NAD⁺ and Longevity: What Actually Works and What Still Doesn’t
Since the mid-2010s, NAD⁺ has gone from a technical term in cell biology to a buzzword in the wellness industry. It shows up in biohacking podcasts, IV therapy menus, and the ingredient lists of “anti-aging” supplements.
In 2022, the global market for NAD⁺-related products was valued at around $180 to $190 million. By 2028, it’s projected to reach $650 million. A big part of this growth is driven by supplements with NAD⁺ precursors like NMN, which already represent a $200 million segment and continue to grow each year.
The marketing claims follow a familiar pattern: more energy, better focus, healthier skin, slower aging. These promises are based on real biology. NAD⁺ helps cells make energy and repair damage. And its levels do drop with age.
In this article, we’ll look at what the research actually shows, where the science is still catching up, and when it might make sense to talk to a doctor about NAD⁺.
What is NAD⁺
NAD⁺ is a molecule found in every cell in our body. It helps convert food into energy and supports the basic processes necessary for normal cell function.
Cells are constantly damaged by UV rays, inflammation, and toxic substances in the environment. These changes accumulate over time, making it more difficult for cells to function properly. NAD⁺ helps them cope with these disruptions and recover.
Why NAD⁺ is so Important and What is Actually Known
Interest in NAD⁺ is growing because its levels in the body decline with age. This can affect how we feel and how quickly we recover. Scientists are studying whether NAD⁺ support can slow down age-related changes.
Here are some of the areas where NAD⁺ is being studied most actively.
Energy and Endurance
As NAD⁺ levels go down with age, people may notice more fatigue and slower recovery. In animal studies, raising NAD⁺ has been shown to improve muscle function and metabolism. In humans, the results have been more limited. Most trials have used NAD⁺ precursors—compounds the body can convert into NAD⁺and some small improvements have been seen.
But so far, there’s no solid evidence that taking NAD⁺ supplements can meaningfully boost endurance or fitness in healthy people who aren’t deficient.
Cell Repair and the Rate of Aging
As we get older, our cells face more damage from everyday exposures—UV rays, toxins, and low-level chronic inflammation. Over time, this makes it harder for them to function properly and repair themselves. In animal experiments, increasing NAD⁺ levels helped cells maintain their functions longer, improved metabolism, and slowed age-related changes.
This effect is still being studied in humans. Initial results look promising, but to date there is no evidence that supplements, IV drips, or cosmetic products containing NAD⁺ can significantly slow down aging or rejuvenate cells in real life.
Skin Health
Our skin is constantly exposed to the sun, pollution, and dry air, all of which damage cells and reduce their ability to repair themselves. When NAD⁺ levels drop, skin can become drier, lose elasticity, and respond more slowly to skincare treatments.
Some early studies with creams and supplements containing NAD⁺ precursors show slight improvements in skin hydration and tone. But most of this research is short-term and includes small groups of participants. There’s not enough data yet to say whether raising NAD⁺ levels can noticeably improve skin health or deliver visible anti-aging results.
Immune Balance
As we age, many people experience low-grade, long-term inflammation. It doesn’t cause a fever, but over time it can damage tissues and speed up aging. Research suggests that when NAD⁺ levels are low, immune cells may have a harder time regulating inflammation.
There are studies where increasing NAD⁺ in animals helped reduce the severity of inflammation and improved tissue function. In humans, these effects are just beginning to be studied, so it is too early to consider NAD⁺ as a proven way to combat chronic inflammation or “rejuvenate” the immune system.
What We Actually Know About NAD⁺
- NAD⁺ is indeed important for cell function
- its levels decline with age — this has been confirmed
- increasing NAD⁺ in animals sometimes produces “rejuvenating” effects
There are Details About NAD⁺ that Remain Unclear
- there is no evidence that NAD⁺ prolongs human life
- the effect of supplements may be moderate and highly individual
Too strong an increase in NAD⁺ could theoretically support the growth of rapidly dividing cells (therefore, caution is required for people at risk of cancer)
What Forms of NAD⁺ are Used?
There are now several ways people try to support their NAD⁺ levels. These options vary in how convenient they are, how much they cost, and how well they’ve been studied.
Supplements With NAD⁺ Precursors
This is the most common option. The body converts these substances into NAD⁺ on its own. They include forms of vitamin B3:
- niacin
- niacinamide
- nicotinamide riboside (NR)
- nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Studies show that they can temporarily increase NAD⁺ levels in the blood and tissues. The long-term effects on human health are still being clarified.
Intravenous NAD⁺ Infusions
IV clinics often offer NAD⁺ drips as a quick fix for energy or recovery. Blood levels of NAD⁺ do increase after these treatments. The open question is whether enough of it actually gets into cells, where it’s needed. Also, the quality and safety of these infusions can vary widely, which is why many doctors are cautious about them.
Skin Care Products
Serums and creams with NAD⁺ precursors often promise a “rejuvenating” effect. In practice, there is little research and insufficient evidence that such products have a noticeable effect on NAD⁺ levels in the skin.
NAD⁺ Patches
This is one of the newer delivery methods, and it’s getting a lot of attention. The idea is that patches release NAD⁺ slowly through the skin. But it’s still unclear how much actually reaches the cells or has any biological effect. More research is needed before this approach can be considered reliable.
What You Need to Know About NAD⁺ Use
NAD⁺ infusions and supplements are actively promoted as a way to boost energy and slow down aging. But there are some important things to keep in mind before making a decision.
- It is unclear how much NAD⁺ reaches the cells
Just because a substance enters the bloodstream does not mean it will end up inside the cells where it is actually needed. There is currently no convincing evidence that externally administered NAD⁺ works effectively at the cellular level.
- The increase in NAD⁺ levels may be short-lived
Measurements show that even if NAD⁺ levels in the blood increase after taking supplements or infusions, this effect usually does not last long. Long-term benefits have not yet been confirmed.
- Optimal doses have not been established
Proven and safe standards for NAD⁺ have not yet been determined for different categories of people. This is especially important to consider for those at increased risk of developing tumors.
- Most of the evidence has not yet been obtained in humans
The most promising effects—better metabolism, slower aging—have mostly been seen in animals or test-tube studies. In humans, the results are much more limited. Larger and longer-term trials are still needed.
Final Thoughts
Interest in NAD⁺ keeps growing — and for good reason. This molecule plays a key role in how cells produce energy and recover from stress. But when it comes to using supplements or treatments, the decision needs to be thoughtful.
If you're healthy, young, and getting enough vitamin B3 from your diet, your body likely maintains its own NAD⁺ levels without extra help. In that case, taking supplements or getting infusions may not lead to any noticeable benefit.
If you have chronic fatigue, problems with recovery after exercise, metabolic disorders, or factors of accelerated aging, you can discuss NAD⁺ with your doctor. But it is important to understand that there is currently no evidence that increasing NAD⁺ in humans prolongs life or significantly rejuvenates the body.
The risks should be considered separately. Some scientists note that excessive increases in NAD⁺ levels may support the division of rapidly growing cells. Therefore, people with an increased risk of tumors or a history of cancer should only undergo such interventions under medical supervision.