Celebrities Swear by NAD+ Infusions—Do They Really Slow Down Aging?

What Does NAD+ Infusion Therapy Actually Do?

Rana Good, 40, a New York-based journalist, decided to try NAD+ infusion therapy after hearing about its supposed benefits, including boosting energy levels and reversing aging. However, she didn’t notice significant improvements, except for some initial side effects like dizziness and nausea.

NAD+ infusion therapy is the latest longevity hack to sweep Hollywood, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber reportedly getting routine NAD+ infusion therapy to turn back the clock on aging. But is it actually effective? Not much research exists on the topic, and some experts are skeptical about the benefits.

What Does NAD+ Actually Do?

NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme that plays a role in energy metabolism, stress response, and DNA repair. A decline in NAD+ levels has been linked to aging-related diseases. While some mice studies suggest that NAD+ supplements could replenish NAD+ levels, some experts say the benefits may largely be a placebo effect. Many of the human trials on NAD+ have been small, involving 30 or fewer participants.

Is NAD+ Infusion Therapy Safe?

NAD+ IV therapy is marketed as an anti-aging miracle that can help with everything from joint pain to long COVID. However, these claims have not been validated by the FDA. "There is no guarantee that the drug is safe nor is there any certainty that the drug will have whatever effect that is being advertised," says Dr. Richina Birette-McCain, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

Additionally, getting an IV, especially in an environment that isn’t clean or safe, can increase the chance of an infection. IV fluids can also sometimes leak, harming the skin or tissues.

Is NAD+ Therapy Worth the Money?

Each NAD+ infusion session could cost hundreds of dollars and take up to four hours. Some clinics recommend getting the treatments weekly or monthly. While some people may tolerate NAD+ well, it’s unclear if the treatment offers any real benefits. "Realistically, I can’t say for sure that there are any benefits that a patient can expect from these infusions because the research isn’t robust enough," says Dr. Birette-McCain.

Anyone hesitant to try the IV therapy can also talk to a trusted healthcare provider about NAD+ supplements or other diet and lifestyle factors. Consuming certain vitamins and amino acids may help the body produce NAD+.

Conclusion

NAD+ infusion therapy is gaining popularity as an anti-aging treatment, but there’s little evidence to support its benefits. The infusions are unregulated by the FDA. While some people may report benefits, the science is lacking, and the costs are high.

FAQs

• Is NAD+ infusion therapy effective?
  • Not much research exists to support its benefits.
• Is NAD+ infusion therapy safe?
  • It may increase the chance of an infection and has not been validated by the FDA.
• How much does NAD+ infusion therapy cost?
  • Each session could cost hundreds of dollars and take up to four hours.
• Are there alternative ways to increase NAD+ levels?
  • Consuming certain vitamins and amino acids may help the body produce NAD+.

Sources:

• Amjad S, Nisar S, Bhat AA, et al. (2021). Role of NAD+ in regulating cellular and metabolic signaling pathways. Mol Metab, 101195. Doi: 10.1016/J.Molmet.2021.101195
• Mehmel M, Jovanovic N, Spitz U. (2020). Nicotinamide riboside—the current state of research and therapeutic uses. Nutrients, 12(6), 1616. Doi: 10.3390/NO12061616
• Mount Sinai. (n.d.). IV treatment at home. Retrieved from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/iv-treatment-at-home
• Poland B, Kova
  V, Milisav I. (2020). Healthy lifestyle recommendations: do the beneficial effects originate from NAD+ amount at the cellular level? Oxide with Cell Longev, 2020:1-12. Doi:10.1155/2020/8819627
• Poljšak B, Kova
  V, Milisav I. (2022). Current uncertainties and future challenges regarding NAD+ boosting strategies. Antioxidants (Basel), 11(9), 1637. Doi: 10.3390/antiox11091637