Table of Contents
NAD shots are injections that deliver NAD directly into the body, usually through a muscle or an IV, with the goal of raising NAD levels more quickly than oral supplements. People often look into them for energy, focus, recovery, or healthy aging support.
Interest in NAD shots has grown fast, but the science is still developing. Understanding what NAD does, how these shots are supposed to work, and where the evidence is limited helps set realistic expectations.
Key Takeaways:
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NAD shots are injections intended to raise NAD levels quickly, but long-term human evidence is still limited.
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Most well-studied benefits of NAD support come from oral precursors like NMN, not injections.
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Some people report short-term changes in energy or focus, though responses vary widely.
NMN + Resveratrol
Cellular NAD+ booster with ultra‑pure NMN and Resveratrol, at research‑backed doses.*
What Is NAD and Why Does It Matter in the Body?
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NAD, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a molecule found in every living cell. It plays a key role in how the body turns food into energy and how cells repair themselves over time.
NAD matters because it supports many basic processes that keep cells functioning well, especially as we age.
Some of its main roles include:
Helping mitochondria produce energy that cells use to function.
Supporting DNA repair processes that fix everyday cellular damage.
Activating proteins involved in stress response and cell maintenance.
Research has found that NAD levels tend to decline with age. According to studies, NAD levels may drop by about 50% between ages 40 and 60 (1).
Lower levels are also linked with chronic stress, poor sleep, and metabolic strain, which helps explain why NAD has become a focus in aging and wellness research (2).
What Is a NAD Shot?
A NAD shot is an injection that delivers NAD directly into the body, usually through an intramuscular shot or an intravenous infusion. The goal is to raise NAD levels without relying on digestion or conversion from other nutrients.
Because the NAD is injected rather than swallowed, it bypasses the digestive system. This is why NAD shots are often described as a faster or more direct option compared to oral supplements.
In practice, NAD shots are typically offered in wellness clinics and are given under medical supervision. Some protocols use single injections, while others involve repeated sessions over days or weeks, depending on the clinic and the reason for use.
How NAD Shots Are Supposed to Work
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The idea behind NAD shots is simple. By delivering NAD directly into the bloodstream or muscle tissue, cells may gain quicker access to this molecule for energy and repair processes.
In theory, higher circulating NAD could support:
Cellular energy production, especially in high energy tissues like the brain and muscles.
DNA repair pathways that rely on NAD as a fuel source.
Cellular signaling involved in stress response and recovery.
It is important to note that this mechanism is based largely on how NAD functions in cells, not on strong long term human trials using injections. How much injected NAD actually enters cells and stays there is still an area of active research.
Why People Get NAD Shots
People seek out NAD shots for several common reasons, usually related to energy, mental clarity, or recovery.
Low energy or fatigue: Some people report feeling less tired after NAD shots, possibly due to NAD’s role in cellular energy pathways. These effects vary widely and are not consistent for everyone.
Brain fog or focus issues: Because the brain relies heavily on energy production, NAD is often linked to mental clarity. Some individuals use NAD shots hoping for sharper focus or better mood stability.
Physical recovery and stress: Athletes or people under high stress sometimes try NAD shots as part of recovery routines, especially after intense training or long periods of poor sleep.
Interest in healthy aging support: NAD decline is associated with aging at the cellular level, which leads some adults to explore NAD shots as part of broader wellness or longevity-focused routines.
While these reasons explain the interest, responses to NAD shots can differ a lot from person to person, and strong clinical evidence in humans is still limited.
NMN + Resveratrol
Cellular NAD+ booster with ultra‑pure NMN and Resveratrol, at research‑backed doses.*
Do NAD Shots Actually Work?
NAD shots may raise NAD levels in the body for a short time, but strong clinical proof in humans is still limited. Most of what we know about NAD benefits comes from studies on oral NAD precursors, not injections.
Some people report feeling more energy or mental clarity after NAD shots. These effects are mostly based on personal experience, not large controlled trials. Clinical research has not yet clearly shown how much injected NAD enters cells or how long those changes last.
Researchers generally agree on one point. The most consistent human data on raising NAD levels comes from supplements like NMN and NR, which the body converts into NAD.
This difference matters when judging how reliable current claims about NAD shots really are.
NAD Shots vs Oral NAD Precursors
NAD shots deliver NAD directly, while oral NAD precursors give the body building blocks it uses to make its own NAD. Right now, oral precursors are supported by more human research.
Clinical studies have reported that taking NMN in doses such as 250 to 500 mg per day increased NAD-related markers in the blood in adults (3).
These findings help explain why many doctors and researchers focus first on oral options.
NAD shots may appeal to people who want rapid delivery, but they tend to be more expensive, less convenient, and less studied long-term. For many people, oral NAD precursors offer a steadier and better understood way to support NAD levels.
Safety, Side Effects, and What to Know First
NAD shots are generally given in medical or wellness clinics under supervision. Short-term side effects are usually mild, but long-term safety data in humans is still limited.
Things to keep in mind include:
Temporary flushing, nausea, or discomfort at the injection site can occur.
Effects vary widely based on dose, delivery method, and individual health.
People with chronic illness, cancer history, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a healthcare provider first.
Raising NAD levels affects many cellular pathways, and researchers are still studying possible long-term risks.
NAD shots should not replace basic health habits like sleep, nutrition, and regular movement.
Final Words
NAD shots are a growing wellness trend built around a real biological molecule, but the science behind injections is still evolving. While some people feel short-term changes, the strongest human evidence for supporting NAD levels comes from oral precursors, not shots.
At Omre, we focus on approaches that are better studied and easier to fit into daily life. Our NMN + Resveratrol formula is designed to support the body’s natural NAD production using research-based doses, without the need for injections. 
If you are exploring ways to support cellular health long term, learn more about our NMN + Resveratrol, designed to support healthy NAD levels using research-based ingredients and daily, non-invasive supplementation.
FAQs
What do NAD shots do in the body?
NAD shots aim to raise NAD levels temporarily by delivering NAD directly into the body. NAD supports energy production and cellular repair, but how much injected NAD reaches cells is still being studied.
Are NAD shots better than NMN supplements?
Not necessarily. Oral NMN supplements have stronger human research showing they raise NAD-related markers, while evidence for NAD shots is more limited.
How long do NAD shots last?
Any increase in NAD from injections is thought to be short-lived. The exact duration varies and is not well defined in clinical research.
Do doctors recommend NAD shots?
Some clinicians offer them in wellness settings, but many doctors prefer oral NAD precursors due to better research support and safety data.