NAD+ Infusions Spark Anti-aging Buzz Despite Limited Evidence, Experts Warn

A rising number of longevity-focused consumers are turning to NAD+ infusions as the latest anti-aging trend, despite skepticism from medical professionals about the treatment’s efficacy and safety.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme vital for metabolism that naturally declines with age. The infusion method—popular among celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Aniston—can cost over $1,000 per session and is promoted for its potential to boost energy and slow aging.

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However, experts caution that scientific support for these claims remains limited.

“We just don’t know if there’s any benefit to it,” said Dr. Neil Paulvin, a longevity and regenerative medicine physician based in New York, speaking to CNBC Make It. “We know that some [infusions] may increase the NAD in the bloodstream, but not in the cell as much.”

Sirtuins—enzymes dependent on NAD+—are associated with reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and potential life extension, according to a study published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, a professor at Washington University School of Medicine, has studied NAD+ for over two decades and observed anti-aging effects in mice following NAD+ level increases.

Still, Paulvin emphasized that “studies are ongoing and are needed,” particularly in humans.

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He recommends NAD+ precursor supplements over IV infusions due to fewer side effects and potential benefits like improved circadian rhythm and reduced inflammation. Infusions, by contrast, may cause nausea, brain fog, and burning sensations.

Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, dismissed the trend, calling intramuscular and IV NAD+ use “silly,” attributing perceived effects to placebo.