I tried the NAD+ IV infusion—here’s what you should know

NAD+ is marketed as a “fountain of youth” supplement. Here’s what you need to know before you swipe your card.

Key Points

• NAD+ is a coenzyme used in many metabolic processes and sold as an anti-aging supplement.
• Supplementing precursors like NR can increase NAD+ levels but have not been proven to have meaningful health benefits.
• These supplements can be expensive and are not worth the cost for the majority of people.

On a recent press trip, I had the opportunity to try an NAD+ infusion, a supplemental IV that has been popularized by celebrities like Hailey Bieber for its healthy-aging benefits. It’s marketed as a vitamin supplement that supports a coenzyme involved in many cellular processes impacted by aging, with claims that it can boost energy levels and even reduce wrinkles.

Typically, I’ve viewed these trendy vitamin treatments as expensive saline bags that overpromise and underdeliver. But I was feeling particularly adventurous (and jet-lagged), so I thought at the very least the hydration would be beneficial.

Thanks to my history of fainting around needles, the first five minutes were a bit stressful, both for the nurses administering the infusion and for me. But once I was settled, the whole experience was quite relaxing. The staff gave me a mint to help with mouth buzzing, a common temporary side effect of the infusion. They also warned me about another common side effect: an unparalleled night of rest. After 45 minutes, the treatment was complete, and I felt surprisingly refreshed. Later that evening, I fell asleep quickly and slept soundly through the night.

It’s difficult to say if those effects were a result of the NAD+ infusion or simply the deep sleep that often comes with a comfortable hotel bed. To better understand my experience, I spoke with experts to find out whether the benefits of NAD+ supplementation are backed by science or mostly placebo.

What Is NAD+?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, is derived from niacin (vitamin B3). It’s a coenzyme that’s involved in hundreds of metabolic processes that help turn the food we eat into energy for our cells. Beyond energy production, it plays an important role in mitochondrial function and DNA repair, which may help reduce oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress contributes to inflammation, and because many age-related conditions are associated with chronic inflammation, researchers are interested in whether supporting NAD+ levels could support healthy aging. “The main theory out there is that you’re as old as your cells. And over time, if you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and eat processed foods, those things cause oxidative stress. So things that are antioxidants are generally thought to be helpful in this area,” says Zachary Mulvihill, M.D., a physician who specializes in integrative health.

NAD+ supplements are most commonly taken orally as a pill or administered intravenously through an IV. But regardless of the delivery method, they typically don’t contain actual NAD+. “The biggest misconception about NAD+ supplementation is that NAD+ can be consumed as is, but NAD+ is not bioavailable in its whole form,” explains Christina Manian, RDN, M.Env.

Instead, supplements more commonly contain nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), precursors that research has shown are more readily absorbed and used by the body to make NAD+ inside cells.

What the Research Says

Scientists have known about NAD+ for more than a century. “We have known about NAD for over 110 years, but only recently has it been associated with the mechanism of aging,” says Mulvihill. “[Researchers have] looked at animal models and some human models, and basically found that NAD levels [may] get lower as we age.”

The theory is that replenishing NAD+ levels could improve mitochondrial function and slow the progression of some age-related diseases. Some researchers have even explored whether it could support longevity. However, Mulvihill notes that there is currently no human research proving that.

A 2026 meta-analysis reviewed 113 studies published between 2010 and 2025 on NAD+ supplementation and health, including 30 high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans. Most of these studies focused on midlife and older adults taking the NAD+ precursors NR and NMN orally. While the research showed these supplements can increase NAD+ levels in the body, the studies did not show clear evidence that these increases lead to meaningful health benefits.For instance, one study involving 33 patients with heart failure examined whether supplementing with NR could help slow worsening cardiac function, which had previously been observed in animal models. After 12 weeks of taking 2 grams of NR daily, participants had significantly higher NAD⁺ levels, but their cardiac function did not improve.

Although early animal and human studies show potential, more research is needed to better understand how NAD+ levels may affect aging and disease outcomes. Mulvihill says more than a dozen human trials are currently underway.

Are NAD+ Supplements Safe?

Clinical research suggests that both NMN and NR are relatively safe for up to 12 weeks of use at doses up to 2 grams per day. NR specifically has not been associated with adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting or skin flushing, which have been reported with other NAD+ supplements such as NAM. However, these supplements are not recommended for people currently diagnosed with cancer or in remission, as they may interfere with treatment.

Both Manian and Mulvihill recommend taking a personalized approach and talking with your health care providers before trying NAD+ supplements. If your provider approves, look for brands that have been independently tested for safety and quality, as the FDA does not conduct safety testing on dietary supplements, Manian says.

Mulvihill also recommends taking breaks from supplements that are not being clinically monitored. “I recommend [with] any supplement, for every three months you’re taking it, take a month off,” he says. “I don’t recommend anyone taking any supplements indefinitely. I recommend people get blood work periodically, specifically checking their liver and kidney enzymes.”

He also notes that oral supplements are the safest option. “Anything that is administered intravenously needs to have a higher level of caution,” Mulvihill shares. He explains that when taking supplements orally, a natural barrier in your gut helps eliminate excessive vitamin doses. But when supplements are administered intravenously (IV), this process is bypassed.

Should You Invest in NAD+ Supplements?

The biggest risk of taking NAD+ supplements is likely to be your wallet. “If they’re currently feeling energized, motivated and have a good bill of health, it might not be worth the investment,” Manian says.

IV infusions can cost up to $1,500 per session, while oral supplements range from $20 to $200. Until the research becomes more compelling, it may be better to spend that money on habits that have been proven to support healthy aging, such as strength training, maintaining strong social connections and eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.

Our Expert Take

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in our cells that is involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. Because NAD+ levels may decline with age, researchers are studying whether replenishing these levels may support healthy aging. NAD+ precursors such as NMN and NR have been shown to increase NAD+ levels in the body. However, there is limited evidence to support that doing so leads to meaningful health benefits. Although these supplements appear relatively safe, they are very expensive and unlikely to offer meaningful value.

Read the original article on EatingWell