReadWhat is Bryan Johnson’s protocol?
Bryan Johnson’s public protocol combines sleep, exercise, food targets, supplements and prescription medicines.
Source-linked editorial synthesis, prepared with AI assistance. This is not a clinician review or a personalised treatment recommendation. Corrections: editorial standards.