What Is NAD+? The Longevity Treatment, Explained

When a candid conversation between celebrity BFFs Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner went viral, it introduced many to NAD+ for the first time. The jargon-laden acronym is shorthand for the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — an enigmatic coenzyme that's proven indispensable in some of the body's most essential processes. Repairing DNA, regulating the metabolism, and even slowing the effects of aging itself — you'd think it was the long-sought elixir of youth. Bieber boldly declared she would take it forever, evading the biological clock altogether, but is there any truth to her claim?

As with many biological processes, time is the enemy of our natural NAD+ levels. "Fundamentally, NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every cell of our body and is responsible for cellular metabolism and energy production," Dr. Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer and Physician at One Oak Medical exclusively tells Women.com. It collapses inexorably with age, leaving the body more vulnerable. This drop sees genetic material damaged, cellular stress responses weakened, and energy metabolism impaired. The repercussions of this decline ripple, entangling themselves in a host of miserable maladies: obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension — all of which conspire against longevity.

But, since we live in the age of biohacking and wellness trends, NAD+ treatments have been touted as a potential savior. Advances in modern medicine and technology have been presenting us with new ways to slow, or even reverse the decline of NAD+ in our bodies. It's a welcome promise for those of us in pursuit of better health and lasting youth, and the possibilities certainly give us reasons to rejoice.

NAD+ is quickly becoming the wellness world's secret weapon, boasting benefits — both medical and cosmetic — that sound almost too good to be true. A recent study from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons proved just how impressive this little biological agent can be: enhanced heart health with a downturn in blood pressure, and a more flexible aorta supporting it. Within just three weeks of NAD+ restoration, subjects also saw a noticeable fall in inflammation intensity.

Another research paper shed light on the dreamy effects NAD+ treatments can have on sleep. Participants found themselves dozing off faster, whilst enjoying deeper, more restorative rest. What's more, it has been shown to enhance daytime energy levels and brain performance, all thanks to the fact it's full of nutrients that sustain and optimize our body's functions. As far as the cosmetic bonuses, NAD+ works its magic by activating sirtuins, the proteins that drive cell regeneration. Restoring NAD+ amounts gives these hardworking proteins the push they need to fight the signs of aging. Dr. Catherine Farris, an anesthetic clinician at London health startup GetHarley, told Women's Health magazine that this can significantly improve skin health, "promoting a more youthful and healthy skin." The proof is in the glow.

The study results are certainly promising. However, they should be taken with a grain of salt. "It's important to note that while the basic science is sound, many claimed benefits are based on laboratory studies rather than robust clinical trials," says Dr. Singh.

The exploration of NAD+ treatments is still developing, but what we know so far is fascinating. As Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber showed in their viral moment, NAD+ can be administered through IV infusions, often regarded as the most effective way to increase your NAD+. This method delivers the nutrients straight to your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for maximum absorption. Dr. Singh tells us the benefit of this is that it bypasses GI breakdown. However, he stresses that this can become quite costly.

The optimal dosage of NAD+ is highly personal, determined by factors like your age, health status, lifestyle, and specific goals — be that a good night's sleep, sharper focus, or the elusive glow of youth. Likewise, the frequency of your therapies is not a universal formula, but sticking to a regular schedule consistently guarantees better results than scattered sessions (via Drip Hydration). For those curious about the commitment, the length of each infusion similarly depends on your own needs, but West Hollywood's Next Health suggests allowing three to four hours for the course to be fully absorbed. Of course, this is undeniably a large time investment, but it's one enthusiasts claim is well worth it.

Over-the-counter NAD+ supplements are also gaining traction, though Dr. Singh notes they are not absorbed as well as intravenous applications. Available in a range of dosages, you can customize these to suit your unique needs.  "There [are] also topical applications which may be helpful for localized skin but limited evidence to see how well it absorbs," Dr. Singh notes. NAD+-charged moisturizers and serums offer a simple way to work the powerhouse molecule into your everyday routine. Facial sheet masks infused with NAD+ are also available on the market, for an indulgent treat and a swift boost to your skin.

"I recommend starting with oral supplements under medical supervision, particularly if considering long-term use," advises Dr. Singh. Equally important is to be realistic about expectations. "While NAD+ supplementation shows promise, it's not a miracle solution and should be part of a comprehensive health strategy including proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene."