NAD+ injections or supplements: Which supports lasting cellular health better?

The first signs of ageing often unfold quietly: you lose energy more quickly, focus is harder to maintain, and recovery takes longer than it used to. At the root of these shifts lies a gradual decline in cellular efficiency – particularly in how the body produces and sustains energy.


At the centre of this process is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a molecule essential for cellular energy and maintaining overall cell function. It plays a vital role in how we feel, recover, and age.


Unfortunately, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age. This means the body’s capacity to renew and repair itself becomes more and more inefficient. In response, many people are turning to NAD+-boosting therapies to counteract this decline and support vitality from within. 

 
From intramuscular injections and intravenous infusions to oral precursors like NMN, all approaches share a common goal: restoring NAD+ levels. But how they work and how effective they are, differs in fundamental ways.


Which is the best way for you to recover your NAD+ levels? Keep reading to uncover the key differences between infusions and taking supplements – and what they mean for your health.

In this article

The role of NAD+ in health and ageing

The two primary strategies: Injections/ Infusions vs. supplements

Comparing effectiveness: The science behind each method

Why AVEA’s Vitality Bundle offers a safe & superior solution

Why choose AVEA?

Real results from real people: How well does the Vitality Bundle work?

The sustainable alternative to NAD+ infusions

The role of NAD+ in health and ageing

NAD+ plays a foundational role in keeping our cells – and by extension, our entire bodies functioning well. It’s involved in nearly every major cellular process: converting food into energy, repairing damaged DNA, and regulating signals that keep our metabolism, brain, and immune system in balance. 


But as we age, NAD+ levels decline – significantly. Research shows that by the time we reach middle age, NAD+ levels may drop by up to 50%, compared to our youth. This decline has far-reaching effects and is linked to many of the changes we associate with ageing, such as:

  • Persistent fatigue and reduced physical endurance
  • Slower metabolism and increased difficulty maintaining a healthy weight
  • Greater vulnerability to neurodegenerative conditions
  • A less responsive, ageing immune system
  • Declining mitochondrial health and cellular energy

It's not just about energy – NAD+ supports essential cellular functions that underpin resilience, repair, and healthy ageing at every level of the body. In this article, we have already outlined the many benefits associated with stable, healthy NAD+ levels.


Supporting NAD+ levels is increasingly recognised as a core strategy for maintaining vitality – not only to feel more energetic and focused today, but to protect the cellular foundations of long-term health.
Let’s take a closer look at how the two main strategies for restoring NAD+. 

The two primary strategies: Injections/ Infusions vs. supplements

There are two main ways to increase NAD+ levels: delivering the molecule directly through injections or infusions, or helping the body rebuild it naturally through oral supplementation.

1. NAD+ injections / infusions

NAD+ injections or infusions are medical, or wellness treatments designed to deliver NAD+ directly into the body. Thanks to celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow, intravenous NAD+ infusions have surged in popularity. They are typically offered in clinics, longevity centres, or specialized IV lounges, and are usually administered under professional supervision. Nowadays, you can even experience NAD+ infusions in luxury hotels.

 

There are two main forms of delivery:

  • Intravenous (IV) infusion: NAD+ is slowly dripped into a vein over the course of several hours.
  • Intramuscular (IM) injection: A smaller dose of NAD+ is injected directly into muscle tissue.

Both methods bypass the digestive system entirely and introduce NAD+ straight into the bloodstream. From there, it circulates throughout the body, becoming available to tissues and organs.

2. NAD+ precursor supplements

The second strategy for increasing NAD+ levels relies on oral precursors — smaller molecules that the body naturally uses to produce NAD+ from within. 


These include 

  • NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and
  • NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)

Supplements work differently. Instead of delivering NAD+ directly, they use NAD+ precursors – because the NAD+ molecule itself is too large and unstable to be taken orally. It would break down during digestion and never reach the cells where it’s needed. Precursors like NMN or NR are smaller, stable, and easily absorbed. Once inside the body, they enter the natural NAD+ production pathway and are converted into usable NAD+ right where the cell needs it.


NMN in particular has drawn growing interest, as it is one step closer to NAD+ in the metabolic chain and is known to be well absorbed. This makes it a practical and biologically compatible way to support the body’s own cellular processes – by supplying the ingredients it already knows how to use.


Now that the mechanisms are clear, let’s take a closer look at how effective each strategy is in restoring NAD+ levels.

Comparing effectiveness: The science behind each method

Now that we understand how NAD+ injections and supplements are delivered, the next question is: how well do they actually work? To answer that, we need to look at the key factors – absorption, duration, safety, practicability and cost.

Absorption and bioavailability

At first glance, NAD+ infusions and injections may seem like the most direct way to restore NAD+ levels. Infusions deliver the molecule straight into the bloodstream via a vein, while intramuscular injections place it into muscle tissue, where it is gradually absorbed into circulation. In both cases, digestion is bypassed — but there’s a catch.

 

NAD+ is a relatively large and water-soluble molecule (molecular weight ~663 g/mol), which means it has a hard time crossing cell membranes. And since most of the body’s critical NAD+ activity happens inside cells, getting it into the bloodstream doesn’t guarantee it will reach the places where it’s truly needed.

 

In fact, studies suggest that a significant portion of infused NAD+ is quickly broken down or excreted, limiting how much is actually used inside cells.

 

By contrast, oral precursors like NMN are much smaller molecules that the body naturally converts into NAD+ inside the cell. NMN is well absorbed in the gut, enters the bloodstream, and can cross directly into cells, where it’s quickly transformed into NAD+.

 

A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition* found that 250 mg of NMN taken daily for 12 weeks significantly increased NAD+ levels in healthy adults, with levels rising within four weeks and remaining stable throughout the study. Another study** came to similar results in older men and additionally reported improved muscle strength and performance, underscoring NMN’s potential for healthy ageing.

Duration of Benefit

NAD+ injections and infusions tend to create a sharp, temporary spike in circulating levels, with effects that may last a few hours or, in some cases, a day. But once the infusion wears off, so does the effect. The effects of an NAD⁺ infusion usually last between 3–14 days, though some individuals report benefits lasting for weeks or even longer, depending on factors like dosage, individual metabolism, baseline NAD⁺ levels, and overall health. These extended effects are often subjective — such as improved mood, energy, or focus — rather than the result of sustained elevated NAD⁺ levels in cells.

 

Taking NMN orally, on the other hand, supports ongoing NAD+ production, especially when taken consistently. Because it feeds directly into the body’s own production pathway, it helps maintain steady levels over time – more like a daily recharge than a one-time boost.

Safety and side effects

NAD+ infusions must be administered slowly, typically over 2 to 4 hours, to avoid side effects such as flushing or nausea. While often marketed as safe and effective, they remain invasive medical procedures that require inserting a catheter into delicate veins under clinical supervision. Intramuscular injections, though shorter in duration, are also invasive — involving deep needle penetration into muscle tissue — and can cause discomfort, soreness, or localized reactions. Both methods require trained professionals, sterile settings, and carry a risk of complications, especially with repeated use.


Common side effects include:

  • Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
  • Nausea, flushing, or lightheadedness during the infusion
  • Headaches and digestive discomfort
  • Bruising or inflammation of the vein
  • In rare cases: infection or vascular complications

With infusions, there’s an added layer of complexity and risk. A 2018 study*** reported that up to 50% of peripheral IV catheter procedures fail, due to issues like vein irritation, improper placement, or blockage. 


Oral NMN, by contrast, has shown a strong safety profile in clinical trials, with no serious adverse effects reported in healthy adults, even at relatively high doses.

Ease of use

There’s also a practical side to consider. NAD+ injections and infusions require clinical oversight, appointments, and often high out-of-pocket costs. They’re invasive by nature and not something easily integrated into daily life. NMN supplements, however, are simple, non-invasive, and far more scalable — making them better suited for daily, long-term use.

 

An important consideration when evaluating NAD+ restoration methods is the prevalence of trypanophobia, or the fear of needles. This condition affects approximately 25% of adults, with about 10% experiencing such severe fear that they may avoid necessary medical procedures, including injections and infusions.

 

NMN supplements are simple to take, non-invasive, and easy to integrate into any daily routine. Unlike infusions, they require no appointments or clinical oversight, making them a far more practical choice for long-term use.

Cost and Accessibility

Beyond biology, cost is a major factor in choosing between NAD+ injections, infusions and supplements. NAD+-infusions or injections are typically administered in clinics and can be expensive, with prices ranging from 280 to over 1.850 Euros for a single session of around 500 mg. Since multiple sessions are often recommended for lasting results, the total cost can add up quickly – especially considering the need for clinical supervision, time investment, and possible follow-up visits.

 

In contrast, oral NMN supplements are far more affordable and accessible. A high-quality daily serving of 250 up to 300 mg NMN costs around 1.30 Euros, or roughly 40 Euros per month. This makes it significantly easier to maintain consistently elevated NAD+ levels over time — without appointments, needles, or high financial commitment.


When comparing absorption, duration, safety, practicability, and cost, supplements with NAD+ precursors offer a more sustainable and accessible strategy for maintaining healthy NAD+ levels than infusions.

Why AVEA’s Vitality Bundle offers a safe & superior solution

Declining NAD+ levels affect us all – but not everyone is comfortable with invasive treatments, long clinic sessions, or high costs. At AVEA, we set out to create a science-backed solution that’s effective, accessible, and effortless to integrate into daily life. No needles, no disruption, no complexity.


The result is the AVEA Vitality Bundle: a daily supplement developed in collaboration with leading longevity researchers, clinically researched, and manufactured in Switzerland to the highest quality standards.


It consists of two supplements, that work in perfect synergy.
At the heart of the formula is the well-researched NAD+ precursor NMN. We use a special kind of NMN – the branded NMN Longevir™. This is the only NMN produced in Europe for highest purity and bioavailability.


To amplify and stabilise these effects, our Vitality Bundle also contains the Booster. It works alongside NMN through three complementary mechanisms:

  • Resveratrol & Pterostilbene stimulate the creation of new mitochondria, the power plants of your cells, while CoQ10 Ubiquinol increases their energy output.
  • Betaine supports methylation, a key biochemical process that influences how efficiently NMN is converted and recycled into NAD+.
  • Apigenin inhibits CD38, an enzyme that actively breaks down NAD+, helping your body preserve and make better use of its existing stores.

Together, these ingredients act in synergy to enhance, protect, and stabilise NAD+ levels – for sustained energy, clearer focus, and long-term cellular health.

A natural energy boost from within

Unlike infusions that offer short-lived artificial peaks, this daily supplement set promotes the body’s natural, ongoing NAD+ production, aligning with how cells are designed to function.


Every ingredient in the Vitality Bundle is clinically studied, traceable, and selected for purity and efficacy. Developed in Switzerland and tested to the highest standards, it offers a reliable, long-term approach to healthy ageing and sustained energy –  all in a convenient, portable form you can take anywhere, whether at home or on the go.


No appointments, no clinical oversight – just daily support for vitality, focus, and long-term cellular health.

Why choose AVEA?

Real results from real people: How well does the Vitality Bundle work?

While many supplement brands rely on bold marketing promises, we believe in letting the data speak for itself. That’s why we put the AVEA Vitality Bundle to the test – not in a lab, but in real life, with real people.


In a survey of 450 customers, we asked how they felt after consistently taking the Vitality Bundle. The results were clear:

  • 85% reported increased energy and sharper focus within 3 months
  • 76% noticed better overall wellbeing after just 30 days
  • 77% experienced improved stress management and emotional resilience over time

And in one remarkable case, a participant saw their biological age drop from 37 to 31.2 within just one year – a sign of measurable rejuvenation at the cellular level.
These outcomes reflect what the science already suggests: supporting your NAD+ levels with NMN and synergistic nutrients can lead to real, lasting changes in how you feel, function, and age.


Even well-known entrepreneurs are convinced – read here how investor Tobias Reichmuth transformed his health with the help of AVEA’s Vitality Bundle.

The sustainable alternative to NAD+ infusions

NAD+ injections and infusions may offer a fast but fleeting boost, yet for most people, they are expensive, invasive, and difficult to maintain long term. They require clinical supervision, take hours per session, and aren’t suitable for everyone, especially those uncomfortable with needles.


The AVEA Vitality Bundle offers a more intelligent and sustainable alternative. It combines NMN, a clinically researched NAD+ precursor, with powerful co-nutrients to support a steady, natural rise in NAD+ levels – right where your body needs it: inside your cells. No needles, no appointments, no recovery time.


You can take it anywhere you go –  at home, at work, or while travelling. No need to schedule clinical visits or spend hours in infusion chairs when you can achieve the same long-term benefits without side effects, hassle, or discomfort.


If you're looking for a solution that’s practical, proven, and built for everyday life, the Vitality Bundle is made for you.


Support your NAD+ levels intelligently – with a clinically grounded, lifestyle-friendly approach to energy, focus, and healthy ageing. 


Try the AVEA Vitality Bundle risk-free – with our 90-day money-back guarantee.

References


*Okabe, K., Yaku, K., Uchida, Y., Fukamizu, Y., Sato, T., Sakurai, T., Tobe, K., & Nakagawa, T. (2022). Oral Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Is Safe and Efficiently Increases Blood Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Levels in Healthy Subjects. Frontiers in nutrition, 9, 868640. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.868640 


**Igarashi, M., Nakagawa-Nagahama, Y., Miura, M. et al. Chronic nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation elevates blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and alters muscle function in healthy older men. npj Aging 8, 5 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-022-00084-z 


***Piper, R., Carr, P.J., Kelsey, L.J. et al. The mechanistic causes of peripheral intravenous catheter failure based on a parametric computational study. Sci Rep 8, 3441 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-21617-1


Fukamizu, Y., Uchida, Y., Shigekawa, A. et al. Safety evaluation of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide oral administration in healthy adult men and women. Sci Rep 12, 14442 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-18272-y 
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