Your body has dozens of organs (around 78 if you don’t count things like bones and teeth). The five organs that are considered vital are your brain, heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
A problem with any of these can quickly become a critical issue. But if you had to guess, which vital organ would you say is the most important?
Most people would say the heart, which makes sense. But the most important organ is actually your brain (and the nervous system attached to it).
Without signals from the brain, the heart wouldn’t know what to do. The same applies to all the other organs and systems in your body. Name a bodily function, and it wouldn’t be able to do its job properly without the brain.
Your brain is constantly receiving and processing information from all parts of your body, then sending out instructions. It literally never takes a break, even working behind the scenes while you sleep.
That said, some days, it can feel like it’s just not showing up:
Brain fog…
Difficulty concentrating…
Forgetting why you walked into a room…
Or just a general lack of energy or motivation…
We’re sure you’ve been there. There are many frustrating signs that can feel like your brain isn’t working very well, and sometimes even make you wonder if you’re “losing it.”
Often, mental fatigue is temporary. But if you’re experiencing days with mental fatigue more often than not, it could be a sign that your body is low on a molecule that is starting to get a lot of attention these days, but still isn’t talked about nearly enough.
And that molecule is: NAD+.
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell in your body and is essential for energy production. All bodily functions rely on energy, and if levels are low, almost every system can be affected. But your brain is usually the first to feel the impact. That’s because your brain uses a lot of energy, more than any other organ in your body.
Every ounce of power your brain needs to do its job depends on NAD+. If NAD+ levels are low, it doesn’t take long before your brain starts operating like a phone stuck on low battery mode. So, if you’ve been struggling with mental clarity and focus, there’s a good chance your NAD+ levels have declined.
Drops in NAD+ can happen at any age, but the decline becomes more significant once you hit your 40s. And if you don’t do something to get NAD+ levels back up, those symptoms of mental fatigue likely won’t go away on their own. Even worse, you could be setting the stage for more serious cognitive issues in the future.
That’s why longevity experts are encouraging people to consider using advanced strategies to restore NAD+, especially NAD+ injections and IV NAD+ infusions, which functional medicine experts and biohackers praise as the most effective way to replenish NAD+ levels, especially when stores are significantly depleted.
In the sections ahead, we’ll break down exactly what NAD+ is, how to know if your NAD+ levels are low, why your body needs NAD+ to function, and exactly how it powers your brain. We’ll also discuss the best ways to replenish NAD+ so you can keep all your bodily systems running properly, including the function and health of your most important organ… the brain.
What Is NAD+ and Why Your Body Needs It
NAD+ (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every single cell in your body. Unlike some compounds that hang around with no clear purpose, NAD+ is truly essential, meaning your body has to have it to function properly.
What makes NAD+ so important? Energy.
Your cells can’t produce energy without NAD+, which is a pretty important role considering every single one of your bodily functions depends on energy to function. When NAD+ is depleted, nothing in your body has the fuel it needs to work the way it should.
Now, we know what you may be thinking: food is what gives you energy. And yes, that’s true. The primary energy your cells need to function comes from macronutrients like protein, fat, and carbohydrates. However, those nutrients must be converted into a universal form of energy that your cells can utilize, and it’s NAD+ that makes this conversion possible.
NAD+ helps your mitochondria (the parts of your cells responsible for creating energy) transform nutrients into ATP, which is the cellular fuel that powers everything in your body, from your muscles and metabolism to your immune system and your brain.
Without sufficient NAD+, your cells can’t create energy efficiently, repair themselves properly, or function optimally. What does this mean for you? Everything!
From how fast your skin ages, to your energy levels, how well your metabolism functions, how quickly you recover from physical or cognitive stress, and how sharp and focused you feel day to day… it’s all fueled by cellular energy.
When NAD+ levels are low, the systems that rely on energy don’t just slow down. Over time, they can start to break down, and the organ that usually feels that drop the fastest is your brain. Even a mild NAD+ deficiency can leave you feeling mentally drained, foggy, or forgetful. And if you let NAD+ remain depleted for too long, more serious problems can occur that go beyond focus and begin to impact long-term brain health.
Signs You Might Have Low NAD+
NAD+ impacts nearly every system in your body. It’s a coenzyme involved in energy production, DNA repair, gene expression, and cellular communication, which makes it one of the most important molecules for healthy aging.
So, when levels fall (which happens naturally as we age, and even more rapidly with stress, poor sleep, and environmental toxins), the signs can present in various ways.
For example, declining NAD+ is a key reason we develop visible signs of aging like fine lines, weight gain, joint discomfort, and reduced physical or mental resilience. Chronically low NAD+ levels are also closely linked to age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Typically, it takes NAD+ levels dropping significantly or staying low for an extended period for more serious symptoms or medical issues to appear. But even mild NAD+ depletion can cause noticeable shifts in how you feel and how your brain functions.
In fact, that mental fatigue you’ve been experiencing is often one of the earliest signs that your NAD+ is no longer where it should be. You might notice things like:
- Brain fog
- Slower thinking or recall
- Difficulty focusing or staying clear-headed
- Trouble staying motivated
- Low stress tolerance or emotional burnout
- Mental fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- That vague “off” feeling you can’t quite explain
Of course, there could be other reasons behind your mental fatigue. However, if it occurs frequently or worsens with age, there’s a strong possibility that low NAD+ levels are contributing.
How NAD+ Influences Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Behind the scenes, your brain relies on a steady supply of cellular energy to think clearly, focus, and form memories. As mentioned earlier, it requires a significant amount of energy to fulfill its various roles.
But that energy doesn’t just appear. It has to be created, and NAD+ is what makes that possible.
When NAD+ levels fall, the brain can’t function at full capacity. Initially, it may show up as feeling foggy, forgetful, unfocused, or mentally drained.
But over time, low NAD+ can begin to interfere with the brain’s ability to recover from stress. It may even increase the risk for neurodegeneration and other age-related cognitive conditions.
Here’s exactly how NAD+ steps in to provide the support your brain needs to stay sharp and resilient:
Mental Clarity
Your brain needs fast, steady energy to stay clear and alert throughout the day. NAD+ is essential for producing that energy inside neurons. When NAD+ levels are healthy, brain cells can fire efficiently and communicate without interruption. But when NAD+ drops, energy production slows down, and that’s when clarity disappears. You may feel like your mind is clouded, heavy, or always a few steps behind.
Memory
NAD+ supports long-term brain health by helping repair DNA damage and maintain mitochondrial integrity inside neurons. These processes are essential for memory formation and recall.
Studies suggest that low NAD+ levels are associated with impaired memory and a higher risk of age-related cognitive decline. Supporting healthy NAD+ levels may help your brain stay sharper, longer.
Focus
Being focused enough to complete a task, make decisions, or stay present isn’t just about willpower; it’s also about being mindful. Yes, habits and environment matter, but focus also depends on how efficiently your brain can filter information, block distractions, and stay mentally engaged.
NAD+ fuels that process by supporting neurotransmitter activity, protecting neuronal integrity, and maintaining the energy supply your brain needs to stay on task. When NAD+ is low, your brain is more likely to wander, fatigue faster, or feel like it’s constantly starting and stopping.
Mood + Stress Resilience
Your brain doesn’t just think. It also feels. Mood regulation and stress response depend on a delicate balance of neurotransmitters, inflammation control, and cellular energy. When any of those systems are off, your mental resilience often takes a hit.
NAD+ plays a central role in maintaining that balance. It helps regulate the production and recycling of mood-related neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, while also supporting cellular repair mechanisms that protect the brain from long-term stress damage.
Low NAD+ levels can make it harder to bounce back from emotional stress, increase your sensitivity to overwhelm, and contribute to feelings of burnout, anxiety, or low motivation.
Neuronal Protection
NAD+ helps defend your brain by activating enzymes that repair DNA damage and reduce oxidative stress. These protective actions help preserve the integrity of your neurons and lower the risk of neurodegeneration.
Research is ongoing, but early human and animal studies suggest that NAD+ depletion may be involved in the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Synaptic Plasticity
Synaptic plasticity is your brain’s ability to adapt, rewire, and form new connections. It’s how you learn, grow, and recover from cognitive stress or trauma. NAD+ supports this adaptability by regulating sirtuins and other proteins that influence gene expression and cellular signaling in the brain.
In short, NAD+ helps keep your brain flexible. That flexibility is key to staying mentally sharp at any age, especially later in life when the brain becomes more vulnerable to decline.
How to Naturally Increase NAD+
While your body can produce NAD+ on its own, levels tend to decline with age. Additionally, chronic stress, poor sleep, inflammation, and environmental toxins can accelerate the decline.
That’s why even younger adults can find themselves running low on NAD+.
The good news is that your body can rebuild its supply with the right support. In some cases, you may need targeted therapies to restore what time, stress, and lifestyle have depleted. However, there are also simple ways to support your NAD+ levels naturally.
Diet
Your body uses nutrients from food to create NAD+, but it also needs NAD+ to metabolize those nutrients. That’s why eating healthy is helpful, but not always enough, especially if NAD+ levels are already depleted.
That said, some of the best food sources for NAD+ precursors include:
Vitamin B3-rich proteins like wild-caught salmon, chicken breast, turkey, and peanuts
Tryptophan-containing foods such as eggs, dairy, and tofu
Green vegetables like broccoli and asparagus, which support precursor pathways and antioxidant defense
These foods contain niacin, nicotinamide, and tryptophan, all of which can be converted into NAD+ through a salvage pathway in the body. However, that conversion process is complex and can slow down with age or stress. Diet alone may not be sufficient to significantly restore NAD+ levels, but it’s a good place to start.
Exercise
Movement is one of the most reliable ways to boost NAD+ production, especially in the muscles and brain. Exercise activates a group of longevity-related proteins called sirtuins, which require NAD+ to function and are involved in promoting healthy aging, regulating metabolism, and enhancing cognition.
Even moderate movement, such as brisk walking, zone 2 cardio, or resistance training, can help increase your body’s ability to produce and recycle NAD+. But like nutrient-rich foods, exercise has its limits. If NAD+ levels have dropped significantly, you may require a more direct intervention.
Supplements
Many people turn to brain supplements like nootropics in hopes of improving focus, memory, or mental stamina. And while some high-quality nootropics from trusted brands can provide a short-term lift, they don’t solve the deeper issue if NAD+ levels are low.
That said, there are a couple of categories of supplements that claim to raise or support NAD+ levels. First, you have oral NAD+ supplements that contain the coenzyme itself, but you’ve gotta be careful with these.
Supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA, which means there’s no required third-party testing to verify whether the label accurately matches the contents of the product. With the popularity of NAD+, there may be underdosed or poor-quality products on the market, or products that don’t contain any NAD+ at all.
But even if the supplement is from a trusted brand, absorption is a known challenge with oral NAD+ supplements. The molecule is large and unstable, making it difficult to get meaningful amounts into cells through digestion alone.
There are also supplements that are considered NAD+ precursors, which are molecules that cells can convert into NAD+. Two that you’ll probably see a lot when searching for ways to increase NAD+ levels in the body are nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
While these precursors are said to be more readily absorbed and converted to NAD+ by cells compared to oral supplements containing the coenzyme itself, most studies show that these precursors can only modestly raise NAD+ levels in the bloodstream.
NAD+ Therapy
If your NAD+ levels are significantly depleted, you’re looking for targeted support for brain health, or you simply want to ensure you are getting the most out of the money you spend trying to replenish NAD+ levels, NAD+ therapy is your best option.
NAD+ that is administered via subcutaneous injection or intravenous (IV) infusion is shown to offer a more direct approach to restoring NAD+ availability at the cellular level.
NAD+ Therapy for Brain Health: What It Is and Why It Works
NAD+ therapy may be one of the most sought-after services in functional medicine today, but it’s not exactly a new concept. Researchers first began exploring the potential of NAD+ in the 1900s. Its role in energy production and cellular repair became clearer over time, but it wasn’t until more recent decades that its use shifted from labs and academic studies into clinical settings.
Initially used in addiction recovery protocols to support detoxification and brain healing, NAD+ therapy gained attention for its effects on slowing down aging and promoting mental clarity, mood stability, and cognitive resilience.
Today, it’s one of the most in-demand therapies at functional medicine and regenerative health clinics, including here at Relive Health. There are a few different forms of NAD+ therapy, each with varying levels of intensity and absorption:
IV NAD+ therapy, where the coenzyme is delivered directly into your bloodstream. This method bypasses digestion completely, making NAD+ available to your cells almost immediately.
NAD+ injections, typically administered subcutaneously, offer a quicker and more convenient option that still delivers the molecule directly into circulation. NAD+ injections can be done in-clinic, but most patients are taught how to inject themselves and perform treatment at home.
Nasal sprays and sublingual options exist, but absorption through these routes is less studied. For patients who don’t want to make regular visits to a clinic and don’t want to inject themselves at home, sprays and sublingual delivery are an option. However, IV or injectable delivery remains the preferred method due to its higher bioavailability, especially for adults aged 40 and older, who experience a more rapid decline in NAD+.
Whether you choose injections, an IV, or even a nasal or sublingual option, unlike traditional oral supplements or precursors, clinically guided NAD+ therapy provides your body with the actual coenzyme in its active form.
And because it bypasses the gut, it avoids the breakdown and absorption challenges associated with pills or powders. This means more NAD+ reaches your cells, especially in high-demand tissues like the brain.
NAD+ and Long-Term Brain Health: Supporting Neurological Function as You Age
Many people first seek NAD+ therapy for short-term goals like mental clarity or focus, or for its positive effects on longevity and healthy aging. However, what makes it truly powerful is its support for your brain’s long-term health and adaptability.
As NAD+ levels decline with age, your brain becomes more vulnerable to oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These changes don’t just affect how you feel; they can potentially lay the groundwork for more serious neurodegenerative conditions over time.
In fact, low NAD+ levels have been observed in individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers believe this depletion may contribute to the cellular damage and energy deficits seen in these conditions.
Animal and cell studies suggest that NAD+ may offer neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative damage, stabilizing mitochondria, and improving synaptic function. Preliminary human research shows promise for NAD+ in delaying the progression of age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, though more large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Beyond neurodegeneration, NAD+ may also play a role in other age-related cognitive health issues that are often influenced by cellular deficits that NAD+ helps regulate.
While NAD+ therapy is not a treatment for any disease, maintaining optimal levels may support brain health in ways that help reduce risk factors over time.
Compounds that May Boost the Effects of NAD+ Therapy: The Role of NAD+ Neuroprotective Compounds
As research in NAD+ therapy progresses, longevity experts have discovered ways to potentially enhance or prolong its benefits.
More research is needed to fully understand their long-term impact. But two therapies offered at many Relive Health clinics have demonstrated promising synergy when combined with NAD+ therapy.
5 Amino 1MQ
This peptide works by inhibiting an enzyme called nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which is known to deplete NAD+ and slow cellular energy production. By blocking NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ helps the body preserve and elevate NAD+ levels. This supports energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, and fat oxidation.
When used in conjunction with NAD+ therapy, 5-Amino-1MQ may help sustain and amplify the benefits by extending how long NAD+ remains available for cellular use.
We believe this combination may be one of the most groundbreaking approaches to healthy aging we’ve seen in functional medicine, especially for adults over 40. To better understand how NAD+ therapy and 5 Amino 1MQ work together, read “NAD+ and 5 Amino 1MQ Synergy in Therapy.”
Methylene Blue
Methylene blue is a laboratory-derived compound that is gaining significant interest from researchers and clinicians alike for its potential to protect brain cells, boost mitochondrial energy, and support long-term cognitive health.
At low doses, methylene blue has shown promise in animal studies and early human trials for improving ATP production, protecting neurons, supporting cerebral blood flow, and reducing oxidative stress in the brain.
While it is not FDA-approved specifically for cognitive support, functional medicine clinics often use it as a standalone treatment or in combination with NAD+ to potentially improve cognition.
That said, methylene blue is not appropriate for everyone. It acts as a monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitor, which means it can pose serious risks if combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic drugs. This interaction can lead to a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome.
Methylene blue should only be used under direct medical supervision, especially for patients taking antidepressants or medications that affect serotonin levels.
To learn more, read “How Methylene Blue Supports Cognitive Health.”
Other Therapies and Services That Pair Well With NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ therapy is very powerful on its own for those who want to boost energy, support brain health, or promote longevity and slow down aging.
However, in addition to neuroprotective compounds that may boost and preserve the benefits of NAD+ therapy, many patients at Relive Health combine one or more of our other services as part of their custom longevity plan.
During your consultation, our longevity experts will help you determine which therapies may complement your NAD+ protocol based on your goals, stress levels, and overall health.
Here are a few of the most commonly paired services:
IV Vitamin Therapy
Many patients, especially those who choose IV NAD+ therapy, often personalize their IV drip with other ingredients to support energy, hydration, mitochondrial health, and overall resilience.
Whether you are already in the clinic getting NAD+ IV therapy, or you inject NAD+ at home and just want to pop in for a quick appointment, IV Vitamin Therapy can be a helpful addition at any point in your wellness journey, but especially during times of stress, illness, or recovery, or if you believe you have a nutritional deficiency.
Because both NAD+ and IV nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, they bypass digestion and become more readily available for cellular use.
One of the most popular combinations is NAD+ therapy with added glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your brain and body from oxidative stress. While NAD+ helps fuel energy production, glutathione helps defend those same cells from damage, making them an excellent duo for longevity.
To learn more about IV Vitamin Therapy, check out our database of IV Vitamin Therapy articles.
Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy is often used in functional medicine to modulate inflammation, support immune balance, and optimize cellular oxygen utilization. When used in conjunction with NAD+ therapy, ozone therapy may provide additional support for individuals focused on healthy aging. Ozone therapy is also an effective treatment for individuals facing age-related health challenges or recovering from an injury, as well as for athletes seeking to enhance performance and accelerate recovery.
To learn more about ozone therapy, check out our article database, which contains several helpful blogs on ozone therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is another advanced service some patients integrate into their long-term regenerative care plans. While more research is still emerging, combining NAD+ with regenerative cellular therapies may offer a comprehensive approach to longevity, especially for individuals looking to restore function, support tissue health, or accelerate recovery.
To learn more about stem cell therapy, read “Stem Cell Therapy 101: How It Can Help With Common Health Issues” and “How Stem Cell Therapy Is Revolutionizing Joint and Tendon Healing.”
Nutrition and Supplement Guidance
The therapies we offer at Relive Health aren’t a replacement for a healthy diet or key foundational supplements. While NAD+ therapy and other advanced services can support energy, focus, and resilience, it’s still important to fuel your body with proper nutrients, especially if your goal is long-term brain and cellular health.
Our team can help you optimize your nutrition plan and offer supplement guidance for any additional support your body may need. Some of the most common supplements we recommend to patients seeking to reduce their biological age and enhance overall function include foundational vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as mitochondrial cofactors such as CoQ10, PQQ, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Conclusion
If your mind doesn’t feel as sharp, focused, or resilient as it used to, it’s not just in your head. It’s in your cells, or more accurately, it’s what’s missing from them.
Your brain burns through a massive amount of energy every day, and it needs NAD+ to keep up. When NAD+ levels drop, everything from your reflection in the mirror to memory, focus, mood, and mental clarity can take a hit.
At Relive Health, NAD+ therapy is one of our most requested services for a reason. It’s not a fleeting wellness trend. It’s a science-backed strategy for restoring what time, stress, and aging deplete, especially for adults over 40.
If you’re ready to find out whether NAD+ therapy is right for you, our team will create a personalized plan tailored to your goals, biology, and lifestyle. Visit our clinic locator to find a Relive Health near you and take the first step toward more energy, sharper focus, and greater resilience from the inside out.
