Once confined to the pages of biochemistry textbooks, NAD+ is now making headlines and showing up in celebrity IV drips. From Jennifer Aniston to Joe Rogan, high-profile figures are crediting NAD⁺ therapy with everything from glowing skin to sharper focus.
In this article, we’ll look at what NAD+ is, which celebs are using it, and whether it’s really worth the hype.
Key Takeaways
- NAD+ is a cell coenzyme essential for energy production, DNA repair, and healthy aging.
- Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Joe Rogan, Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Gwyneth Paltrow actively use NAD+ therapy.
- They cite energy boosts, anti-aging effects, recovery, and mood benefits.
- Scientific proof remains limited.
What is NAD+ and Why is it Trending?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a vital molecule that exists inside every cell. It helps turn food into energy and repairs damaged DNA.
NAD+ levels decrease as we get older, with some research indicating a decline of around 30% between the ages of 45 and 60. This drop is believed to contribute to common signs of ageing, such as lower energy levels and reduced mental sharpness. As a result, many people are now turning to NAD+ supplements to support their overall health and possibly slow the ageing process.
People don’t typically supplement NAD+ directly because it’s not easily absorbed through the digestive system. Instead, they often take precursors, molecules that the body can convert into NAD+. Two of the most popular are nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These are usually taken in capsule form.
For a more intensive approach, individuals can also opt for NAD+ IV therapy, in which NAD+ is administered directly into the bloodstream. This method bypasses the gut entirely, meaning cells are rapidly saturated with the molecule.
Although it’s been studied for years, NAD+ has only recently gained mainstream attention. Celebrities and influencers are now publicly sharing their NAD+ supplement routines and praising its benefits, such as increased energy and focus. As interest grows, more NAD+ products are entering the market, and clinics offering NAD+ IV therapy are popping up to meet the demand.
Jennifer Aniston’s Praise of Weekly NAD+ IVs
One of these celebrities is Jennifer Aniston, most famous for her role as Rachel on the hit sitcom Friends. Aniston is often praised for looking years younger than her biological age of 56, with fans attributing this to a combination of her cosmetics and lifestyle choices.
However, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, she suggested that NAD+ could also be helping. She reported receiving NAD+ IV drips every week and called the treatment “the future” of health and beauty.
Joe Rogan on NAD+ for Energy and Recovery
Podcaster and comedian Joe Rogan has discussed his use of NAD+ therapy multiple times on his show. He says it helps him improve his mental clarity during long workdays, aids in workout recovery, enhances stamina for martial arts training, and supports overall health. In his episode with Sebastian Maniscalco, Rogan said:
“There’s a benefit for your immune system, there’s a benefit cognitively. You feel much better.”
Rogan has also endorsed other forms of IV therapy, including infusions of vitamin C and zinc.
Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner Use NAD+on the Kardashians
NAD+ therapy gained prime-time fame in a 2022 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The episode showed models and public figures Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber undergoing IV NAD+ therapy at a clinic. During her injection, Bieber said, “I’m going to NAD+ for the rest of my life and I’m never going to age.”
Hailey’s husband, Justin Bieber, also reports using regular IV NAD+ drips as part of his wellness routine. After going sober, Bieber got diagnosed with anxiety, chronic mononucleosis, and Lyme disease. He uses NAD+ to manage his psychological symptoms and chronic fatigue, and showed a clip of him having IV therapy on his documentary series, Seasons.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Anti-Aging NAD+ Ritual
Gwyneth Paltrow is well-known for exploring alternative wellness therapies. She told Harper’s Bazaar she gets NAD+ IV drips every few months as an anti-aging boost. She described them as a “beauty from the inside out” kind of cosmetic therapy.
Like many others, Paltrow has also used NAD+ to combat symptoms of long COVID. She thinks they’re useful for any infections that can give rise to long-term problems.
“I think they’re really helpful if you have a good doctor prescribing what’s in it, and a good nurse to kind of jab you with it. But, it’s one of the ways I typically get through flu season, and especially with long-term inflammatory stuff—I’ve had some long COVID symptoms and mold exposure in the past, so I find IVs incredibly helpful for anything chronic.”
Is NAD+ Therapy Worth the Celebrity Hype?
NAD+ therapy has captured public interest, thanks to endorsements by high-profile figures. But does it deliver?
Early research on NAD+ shows promising potential. Increasing NAD+ levels appears to support mitochondrial function, reduce inflammation, and enhance DNA repair—key processes involved in aging. In animal studies, NAD+ supplementation has been linked to increased lifespan and a reduction in biological markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
However, evidence in humans remains very limited. A small number of clinical studies suggest that NAD+ may:
- Decrease LDL cholesterol, commonly known as “bad fats,” linked to heart disease
- Improve physical work capacity
- Reduce fatigue
- Enhance cognitive function in patients with cognitive decline
At this stage, the overall safety and effectiveness of using NAD+ to reverse aging is not yet fully understood. Ongoing clinical studies aim to provide more definitive answers.
FAQs
Is NAD+ Safe?
NAD+ is generally considered safe when used appropriately. Most people who use NAD report few to no side effects, and those that do occur are typically mild. These may include nausea, fatigue, headache, flushing, or light-headedness, particularly during intravenous infusions if administered too quickly. However, while short-term use appears to be well-tolerated, the long-term safety of NAD+ supplementation is not yet fully understood.
Is IV NAD+ Better Than NAD+ Patches?
IV NAD+ therapy delivers a high concentration of NAD+⁺ directly into the bloodstream, leading to faster and more pronounced effects. However, it requires professional administration, is time-intensive, and can be costly. NAD+ patches provide a more convenient and non-invasive option. They’re self-applied and typically worn for several hours.
Sources
- https://www.elle.com/beauty/health-fitness/a64299674/everything-you-need-to-know-nad-explained/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37971292/
