NAD+ treatment: what it is, what it might do, and where the hype lives

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule your cells use every day for energy production, DNA repair, and basic “housekeeping” processes. It naturally declines with age, which is why it’s become a big talking point in the longevity/wellness world. Science

What do people mean by “NAD+ treatment”?

Usually one of these:

• IV NAD+ infusions (drip in a clinic)

• IM injections (less common)

• Oral “NAD boosters” like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)

• Lifestyle approaches that support NAD+ pathways (sleep, exercise, diet)

The key thing: “raising NAD+” isn’t the same as “proven health benefits”. That gap is where a lot of marketing sits.

The potential pros (what the science supports so far)

1) The biology is real

NAD+ is central to how mitochondria make energy and how cells respond to stress/damage. That part isn’t controversial. Science

2) Some supplements do raise NAD+ in humans

Human studies and reviews show NR can increase NAD+ levels (including in the brain in early work). Wiley Online Library+2Science+2

3) Early signals in specific conditions (but not a slam dunk)

There’s active research into NAD+ precursors in areas like inflammation and chronic disease, but results are mixed and still developing. Nature+1

The cons (what you should be cautious about)

1) Outcomes > biomarkers

A lot of the strongest human data is “NAD+ went up”. Fewer studies show clear, reliable changes in things people care about (energy, cognition, ageing, performance) across large groups. Science

2) Side effects do happen

Across NAD-related interventions, reported side effects include things like headache, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and nervous/muscle symptoms (usually not serious, but still real). PubMed+1With IVs specifically, there are the usual IV risks too: bruising, infection risk, vein irritation, and discomfort.

3) IV NAD+ is where the evidence is thinnest

This is my honest take: IV NAD+ is often sold with confidence that the clinical evidence doesn’t fully justify yet, especially for “anti-ageing” and “brain repair” type claims. UK reporting has also flagged concerns about clinics marketing NAD+ for addiction without robust evidence. The Guardian+1

4) It’s pricey — and opportunity cost is real

If a course costs hundreds to thousands, you’ve got to ask: would that money be better spent on the unsexy stuff that works (sleep, resistance training, cardio, nutrition, stress management)?

Who should be extra careful

If you’re pregnant/breastfeeding, have a history of cancer, significant liver/kidney disease, are on complex meds, or have had allergic reactions to injectables/infusions—don’t treat this as casual wellness. Speak to a proper clinician first.