Marketers say NAD+ pills and infusions can boost longevity. What's the evidence?

Key Points:

• NAD+ is a crucial molecule involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair, sparking interest in its potential to combat aging and improve health, but current human studies remain preliminary and inconclusive.
• Much of the excitement around NAD+ stems from animal studies showing benefits, but these results have not consistently translated to humans, with many trials focusing on NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
• The market for NAD+ supplements, injections, and IV infusions is booming, driven by celebrity endorsements and wellness trends, despite limited clinical evidence supporting their efficacy or safety in humans.
• Researchers caution that while NAD+ precursor supplements appear safe in short-term studies, long-term risks are unknown, and some marketed NAD+ products may not contain what their labels claim.
• Experts agree that more rigorous, large-scale human trials are needed before NAD+ therapies can be recommended, and current NAD+ products should be approached with skepticism regarding their purported anti-aging and health benefits.