NAD+ IV Therapy: Combat Fatigue and Low Energy in Kent

After years in cardiac nursing, I thought I understood energy. I mean, really understood it. The heart beats 100,000 times a day, and I'd seen what happens when that energy system fails. But when I transitioned into longevity medicine, something hit me hard: most people walking around, living their normal lives, are running on about half the cellular energy they should have.

I'm talking about NAD+ depletion, and honestly, it's one of those things that once you understand it, you can't unsee it. The fatigue. The brain fog. The way people in their 40s and 50s just accept feeling tired as "normal aging."

When patients first ask me about NAD+ therapy (and they usually phrase it as "Marina, is this just another wellness trend?"), I get it. The wellness industry throws new buzzwords at us constantly. But here's the thing. This isn't a trend. This is fundamental cellular biology, and the science behind it has been building for decades. Your cells need NAD+ the way your car needs petrol. Actually, that's not quite right. It's more like NAD+ is the spark plug that ignites everything. Without it, you've got a full tank going nowhere.

Today I want to walk you through what NAD+ therapy actually is, why it matters so much for how we age, and what you need to know if you're considering it. Fair warning: I'm going to get a bit nerdy about mitochondria and cellular energy. I can't help it. It genuinely excites me.

The Cellular Energy Crisis (And Why Nobody's Talking About It)

Your body contains roughly 37 trillion cells. I know, I know, that number is almost impossible to comprehend.

But every single one of those cells needs energy to function. And that energy comes from tiny organelles called mitochondria.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Mitochondria don't just magically produce energy.

They need a crucial coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ for short, because nobody wants to say that ten times a day) to convert the nutrients from your food into usable cellular energy. Think of NAD+ as the spark plug that ignites your cellular engine.

But as we age, our NAD+ levels absolutely plummet:

• By age 50, you've got roughly half the NAD+ you had at 20

• By 80, you're running on about 10% of your youthful levels

The consequences show up everywhere. The fatigue you can't shake no matter how much you sleep. The brain fog that rolls in around 2pm and never quite leaves. The way your skin just looks... tired. Recovery from exercise that takes twice as long as it used to. And that feeling of being stressed by things that didn't used to bother you.

In my cardiac days, I saw these downstream effects constantly. Patients with cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, cognitive decline. What I didn't realize then (and honestly, what most of medicine still doesn't connect) is how much of this traces back to depleted NAD+ levels and failing mitochondrial function.

This is why I became absolutely fascinated with NAD+ therapy when I moved into longevity medicine. We're not treating symptoms here. We're addressing the fundamental energy crisis happening inside your cells. It's like, instead of just managing the warning lights on your dashboard, we're actually putting fuel in the tank.

What Exactly is NAD+? (The Science Bit, But I'll Keep It Simple)

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. You definitely don't need to remember that. What you do need to understand is that NAD+ is present in every single cell of your body, and it's absolutely essential for life. Not "helpful for life." Essential.

Let me break down what it actually does, because this matters.

Energy Metabolism

NAD+ is the primary coenzyme your mitochondria use to convert glucose and fat into ATP. Without adequate NAD+, your mitochondria can't produce enough ATP. Your cells essentially starve. They're sitting there surrounded by nutrients they can't use because they lack the cofactor to process them.

Longevity Gene Activation

NAD+ activates proteins called sirtuins. These get called "longevity genes" (bit of a simplification, but it works), and they regulate cellular health, DNA repair, inflammation control, and stress resistance. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, sirtuins literally cannot function without NAD+. They're like a light switch that needs electricity. No NAD+, no sirtuins. No sirtuins, accelerated aging.

DNA Repair

Your DNA gets damaged constantly. UV exposure, oxidative stress, just normal metabolic processes. Enzymes called PARPs repair this damage, but they consume massive amounts of NAD+ to do their job. When NAD+ runs low, DNA repair slows down. Damaged DNA accumulates. Things go wrong.

Here's what gets me excited from a clinical perspective. NAD+ isn't just one molecule doing one thing. It's involved in over 500 enzymatic reactions in your body. It affects your metabolism, circadian rhythm, immune function, cognitive performance, cardiovascular health. This is precisely the kind of systemic, foundational intervention that makes sense as a nurse. We're not targeting one symptom. We're supporting the fundamental biology that underlies healthy aging.

Actually, I should mention something here. When I first learned about NAD+ therapy, I was skeptical. My cardiac training made me deeply suspicious of anything that claimed to fix multiple systems at once. That usually means it fixes nothing. But the more I dug into the research, the more I realized this is different. We're not "fixing" multiple systems. We're replenishing a cofactor that all those systems need to function properly. Big difference.

Why Does NAD+ Decline with Age? (It's Not Just One Thing)

Everyone asks why NAD+ levels drop as we age. Honestly, the research points to several mechanisms, and they all work together to create this perfect storm of cellular energy depletion.

Reduced Production

Your body simply makes less NAD+ over time. The enzymes responsible for NAD+ synthesis become less efficient. It's like having a factory that produces fewer units each year despite the same demand. Nobody quite knows why this happens, but it's measurable and consistent across populations.

Increased Consumption

You use more NAD+ as you age. Remember those DNA repair enzymes? They go into overdrive as accumulated cellular damage increases. More damage means more repair needed, which depletes your NAD+ stores faster. It's like running your car engine harder while simultaneously producing less fuel.

Chronic Inflammation

This is the one that really connects to my cardiac background.

As we age, chronic inflammation increases.

We call it "inflammaging" (not my term, but I like it). This activates immune cells that consume enormous amounts of NAD+.

From a cardiovascular perspective, this matters hugely. The heart is the most energy-demanding organ in your body. It beats 100,000 times per day. It's absolutely packed with mitochondria. When NAD+ levels drop, cardiac function suffers.

Enzymatic Breakdown

An enzyme called CD38 increases with age and actually breaks down NAD+. It becomes more active in inflamed tissues. So you're not just producing less NAD+ and using more of it. You're also actively destroying what you have. It's honestly quite frustrating from a biological perspective.

The effects extend far beyond the heart, though. Your brain uses 20% of your body's total energy despite being only 2% of your body weight. When NAD+ levels drop, cognitive function takes a hit. Focus deteriorates. Memory becomes less reliable. Mental clarity just... fades.

This is systemic biology. When your cellular energy production fails, everything suffers. Everything.

What NAD+ Depletion Actually Looks Like (From Someone Who Sees It Daily)

I want to paint you a picture of what NAD+ depletion looks like in clinical practice. These aren't vague symptoms. They're measurable, observable consequences of failing cellular energy metabolism that I see in patients every single week.

Brain Fog and Cognitive Issues

Difficulty concentrating. Memory lapses. That feeling of thinking through treacle. Your neurons are incredibly energy-hungry, and when NAD+ levels drop, cognitive function takes a direct hit. Research from Harvard Medical School shows just how compelling the neuroprotective effects of NAD+ are. The brain studies are actually what convinced me this was worth pursuing clinically.

Metabolic Dysfunction

NAD+ plays a huge role in metabolic health. Low levels contribute to insulin resistance, weight gain (particularly that stubborn abdominal fat), difficulty losing weight despite eating well.

Your metabolism slows because your cells can't

efficiently convert nutrients into energy.

They're like a car sputtering along because the fuel isn't being processed properly.

Visible Aging

Here's where it gets really obvious. Declining NAD+ affects your skin's ability to repair damage, maintain collagen production, resist oxidative stress. You see it in decreased elasticity, increased fine lines, loss of that healthy glow. People often think this is just "aging," but it's more specific than that. It's cellular repair capacity declining because the cofactors needed for repair are depleted.

Cardiovascular Stress

From my cardiac nursing days, I can tell you the heart suffers significantly from NAD+ depletion. Reduced cardiac efficiency. Decreased exercise tolerance. Increased cardiovascular aging. All of it correlates with low NAD+ levels. The research on this is actually quite extensive, though most cardiologists aren't thinking about it in these terms yet.

Recovery That Takes Forever

Whether you're recovering from exercise, illness, stress, whatever. Recovery requires cellular repair. Cellular repair requires energy. Energy requires NAD+. Without adequate NAD+, recovery slows to a crawl.

A study published in Nature Communications showed that NAD+ supplementation improved mitochondrial function in aged mice, essentially reversing markers of aging at the cellular level. The human trials have demonstrated similar benefits, particularly for energy levels, cognitive function, metabolic health.

This is why NAD+ therapy has become such a cornerstone of our longevity protocols at Juvenology. We're addressing the root cause, not managing symptoms.

How NAD+ Therapy Actually Works

When I explain NAD+ therapy to patients, I always start with the fundamental challenge: you can't just swallow NAD+ and expect it to work.

The molecule is too large to cross cell membranes efficiently, and your digestive system breaks it down before it can be absorbed properly. It's frustrating, but that's biology for you. This is where IV NAD+ therapy makes sense. We deliver NAD+ directly into your bloodstream through intravenous infusion, completely bypassing the digestive system.

The NAD+ enters your circulation immediately and gets distributed to cells throughout your body within minutes.

At the cellular level, here's what happens: Once NAD+ enters your cells, it gets to work immediately. Your mitochondria grab it and use it to ramp up ATP production. You can sometimes see this happen in real-time with patients. Their energy shifts during the infusion itself. Your sirtuins activate and begin their work regulating gene expression, repairing DNA, controlling inflammation. Your cellular repair mechanisms kick into higher gear.

The infusion process is straightforward. We typically deliver 250-500mg of NAD+ over 2-4 hours, depending on your tolerance and goals. Some patients start with lower doses and work up, particularly if they're sensitive to the flushing sensation that can occur. And look, I'll be honest, the flushing can be uncomfortable for some people. It's this warm, spreading sensation particularly in the chest and face. But it's manageable, and I can adjust the infusion rate to minimize it.

What I love about this therapy from a nursing perspective is the control it gives us. I'm right there monitoring you throughout. I can check vital signs, adjust the infusion rate, make sure you're comfortable. It's medical-grade treatment in a controlled clinical setting, which matters enormously for both safety and efficacy.

The science supporting IV NAD+ is actually quite solid. Research published in Science Advances demonstrated that NAD+ supplementation improves mitochondrial function, enhances cellular repair mechanisms, activates longevity pathways. The human clinical trials show measurable improvements in biomarkers of ageing and cellular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I notice results?

Honestly, it varies more than you might expect. Many patients feel something during or within 24 hours of their first infusion. Enhanced mental clarity, better energy, improved mood. More sustained benefits develop over 1-2 weeks with consistent treatment. For optimal, long-term results, most patients need 3+ months of regular therapy. I always say if you're not noticing anything after 2-3 sessions, we should talk, because that's unusual.

Is this actually safe, or is this too new to know?

It's safe when administered properly in a medical setting. NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule your body uses constantly, which generally means excellent tolerability. The research on NAD+ has been building for decades (this isn't some brand new discovery). Studies demonstrate safety even at high doses. The most common side effects are mild flushing, nausea, or stomach cramping during infusion, which resolve quickly with infusion rate adjustment. That said, pregnancy, active cancer, significant cardiovascular disease, severe kidney or liver disease all require special consideration or clearance.

How often do I actually need this?

For initial optimization, I typically recommend weekly or bi-weekly infusions for the first month. Most patients then transition to monthly maintenance sessions. Athletes or people under high stress might benefit from more frequent treatments. We adjust based on your response and goals. Think of it as ongoing optimization rather than a cure.

Can I just take supplements instead of IV therapy?

You can take oral NAD+ precursors like NR or NMN. They help with maintenance, definitely. But they don't deliver the immediate, therapeutic effects of IV therapy due to poor absorption and metabolism in the digestive system. IV therapy achieves 100% bioavailability. If you're dealing with significant depletion, oral supplements probably aren't enough on their own. I'm honest about this with patients.

Who shouldn't have NAD+ therapy?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women (no safety data). People with active cancer without oncologist approval (NAD+ affects cellular metabolism). Those with significant cardiovascular disease without medical clearance (affects heart rate and blood pressure during infusion). Anyone with severe kidney or liver disease needs evaluation first. If you're unsure, book a consultation and we'll assess your situation properly.

What Happens Next

Look, if you're reading this and thinking NAD+ therapy might benefit you, here's what I want you to know. This isn't a quick fix. It's not a magic bullet. It's a scientifically grounded approach to optimizing your cellular biology and supporting healthy aging. It requires commitment, both financial and time-wise.

What excites me about offering NAD+ therapy at Juvenology is that it aligns perfectly with our longevity medicine philosophy. We're not chasing trends. We're not just treating symptoms. We're addressing fundamental biology based on rigorous research and clinical evidence.

About Nurse Marina

Nurse Marina is an aesthetic nurse specialist with 8 years of experience leading Juvenology Clinic in Maidstone, Kent. Her background includes 6 years as a cardiac nurse at KIMS Hospital (where she developed expertise in vascular anatomy and precision injection technique) and 2 years as an aesthetic nurse specialist at Spencer Private Hospitals.

She holds NMC registration and is a member of BACN (British Association of Cosmetic Nurses), JCCP (Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners), ACE Group, and the Royal College of Nursing. She's also registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) and verified by the Professional Standards Authority.

Why Kent Residents Choose Juvenology for NAD+ Therapy

The Only Longevity-Focused Clinic in Kent

We're proud to be Kent's leading clinic combining medical aesthetics with longevity medicine. While other clinics in Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, and Tonbridge may offer aesthetic treatments, Juvenology is unique in our comprehensive approach to cellular health optimization and NAD+ IV therapy.

At Juvenology Clinic, we're proud to serve patients throughout Kent with cutting-edge NAD+ IV therapy and longevity medicine. Our central Maidstone location, expert care from Nurse Marina, and comprehensive approach to cellular health optimization make us the natural choice for Kent residents seeking to combat fatigue and restore vitality.

Whether you're in Maidstone, just 25 minutes away in Sevenoaks, 20 minutes from Tonbridge, or traveling from Tunbridge Wells, we're here to help you optimize your cellular energy and reclaim your vitality.