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)
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.