From Hollywood celebrities to biohackers and elite athletes, many high-profile individuals have jumped on the NAD+ bandwagon. Social media influencers, wellness clinics, and even some medical professionals have touted NAD+ therapy as the next frontier in longevity and peak performance. Hailey Bieber, for example, once proclaimed, “I’m going to NAD for the rest of my life, and I’m never going to age.” Jennifer Aniston has also endorsed the therapy, calling it “the future.” Even Joe Rogan has jumped on board, frequently discussing its potential benefits on his podcast. Other celebrities, including Kendall Jenner and Justin Bieber, have been seen receiving NAD+ IV infusions, further fueling interest in the treatment. The trend has extended beyond Hollywood, with Silicon Valley executives, professional athletes, and wellness enthusiasts using NAD+ therapy in the hopes of boosting their performance and longevity.
What is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the human body. It plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular metabolism. Often described as the fuel that keeps our biological engines running, NAD+ is essential for mitochondrial function, which in turn affects everything from cognition to muscle strength.
According to Dr. Amanda Kahn, an internist and longevity specialist, “NAD is a really critical molecule involved in metabolism … (and) making energy, which is needed for every function of the body.” Christopher Martens, Ph.D., an associate professor at the University of Delaware, explains that NAD+ “helps hundreds of enzymes in the cell do their jobs,” including supporting DNA repair and regulating circadian rhythms.
However, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, and this reduction has been linked to a variety of age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular decline. Dr. Kahn notes, “Our NAD stores start to decline around young adulthood,” which could explain why so many people are looking for ways to replenish it.
How Does NAD+ Work?
NAD+ facilitates metabolic reactions by helping enzymes transfer electrons, a process essential for generating cellular energy. It is also a key player in activating sirtuins, proteins that regulate inflammation and cellular repair. “Some of those enzymes are involved in cellular repair, so helping cells that have damage due to UV radiation, for example,” says Martens.
Because of its central role in energy metabolism and cellular health, some scientists believe that maintaining or increasing NAD+ levels could slow aging, boost brain function, and improve physical performance.
The Intended Effects of NAD+ Therapy
NAD+ therapy is marketed as a solution for a range of health benefits, including:
- Anti-aging: By replenishing NAD+ levels, advocates claim it can slow or even reverse certain aspects of aging.
- Enhanced energy production: Increasing cellular NAD+ is believed to improve stamina and reduce fatigue.
- Improved cognition: Some users report better mental clarity, focus, and memory.
- Metabolic benefits: NAD+ has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism.
- Cellular repair: NAD+ plays a role in DNA repair, potentially reducing damage from oxidative stress and environmental toxins.
- Neuroprotection: Some researchers believe NAD+ could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Anecdotal Results?
Many people who undergo NAD+ therapy report an immediate energy boost, enhanced mental clarity, and even a euphoric sensation. “My patients describe its effects as pure ‘brainpower,'” says Mara Raden, clinical director of Raden Wellness in Chicago. Users often describe improved mood, reduced brain fog, and a noticeable increase in stamina. Some individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia claim significant symptom relief.
However, not all experiences are positive. Some report minimal to no effects, while others complain of side effects such as nausea, headaches, and flushing. The cost and time commitment of regular NAD+ treatments can also be prohibitive for many people.
What Does the Research Say?
While early studies on NAD+ supplementation have shown promise, the clinical evidence remains limited. Here’s what the science tells us so far:
- Animal Studies: Research on rodents suggests that boosting NAD+ levels can extend lifespan, improve metabolic function, and enhance cognitive performance.
- Human Studies: A 2018 study published in Nature found that NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) can increase blood NAD+ levels in healthy adults. However, the study did not determine whether this increase translated to significant health benefits.
- Neurological Research: Some preliminary studies suggest that NAD+ therapy may help improve symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, but larger clinical trials are needed.
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Benefits: Some studies indicate that NAD+ precursors can improve insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular function, but these results have not been widely replicated in large-scale human trials.
Dr. Charalampos Tzoulis, a neurology professor at the University of Bergen, has been studying NAD+ therapy in Parkinson’s patients. After administering NAD+ precursors, “We were able to show increased NAD+ levels in the brain, a durable metabolic response, and a ‘small but significant’ clinical improvement in symptoms.” Larger studies are currently underway.
Is NAD+ Really the Fountain of Youth?
While NAD+ therapy holds potential, it is far from being a guaranteed anti-aging miracle. Dr. Michael Sagner, founder of the European Society of Preventive Medicine, is skeptical of IV infusions, stating, “IV drips are unnecessary and biologically do not make much sense, as there is no transporter to get the NAD+ molecule into the cells.”
Additionally, there is controversy over the effectiveness of IV NAD+ therapy. Some researchers argue that NAD+ molecules are too large to enter cells directly, making oral precursors a more viable option. Others claim that the benefits reported by NAD+ IV users may be largely due to a placebo effect.
Can You Boost NAD+ Naturally?
Rather than relying on expensive shots or IV drips, there are natural ways to support your body’s NAD+ production:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to boost NAD+ levels naturally.
- Intermittent fasting: Restricting food intake for certain periods can enhance NAD+ metabolism.
- Healthy diet: Foods rich in niacin (such as fish, poultry, and mushrooms) can help maintain NAD+ levels.
- Avoiding excessive alcohol: Alcohol consumption depletes NAD+ stores and accelerates cellular aging.
The Bottom Line
NAD+ therapy is an exciting area of research with intriguing potential for anti-aging and health optimization. While anecdotal reports are compelling, the scientific evidence is still in its early stages. If you are considering NAD+ shots or IV treatments, consult with a healthcare provider to discuss whether it is appropriate for you.
