Niagen IV vs NAD+ IV: When to Use Each—and How TruNiagen, NAD+ Pills & Niagen Shots Fit
From purelyIV · Explore NAD+ IV · Niagen IV
In our original guide — “NAD Injections vs IV Therapy vs Oral Supplements” — we compared NAD+ delivery methods and pills. This update adds what’s new about Niagen® (nicotinamide riboside, NR)—including Niagen IV, Niagen shots, dosing up to 1000 mg, quicker IV push ≤ 250 mg, mixability, and how to combine options safely under NP guidance.
- Niagen® IV (NR): Often chosen instead of NAD+ IV; dose up to 1000 mg, IV push up to 250 mg in minutes, typically shorter chair time; mixable with compatible IV ingredients.
- NAD+ IV: RN-monitored infusion; usually longer drips; not safely high-dose IV-pushed and not mixed in-bag.
- Niagen shots (IM): Quick NR add-on between IVs; often well-tolerated.
- NAD+ injections (IM): Quick NAD+ add-on between IVs; tolerability varies.
- TruNiagen® (NR) & NAD+ pills: Gradual daily maintenance; product quality varies.
At-a-Glance: Options & Trade-offs
| Option | Onset | Typical role | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niagen® IV (NR) | Minutes–hours | Often replaces NAD+ IV | Faster early rise, shorter visits, comfort | Up to 1000 mg; IV push ≤ 250 mg; mixable |
| NAD+ IV | Hours | RN-monitored drip | Structured/sustained support | Longer infusion; no mixing; no high-dose IV push |
| Niagen shots (IM) | Minutes | Quick add-on between IVs | Short-term support | NR IM; often well-tolerated |
| NAD+ injections (IM) | Minutes | Quick add-on between IVs | Short-term support | NAD+ IM; tolerability varies |
| TruNiagen® (NR) | Days–weeks | Daily maintenance | Ongoing support | Branded NR; pairs with IV/injections |
| NAD+ pills (OTC) | Days–weeks | Daily maintenance | General supplementation | Often NR/NMN; quality varies |
Why Many Clients Choose Niagen® IV
- Dosing: up to 1000 mg (with IV push ≤ 250 mg when appropriate).
- Shorter chair time vs. typical NAD+ IV drips.
- Tolerability: often more comfortable for many people.
- Mixability: can be combined with compatible IV ingredients; NAD+ cannot.
When NAD+ IV Makes Sense
Choose NAD+ IV if you specifically prefer NAD+ in an RN-monitored drip or your NP-guided plan calls for a longer, structured infusion block (commonly 60–120 minutes).
Shots: Niagen vs NAD+
Both are quick intramuscular options between IVs. Niagen shots pair naturally with Niagen IV and are often well-tolerated; NAD+ injections pair with NAD+ IV (some clients notice more “NAD-like” sensations).
Daily Maintenance: TruNiagen® & NAD+ Pills
TruNiagen (NR) is a branded daily option; “NAD+ pills” is a broader label that often includes NR or NMN. We treat pills as maintenance tools—align choices with your NP-guided plan.
How to Combine (3 Simple Programs)
1) Energy & Focus
- Base: Niagen IV (or NAD+ IV)
- Between: Niagen shots (or NAD+ injections)
- Daily: TruNiagen (or vetted NR/NMN)
2) Recovery Block
3) Travel & Jet Lag
- Base: Niagen IV (or NAD+ IV) pre/post trip
- Between: Niagen shots (or NAD+ injections)
- Daily: TruNiagen during the travel window
Protocols are individualized. Our NP reviews your intake, history, goals, and (when needed) recent labs before recommending a plan.
Ready when you are
Licensed RNs come to you—home, office, or hotel.
- NP-guided protocol; RN-delivered care
- HSA/FSA eligible • Metro Detroit
FAQs
Is Niagen® IV the same as NAD+ IV?
No. Niagen IV delivers nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor your body uses to build NAD+. Many clients choose Niagen IV instead of NAD+ IV due to shorter visits (including IV push ≤ 250 mg), mixability, and comfort, with dosing available up to 1000 mg.
Can you IV-push NAD+ the way you can Niagen?
No. High-dose IV push is appropriate for Niagen (NR) under clinician supervision. NAD+ is typically administered as a longer infusion and should not be high-dose IV-pushed.
Can Niagen be mixed with other ingredients?
Yes—Niagen can be mixed with compatible IV ingredients when appropriate. NAD+ should be kept separate (no mixing in the bag).
Niagen shots vs NAD+ injections—how do I choose?
If your plan centers on Niagen IV, Niagen shots are the natural IM companion. If you prefer NAD+ IV, NAD+ injections can maintain support between IV sessions.
Where do TruNiagen® and NAD+ pills come in?
They’re maintenance tools with gradual onset. Many clients pair periodic IV (Niagen or NAD+) with daily NR/NMN under NP guidance.
How long does an IV session take?
Protocol-dependent. Traditional NAD+ IV often runs 60–120 minutes. Niagen IV offers shorter chair times, with an IV push option ≤ 250 mg when appropriate.
Sources
- Hawkins J, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical study evaluating acute Niagen® (NR) IV and NAD+ IV in healthy adults (preprint). medRxiv (Jun 10, 2024). Full text
- Conze D, et al. Safety and metabolism of long-term administration of NIAGEN® (nicotinamide riboside chloride) in humans. Scientific Reports (2019). PMC
- Damgaard MV, et al. What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside? Science Advances (2023) — human data overview for NR and NAD+ biomarkers. PMC
- U.S. FDA. Reminder to compounders: use ingredients suitable for sterile compounding (includes advisory regarding food-grade NAD+ in IV products). FDA.gov
- ChromaDex. Pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® IV and injections to be compounded and distributed by FDA-registered 503B outsourcing facility (Wells Pharma). Press release (Jul 16, 2024) · Expansion (Sep 10, 2024)
- Wells Pharma (503B). Niagen IV overview — availability via FDA-registered outsourcing facility. wellsrx.com
- Restore Hyper Wellness. Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy — consumer-facing details incl. infusion speed positioning. restore.com/services/niagen-nr-iv-drips
- Restore Hyper Wellness. IV Drip Menu — shows Niagen (NR) IV available in 500 mg and 1000 mg formats (and NAD+ IV options). restore.com/iv-drip-menu
- Restore Hyper Wellness. Niagen (NR) IM Shots — outlines the IM “shots” option referenced in this article. restore.com/services/niagen-nr-im-shots
- Business Insider. We tried the longevity infusion celebrities and athletes swear by — reporter experience with NAD+ IV (context; not clinical proof). businessinsider.com
- Empower Pharmacy. Best practices for operating an IV therapy clinic — sterile technique, on-demand mixing, and compatibility cautions for IV compounding. empowerpharmacy.com
- Pharmaceutical Journal. Mixing medicines: how to ensure patient safety — parenteral compatibility and mixing risk overview. pharmaceutical-journal.com
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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