Every so often, a wellness trend emerges that completely redefines what we thought we knew before—transforming into something more than just a passing moment on social media. Pumpkin seed oil has become a go-to for hair, red light therapy is enhancing our skin, and now NAD+ is taking center stage in longevity routines. Thanks to the influence of figures like Bryan Johnson and Gary Brecka, there’s a growing focus on longevity—whether it’s about living well for longer, aging gracefully, or recognizing that what’s inside our bodies matters just as much as what’s on the outside.
In its simplest form, NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a molecule found in every cell of the body. It plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA repair, reducing inflammation, and maintaining overall cellular health. While NAD+ has been available in supplement form for some time, it has recently gained significant popularity due to the rise of the longevity movement. This trend has even seen NAD+ make its way into skincare products.
The reason for this interest lies in the fact that our NAD levels naturally decrease as we age. By reintroducing it into our daily routines through supplements, research suggests that we may be able to maintain mobility and reduce the risk of certain age-related diseases.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explains that the popularity of NAD+ stems from a combination of genuine scientific curiosity and cultural concerns about aging. She notes that while the science clearly shows that NAD+ is essential for life and that declining levels are linked to aging and disease, most of the strongest evidence comes from animal studies or small, early-stage human trials. This means that claims about dramatic life extension or powerful anti-aging effects in humans are not yet supported by robust clinical data, even though the underlying biology is plausible and intriguing.
Dr Wylie also highlights that regular users of NAD+ supplements have reported subtle improvements in energy levels, mental clarity, or exercise tolerance over time. However, she emphasizes that these results are likely to be gradual and long-term rather than immediate. Searches for NAD supplements increased by more than 200% in 2025, and many people are now wondering which type of NAD+ supplement is best for them.
“Various methods of using NAD+ are often marketed as being vastly different, but the reality is more nuanced,” Dr Wylie says. “Oral supplements such as nicotinamide riboside or NMN have the best safety data and can increase NAD+ levels in the body. In contrast, intravenous NAD+ is frequently promoted as more powerful, despite limited evidence that it leads to better or more lasting outcomes. It also comes with higher costs and medical risks.”
She adds that topical or skincare products containing NAD+ might improve the appearance of the skin locally, but they are unlikely to have meaningful effects on whole-body aging or cellular NAD+ levels. One of the biggest misconceptions about NAD+ is the belief that it can reverse aging or serve as a shortcut to longevity. Another common myth is that higher doses automatically lead to greater benefits or that intravenous treatments are inherently superior, none of which has been convincingly proven in well-designed human studies.
However, this doesn’t mean that NAD+ should be overlooked. New data is emerging about its potential every day, and Dr Wylie believes we could see more of it in the future. “While it’s unlikely to disappear completely given the real biology behind it, at present, it should be viewed as an interesting and evolving area rather than a medical necessity,” she concludes. “It’s certainly not a replacement for the fundamentals of good health that we know make the biggest difference over the long term.”
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