What Is NAD+?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in every cell.
It plays a central role in:
- producing energy
- repairing DNA
- regulating cell metabolism
Because NAD⁺ levels decline with age, some promote NAD⁺ IV infusions as anti-aging or rejuvenation therapies.
What is Biological Age?
Biological age reflects how well your body is functioning compared with your chronological age.
It’s influenced by measurable factors such as metabolism, inflammation, blood markers, sleep, stress, and lifestyle habits.
Unlike chronological age, biological age can move in either direction, improving with healthy behaviors or worsening with chronic stress and unhealthy habits.
A Key Scientific Limitation
Experts have noted that there is very little evidence that NAD⁺ administered intravenously into the bloodstream reliably enters cells. Since NAD⁺ works inside cells, this uncertainty limits confidence in the claims made for IV infusions.
Where the Evidence Stands
Research on NAD⁺ infusions in humans is still early and has several limitations:
- studies are small and short in duration
- results are inconsistent
- reported benefits are often subjective
- unused NAD⁺ is quickly broken down and excreted in urine
Because of insufficient evidence, NAD⁺ infusions cannot be considered evidence-based anti-aging treatments.
Safety and Regulation
NAD⁺ infusions are not approved by any recognized health authority as treatments for aging or any medical condition.
As with any IV therapy, there are potential risks such as infection, vein irritation, electrolyte imbalance, or fluid overload.
Evidence-Based Habits for Healthy Aging
While NAD⁺ infusion marketing often focuses on quick fixes, the most reliable improvements in biological age come from well-supported habits:
- Stay physically active. Regular aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling, along with strength training, supports muscle health, bone strength, and reduces cell stress.
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit saturated fat, added sugars, and processed foods.
- Get enough sleep. Sufficient high-quality sleep is essential for repairing the heart, blood vessels, and other tissues.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress affects the cardiovascular system, and practices such as mindfulness or therapy can help.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco use accelerates many aging processes, especially in the heart and blood vessels.
- Stay socially connected. Keeping close ties with friends and family contributes to longer and healthier life.
- Keep your mind active. Learning new skills, playing mentally stimulating games, and maintaining social interactions help preserve cognitive function.
The Verdict
NAD⁺ is essential for cellular health, but there is currently no strong evidence that IV NAD⁺ infusions slow aging or improve biological age.
The lack of evidence for reliable cellular uptake, along with limited and inconsistent human data, means these treatments remain unproven.
Healthy aging is still best supported by sustainable lifestyle choices and evidence-based medical care.