Why Everyone's Talking About NAD+: The Science Behind the Buzz

You’ve probably noticed it—NAD+ is popping up everywhere. From Instagram reels to IV drip bars to your favorite celebrity’s wellness routine, this cellular coenzyme is suddenly in the spotlight. But what is NAD+, and why is it generating so much attention right now?

Let’s break it down.

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a crucial role in more than 500 biological processes—from energy production to DNA repair. And while it’s been studied since the early 1900s, its role in healthy aging is now capturing global attention.

Here’s the catch: NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age. That decline may contribute to fatigue, cognitive slowdown, and aging-related health issues.

Why the Sudden Hype Around NAD+?

1. Celebrity Endorsements

NAD+ got a pop culture boost when celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber touted its benefits during IV drip sessions on Hulu’s The Kardashians. Justin Bieber and former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler have also spoken out about their NAD+ routines. When famous faces advocate for a product, interest skyrockets—and NAD+ is no exception.

2. IV Therapy Is Trending

The rise of IV therapy lounges made NAD+ even more accessible and visible. Although research is still emerging on how effective NAD+ IV therapy is (especially how much actually gets absorbed at the cellular level), the trend helped bring it into mainstream wellness conversations.

⚠️ Important note: While NAD+ IV therapy is popular, it’s not fully backed by clinical studies. For boosting NAD+ levels, oral precursors like NR and NMN are better studied and more scientifically validated.

3. Longevity Is the New Wellness

“Longevity” is the wellness industry’s new buzzword. According to McKinsey, 60% of U.S. consumers want products that support healthy aging. NAD+ is a frontrunner in this category, thanks to its role in energy metabolism, cellular repair, and inflammation reduction.

NAD+ and Your Skin

NAD+ is also showing up in skincare products—though the science behind topical benefits is still developing. That said, oral supplementation with NAD+ precursors has shown promise. Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 and NAD+ precursor) has been found to:

• Improve skin hydration
  
• Boost ceramide production
  
• Reduce moisture loss
  

That’s why NAD+ supplements may support not just how you feel—but how your skin looks too.

What the Science Says

Behind the headlines is a strong foundation of research:

• Over 70,000 studies about NAD+ have been published since 1945
  
• More than 1,100 clinical trials on NAD+ are underway or completed
  
• Key studies have linked NAD+ depletion with aging-related cellular decline
  
• NAD+ is essential for activating “longevity genes” called sirtuins
  

In short: NAD+ isn’t just hype—it’s backed by decades of scientific research.

Social Media & the Wellness Boom

From TikTok reviews to #NADplus on Instagram, influencers and medical professionals alike are fueling the momentum. But like any trending wellness topic, not all online claims are accurate. That’s why it’s important to stick to science-backed sources and understand how NAD+ really works in the body.

The Bottom Line

NAD+ is more than a fleeting trend—it’s becoming a cornerstone of the longevity and wellness space. Whether you’re interested in more energy, better recovery, or healthy aging, boosting NAD+ through well-formulated supplements may be worth exploring.