You may have heard about the current ‘big thing’ in wellness, intravenous (IV) NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a vitamin B3-derived compound and vital coenzyme involved in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and the regulation of aging-related genes known as ‘sirtuins’, a family of NAD+-dependent enzymes which regulate longevity and cellular repair. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline with age and stress, which is believed to impair mitochondrial function, reduce cellular resilience, and accelerate aging processes.
Forms & bioavailability
Private labs worldwide are now offering IV NAD+ shots which offer highly bioavailability, bypassing digestive and absorption limitations of oral supplements. Oral supplementation with other NAD+ precursors, such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), has shown promise in animal models, enhancing mitochondrial function, improving metabolic health, and increasing lifespan. These effects are largely mediated through the activation of sirtuins. Regardless of form, oral NMR / NR supplements are less expensive but significantly less bioavailable than IV NAD+.
Research
While preclinical studies are compelling, human evidence of IV NAD+ remains limited. Early trials show improved markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health with NR or NMN supplementation, but no long-term human studies have yet confirmed anti-aging or lifespan-extending effects. Safety appears acceptable in the short term, though theoretical concerns exist about over-stimulating certain cellular processes that could affect cancer risk, especially in individuals with undetected or detected malignancies.
PROS OF IV NAD+
- By-passes digestive / absorption limitations of oral supplements
- Rapid systemic NAD⁺ elevation.
- High bioavailable ~100%
- Immediate effects
- Improved skin, energy, cognition, mood, cellular repair & detox
CONS OF IV NAD+
- Requires ‘loading phase’ every 2/3 days- Maintenance doses every 2-4 weeks- Overlooks other individual root causes contributing to aging- Expensive & time-consuming (IV infusion, 45–90 min).
- May cause flushing, chest pressure, nausea, other symptoms
- Less practical for long-term use.
- Very expensive: ~£250–£400 per ~250–500 mg dose.- Not sustainable unless you have big pockets!
Conclusions
While IV NAD+ boosters offer exciting potential and relative convenience, more robust long-term human data are required before they can be endorsed for longevity in clinical practice. Furthermore, as IV NAD+ overlooks other root causes of longevity at an individual level, my BETTER SKIN & AGING PROGRAMME, could offer a more cost-effective and sustainable option by considering all your risk factors and body systems, potentially a more viable option going forward by stimulating key pathways involved in skin health and longevity with a personalised diet and lifestyle program. Click for more info HERE or click on the image below.
