The new Ozempic for youth? The NAD+ fever and its promises against aging.
The NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) has transitioned from laboratories to popular culture as a supposed key to eternal youth. Celebrities endorse it in intravenous therapies, and thousands consume it in supplements, convinced that it can rejuvenate their cells. However, behind the enthusiasm lies a less bright reality: the scientific evidence is still in its early stages, and the risks of high doses or poorly regulated products raise caution among experts.
From Hollywood to mass consumption
The NAD+ boom began in clinics in Miami and Dubai, where celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner popularized intravenous “shots” as anti-aging boosters. The trend soon reached the general public: online sales platforms saw a proliferation of capsules containing precursors like NMN or NR, promoted as . However, as highlighted by a study by gerontologist Andrea Maier, supplements present major inconsistencies: actual content can deviate by up to 100% from what is indicated on the label.
Top skin anti-aging supplements:
1. Collagen peptides – collagen synthesis, elasticity
2. Astaxanthin – UV protection, cell senescence
3. Hyaluronic acid – skin hydration, elasticity
4. Glycine – collagen synthesis, glycation protection
5. Niacinamide – NAD synthesis, DNA damage…
— Siim Land (@siimland)
What is NAD+ and why does it matter
NAD+ is present in all cells of the body and is involved in critical processes: energy production, DNA repair, and activation of proteins linked to aging, such as sirtuins. The issue is that its levels decrease with age, which is associated with memory loss, muscle weakness, and a higher risk of diseases. The initial clinical trials show promise, but they are small studies that do not allow for solid conclusions to be drawn.
Enthusiasm and scientific caution
According to WebMD, moderate doses of nicotinamide are safe, but excess amounts can cause headaches, fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, supplements can interact with drugs that affect the liver or coagulation. The University of Navarra Clinic insists on caution: there are no large-scale studies validating its effectiveness as an anti-aging therapy.
An obsession with shortcuts against time
The NAD+ phenomenon reflects a broader cultural pattern: . From the visible touch-ups of Botox to luxury invisible treatments, society oscillates between the aspirational and the mass market, between elite surgery and collagen powders or capsules from Amazon. But science reminds us of the basics: exercise, good sleep, and healthy eating remain the only proven strategies to prolong health and well-being.
