Experts unpack the science behind the latest wellness supplement promising a longer, healthier life.
From IV drips in private clinics to capsules lining the shelves of high-end wellness retailers, the molecule has been positioned as a shortcut to more energy, sharper focus, and longer-term resilience.
But beneath the sleek branding and premium price tags lies a more complex reality. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is not a new discovery; it is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every cell of the body. What is new is the growing conversation around how NAD+ levels decline with age, and what that might mean for those navigating everything from midlife fatigue to age-related physiological changes.
Search interest in NAD+ supplements and therapies has surged in recent years, alongside the broader rise of the longevity industry, now estimated to be worth more than $25bn globally and growing rapidly. Yet while early research is promising, experts caution that the science is still evolving, and the market may be moving faster than the evidence.
To separate fact from fiction, we spoke to leading voices in the field to unpack what NAD+ actually does, who it might benefit, and whether the hype is justified.
What is NAD+?
“NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell,” explains Iain De Havilland, founder and global CEO of the NADclinic Group. At a cellular level, it plays a critical role in mitochondrial function – the process by which cells convert nutrients into usable energy.
Beyond energy metabolism, NAD+ is involved in DNA repair and cellular signaling pathways that help regulate how the body responds to stress and aging. “It is not a single anti-ageing solution,” De Havilland adds, “but it is a fundamental part of the biology that underpins how we age.”
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, echoes this: “Simply put, it helps cells turn food into energy and supports essential processes like DNA repair, normal cell communication, and overall cellular health.”
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The growing interest in NAD+ stems largely from one key observation: levels naturally decline as we get older. This reduction has been associated with decreased energy production, impaired cellular repair, and broader metabolic changes – factors often linked to ageing.
As a result, researchers have begun exploring whether boosting NAD+ levels could help maintain health span. This has led to a proliferation of products and treatments, from oral supplements such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to more intensive intravenous infusions offered in clinical settings.
Who is NAD+ best for?
Despite the buzz, there is no clear-cut demographic that should be taking NAD+. “There is no universal answer,” says De Havilland. “NAD+ support is typically considered in the context of metabolic health, fatigue, aging or performance optimization, but it should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all solution.”
From a clinical perspective, however, the bar for routine use remains high. “In routine practice, there isn’t a specific ‘perfect’ candidate for NAD+ supplements,” says Dr Wylie. “Most healthy adults get enough from diet and lifestyle.”
See also: How To Train Your Brain For Optimal Longevity
Dr Wylie emphasizes that the most reliable ways to support NAD+ levels – and overall health – remain foundational: regular exercise, quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and effective stress management.
For those who do choose to supplement, oral forms such as NR and NMN have the most safety data and are generally well tolerated. However, expectations should be tempered. “Some people report subtle improvements in energy, mental clarity, or exercise tolerance,” she notes, “but effects are often gradual and may not be noticeable.”
Are there any risks with taking NAD+?
While NAD+ itself is essential to human biology, actively boosting its levels – particularly through high-dose or intravenous methods — raises important questions. “This remains an evolving area of science,” says De Havilland. “The long-term effects of actively boosting levels in humans are not yet fully understood.” One of the main concerns is the gap between commercial claims and clinical evidence. “The market has moved faster than the science,” he says, pointing to supplements that promise sweeping benefits without robust validation.
Dr Wylie also highlights the difference between delivery methods. Oral supplements tend to have mild side effects, such as nausea, bloating, headaches or flushing, while intravenous treatments carry more significant risks, including vein irritation, infection, and adverse reactions during infusion.
Crucially, there is little evidence to suggest that IV therapy is more effective than oral supplementation, despite its growing popularity in high-end wellness clinics. “NAD+ is not a miracle anti-aging solution,” Dr Wylie says. Much of the strongest evidence so far comes from animal studies or small early-stage human trials, meaning claims around reversing aging or dramatically extending lifespan remain unproven.
For now, experts agree that NAD+ should be viewed as a promising, but still experimental, piece of the longevity puzzle. As the science evolves, one thing remains clear: no supplement replaces the fundamentals. Even in the most advanced wellness circles, the basics still do the heavy lifting.
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