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Story at a Glance:
NAD IV therapy and oral supplements (NR, NMN) currently lack strong scientific evidence for longevity or significant health improvements.
Leading aging researcher Matt Kaeberlein describes existing studies as preliminary, inconclusive, and insufficiently rigorous.
NAD IV infusions are expensive and carry potential risks, while long-term safety and efficacy remain uncertain.
Neuro Athletes,
These days, there is one wellness hack on the lips of celebrities, athletes, and high-flyers: NAD. It's the pep-up du jour.
Wellness clinics everywhere are promising the fountain of youth, energy rejuvenation, and even cognitive restoration with pricey NAD IV drips. But here's the controversial truth: You're probably flushing your money away.
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NAD is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a molecule that's crucial for healthy cells and plays an essential role in metabolism and providing energy for the body. It’s crucial for energy production, DNA repair, cellular signaling, and maintaining metabolic health. Yes, its levels naturally decline as we age, which has understandably captured the attention of longevity enthusiasts.
But here's a critical point often overlooked: just because something drops with age doesn't automatically mean replenishing it will extend your life or significantly boost your health.
Digging Deeper Into the Science
Matt Kaeberlein, a leading aging researcher whom I recently interviewed on my podcast, described the current evidence on NAD IV therapy and its oral precursors (NR and NMN) as "noise at the moment." According to Kaeberlein, the science supporting NAD for longevity and healthspan in healthy individuals is extremely limited.
In small preliminary studies, such as one involving ALS patients, a combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and another compound (terban) slightly delayed disease progression. However, Kaeberlein emphasized these were small, early-phase studies, merely suggesting there might be something worth further investigation.
A study involving Parkinson’s patients had similar issues—it included only 20 participants, split evenly between NR supplementation and placebo. Results showed minor improvements in motor function scores but were complicated by factors like timing of medication (levodopa), making these findings unreliable.
Another trial on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) indicated some improvement in physical function but found no significant cognitive benefits. Kaeberlein pointed out the limitations, highlighting that the small scale and short duration of the studies were not sufficient to produce meaningful conclusions.
NMN and NR: What Did Kaeberlein Say?
Kaeberlein specifically noted that NAD cannot be effectively taken orally, which has led to interest in precursors like NR and NMN. While NR and NMN can raise NAD levels in cells, the key unanswered question remains whether increasing NAD translates into meaningful improvements in lifespan or healthspan. Kaeberlein expressed skepticism, highlighting that most current data is too limited and preliminary to draw definitive conclusions.
NAD Levels and DNA Repair
One of the central theories behind NAD supplementation relates to its role in DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability. NAD is crucial for activating sirtuins—proteins involved in DNA repair, inflammation reduction, and metabolism regulation. As we age, DNA damage naturally increases, potentially increasing NAD consumption and thus lowering its availability.
The scientific community remains uncertain whether declining NAD is merely correlated with aging or directly causes age-related decline. If NAD levels drop because of increased DNA damage, simply adding more NAD might not fix the underlying problem. As Kaeberlein explains, we still lack solid evidence that artificially boosting NAD levels can genuinely offset DNA damage or extend lifespan significantly.
Overhyped and Overpriced?
Despite these critical gaps in understanding, NAD IV therapy has turned into a multimillion-dollar wellness sensation. Celebrities endorse it as a rejuvenating miracle. When Jennifer Aniston revealed she used NAD+ IV drips in an interview for The Wall Street Journal last year, it fuelled a growing internet frenzy over the supplementary therapy, which promises to boost energy and improve the skin’s appearance. Now, as demand continues to grow, NAD+ is moving out of the clinic and into oral supplements and skincare — offering new opportunities for beauty brands
Social media influencers claim it sharpens mental clarity and improves overall vitality. Clinics across the globe charge between $800 and $2,800 per drip—often without robust scientific backing or transparent evidence.
Kaeberlein himself avoids NAD supplements or IV treatments. He views the current enthusiasm as more driven by marketing hype than supported by genuine scientific discovery. With financial incentives often overshadowing rigorous evidence, consumers need to approach NAD IV treatments with skepticism.
It’s grown so much in popularity which is evidenced by the google search volume below.
The Verdict: Be Informed and Cautious
Labeling NAD IV therapy an outright scam might be harsh, but calling it well-supported by scientific data would be misleading. If your goal is genuine longevity and improved healthspan, investing in proven practices such as exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene, and evidence-based medical care might provide far greater returns.
I recently had a candid conversation with Matt Kaeberlein on my podcast, exploring the myths, realities, and science surrounding longevity supplements, including NAD IV therapy. Tune into the episode for a deeper dive into what's genuinely beneficial—and what's just costly noise.
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