NAD+ Dosage Per Week: Your Complete Guide to Anti-Aging Supplementation

If you’ve been researching ways to boost energy, improve focus, or support healthy aging, chances are you’ve come across NAD+. But how much is the right amount, especially if you’re starting to feel the effects of age-related NAD+ decline?

Let’s break down the science, dosing strategies, and safe practices to help you make informed decisions about your NAD+ supplementation and figure out what is the right NAD+ Dosage Per Week for you.

What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital compound present in every cell of your body. It fuels energy production, supports DNA repair, and helps maintain overall health as you age. The challenge is that NAD+ levels naturally decline over time. For many people, this drop becomes noticeable and is often linked to:

• Tiredness and mental fog

• A slower metabolism

• Loss of skin firmness and elasticity

• Poorer sleep and slower recovery

  
  

The good news is that NAD+ can be supported. Taking supplements — either NAD+ itself or its building blocks like NMN, NR, or NAM — may help restore these levels, but the benefits depend on using the right type and dose.

Overview of NAD+ Precursors

NAD+ precursors - NMN, NR, and NAM, are compounds that the body uses to produce NAD+. One of the most effective ways to support NAD+ levels isn’t by taking NAD+ directly, but by using its precursors — the raw materials your body naturally converts into NAD+. The three most widely studied are:

• NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

• NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)

• NAM (Nicotinamide)

  
  

Each of these compounds follows a slightly different pathway to boost NAD+, and each comes with unique strengths, safety profiles, and use cases. While they share the common goal of replenishing cellular energy and repair, understanding their differences can help you choose the option best aligned with your health goals.

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Purpose: Directly supports NAD+ synthesis, energy metabolism, and cellular repair.

Benefits: Shown in animal and some human studies to improve cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, endurance, and possibly slow aging-related decline.

Use Cases: Anti-aging, metabolic health, cardiovascular support, and physical performance.

NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)

Purpose: Efficiently boosts NAD+ levels and supports enzymes involved in cellular repair and longevity.

Benefits: Well-researched for improving brain function (memory, learning), promoting heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting muscle and metabolic health.

Use Cases: Cognitive health, anti-aging, heart health, and general wellness.

NAM (Nicotinamide)

Purpose: Supports NAD+ and NADPH production, involved in energy metabolism and DNA repair.

Benefits: Highly safe, even at high doses; used for skin health, chemoprevention of non-melanoma skin cancers, and treatment of dermatological conditions.

Use Cases: Skin health, cancer prevention, and general cellular repair.

How NAD+ Precursors Differ

• Structure & Pathway: NMN is a larger molecule and sits closer to NAD+ in the synthesis pathway. NR converts into NMN once inside the cell. NAM uses a less efficient salvage pathway.

• Efficacy & Tissue Targeting: NMN may be more tissue-specific, NR has great brain bioavailability, and NAM is safest but least effective for anti-aging.

• Clinical Evidence: NMN and NR are more researched for anti-aging and cognitive benefits, while NAM is better studied for skin health and safety.

  
  

Forms of NAD+ Supplements and Their Weekly Dosage

Before jumping into exact numbers, it’s important to know the various ways you can supplement NAD+. Each form has a different delivery method, absorption rate, and dosing protocol.

Oral Precursors (NMN, NR, NAM)

These are the most common forms you’ll find in capsules or powders.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

• Typical Daily Dose: 250–500 mg

• Weekly Equivalent: 1,750–3,500 mg

  
  

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

• Typical Daily Dose: 250–900 mg

• Weekly Equivalent: 1,750–6,300 mg

  
  

Nicotinamide (NAM)

• Typical Daily Dose: 900–3,000 mg (lower end preferred)

• Weekly Equivalent: 6,300–21,000 mg

Editor’s Tip: Many adults may benefit from starting at the higher end of the lower range (e.g., 250–500 mg/day of NR or NMN), especially if experiencing fatigue or mental fog.

NAD+ Injections

These are often administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly for faster absorption.

• Typical Dose: 50–200 mg per injection

• Frequency: 1–3 times per week

• Weekly Equivalent: 50–600 mg

Example Protocol: Start with 10 units (0.1 mL or 20 mg) three times per week. Gradually increase to 50 units (0.5 mL or 100 mg) three times per week, as tolerated.

IV Therapy

Used in wellness clinics for deep cellular repair or rapid replenishment.

• Typical Dose: 500–1,500 mg per session

• Frequency: 1–2 times per week initially

• Weekly Equivalent: 500–3,000 mg

  
  

Maintenance: Once desired levels are reached, therapy may be reduced to once a month.

So What Is the Ideal NAD+ Dosage Per Week?

Depending on your method of supplementation and health goals, your ideal NAD+ dosage may vary:

Oral (NR/NMN): 1,750–3,500 mg per week

Injections: 50–600 mg per week

IV Therapy: 500–3,000 mg per week (for short-term regimens)

Start low, track how you feel, and increase gradually under professional supervision.

Who Needs More NAD+?

• Adults with chronic fatigue or low energy

• Those experiencing cognitive changes like brain fog

• Individuals recovering from stress, illness, or surgery

• Those aiming for healthy aging and longevity

  
  

Safety Considerations for Weekly NAD+ Dosage

Personalization Is Key

Dosage should consider your weight, activity level, and health status. Do not forget that timing is also important. Choosing when to take your NAD+ supplement can make a big difference in how you feel and how your body responds.

Always Consult Your Healthcare Provider

Especially if you have underlying health issues or take medications.

Be Aware of Side Effects

The side effects of NAD+ supplements can differ depending on the form you take. Early research suggests that NMN and NR are generally well tolerated, but studies on their long-term safety are still limited. Some animal studies have raised concerns, for example, high doses of NR have been linked to tumor development in certain models, but it’s not yet clear if this risk applies to humans, since animal findings don’t always reflect human outcomes.

Other side effects associated with NAD+ supplements include the following:

• Flushing

• Itching

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Liver toxicity

• Nausea

• Headache

• Low platelet levels

• Leg cramps

Why Consistency Beats Intensity

Taking NAD+ consistently, rather than mega-dosing sporadically, tends to deliver better results.

Your body needs regular fuel to rebuild, repair, and energize.

Aim to space out doses across the week rather than loading up all at once. For example, three smaller NAD+ injections per week may feel better than a single high dose.

Choosing the Right Product

Not all NAD+ supplements are made the same, so paying attention to quality can make a big difference in results. The most important thing is to choose products that are third-party tested, since independent lab verification ensures that the supplement actually contains what the label promises and is free from harmful contaminants.

It’s also worth looking for bioavailable forms such as NMN or NR from reputable companies, as these have been shown to raise NAD+ levels effectively in human studies. Just as important is the ingredient list — the best options are clean and simple, without unnecessary fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives that do nothing for your health.

Finally, consider the brand’s transparency: companies that publish lab results or Certificates of Analysis give you much more confidence that you’re getting a product that is both safe and effective.

Final Thoughts

NAD+ can be a powerful ally if you're looking to feel sharper, more energetic, and more youthful. But the key lies in finding the right weekly dosage, and sticking with it. For most people, the following weekly doses are a safe, effective place to start:

• 1,750–3,500 mg of oral NMN/NR, or

• 50–600 mg via injection, or

• 500–3,000 mg through IV therapy

  
  

Let your goals, symptoms, and how your body responds guide your NAD+ journey. And as always, work closely with a trusted healthcare provider to tailor a plan that fits your life, your body, and your needs.

Disclaimer: The content on The Women’s Insider is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, or lifestyle. Some articles may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work so we can continue to provide free content.