Does latest biohack trend NAD+ IV therapy actually work? All the rage with the likes of Hailey and Justin Bieber and Jennifer Aniston – who spend big on regular shots – experts sound a note of caution
Hailey Bieber appeared on The Kardashians using a NAD+ IV drip, declaring that she was ‘never gonna age’ – though experts say the precise benefits are still not entirely clear
Marketed as giving its converts the ultimate wellness edge, the biohack lies firmly in the realms of high-end self-care. But is NAD+ really the miracle molecule it’s made out to be, or just the latest designer placebo dressed up in buzzwords?
What is NAD+?
Let’s start at the molecular level. “Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body, essential for converting the food we eat into usable energy. Think of NAD+ as the spark plug in an engine; it doesn’t provide the fuel – that’s your food – but without it, your cells can’t start the process of turning that fuel into power,” explains Dr Michael Barnish, director of precision health at Reviv Global.
In short, NAD+ helps keep your body humming. But as we age, levels drop. “The natural decline might be linked to feeling more tired or less mentally sharp over time, which is why people are looking for ways to support it,” says Dr Christina Rahm, founder of Deep Rooted Causes Ventures.
NAD+ IV drips vs. NAD+ supplements
One method is to take NAD+ oral supplements, but by bypassing the gut entirely, IV drips deliver the coenzyme directly into the bloodstream for quicker, more efficient absorption. “Oral NAD+ cannot significantly increase NAD levels in the blood as it is poorly absorbed in its intact form,” Dr Barnish explains, pointing out that by delivering the coenzyme directly into the bloodstream, it “offer[s] improved availability for cellular uptake and use.”
What are the claims made for NAD+ IV drips?
Luxury wellness clinics pitch NAD+ drips as the perfect blend of exclusivity and efficacy. Costing around US$500 a session, they’re not cheap, but for many, they’re a worthy investment in focus, glowing skin and more graceful ageing. “There’s been a big shift in how people think about ageing and performance – it’s no longer just about looking good, it’s about feeling sharp, energetic and resilient from the inside out,” says Dr Rahm. “NAD+ is part of that conversation because it’s connected to how our cells create energy and handle stress.”