Posted by Sergej Bial
on February 26, 2026
The internet is buzzing with products and treatments that claim to help you look and feel younger. While there’s no magic bullet that can give you the muscles, stamina, or skin of your 20s, some treatments have some promising science behind them, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Emerging research suggests that NAD+ (a form of NAD) might help with anti-aging and delay the progression of age-related diseases. But what is NAD+—and should you consider it?
NAD plus, as its pronounced, isn’t the fountain of youth. But it is one of your body’s most important molecules due to its key role in almost all major biological processes, says Jack Jeng, M.D., a longevity-focused physician and former Chief Medical Officer at Hone Health.
“NAD+ remains one of the most promising and exciting molecules in the field of aging and longevity today,” says Jeng.
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body that’s involved in hundreds of metabolic processes. It’s critical for converting nutrients into energy and regulating other cellular functions.
But levels of NAD+ drop as you age. Brain imaging studies suggest (1, 2) that NAD+ levels in the brain drop by as much as 25 percent between young adulthood and old age. Stress, alcohol use, and diet can speed up that decline (3).
Why that’s worrying: Declining NAD+ levels have been linked to a number of health issues including diabetes, heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and even premature aging (4).
Fortunately, some early research suggests that NAD+ therapy may slow or even reverse some aspects of aging and delay the progression of these age-related diseases.
“Many of the published studies utilized animal models so we are still awaiting confirmatory results in humans,” says Jeng. “But the data is overwhelmingly positive and there appear to be no serious adverse effects with NAD+ supplementation.”
More studies are needed, Jeng notes, but NAD injections, supplements, and IV therapy “have the potential to reduce disease and suffering while helping us live healthier and longer lives.”
