Celebrity-Endorsed NAD+ IV Drips Gain Traction Beyond Hollywood

Once a trend championed by Hollywood stars, anti-aging IV drip treatments utilizing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) are now appearing at social gatherings in the United Kingdom, sparking renewed interest and debate among wellness enthusiasts and medical professionals. Celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, the Kardashians, and Hailey Bieber have publicly endorsed NAD+ IV drips, promoting them as a potential 'fountain of youth' capable of boosting energy, enhancing cognitive function, strengthening immunity, and slowing the aging process.

Despite the growing popularity, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, scientific evidence supporting these extensive benefits in healthy humans remains limited. Dr. Michael Sagner, a clinical advisor at King's College London, noted that while some studies are promising for specific diseases, claims of extending lifespan or reversing aging are largely unproven and primarily based on animal research. "It's very difficult to measure ageing," Dr. Sagner stated, emphasizing that the focus is more on remaining disease-free for longer.

The trend has extended to more intimate settings, with reports of 'NAD+ and prosecco' parties being hosted in affluent areas like the Cotswolds. In one instance documented by BBC presenter Stacey Dooley for her series 'Clickbait Clinic,' a divorce coach named Claire, 52, hosted such a gathering, inviting guests to receive NAD+ IV treatments administered by Dr. Randeep Bhella. Claire explained her motivation for the treatment, stating, "I'm at that age where I just want to preserve everything for as long as possible." She described feeling revitalized the day after her first session.

Dr. Bhella acknowledged that longevity studies for NAD+ are ongoing and that making definitive claims about its benefits is difficult without more scientific data. He also noted that while the IV treatment can be uncomfortable, side effects like headaches and dizziness are usually manageable by adjusting the dosage or administration speed. He reported that anecdotally, patients often feel "really well" after receiving NAD+ infusions, which contributes to their repeated use.

However, experts like Dr. Sagner have raised significant concerns about the intravenous administration of NAD+. He described parts of the NAD+ drip industry as "murky" and a "very grey market," citing reports of underground clinics that may not even provide genuine NAD+ while charging for it. He warned that these clinics could be "very dangerous," with potential adverse side effects including inflammation and allergic reactions.

Dr. Sagner suggested that if individuals are set on increasing their NAD+ levels, oral supplements of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+, are a more sensible option. He referred to NR as the "gold standard" for this purpose but cautioned consumers about the variability in quality and regulation of supplements.

While Dr. Sagner expressed caution, other medical practitioners, like Dr. Enayat, a GP and founder of the longevity clinic HUM2N, have reported positive clinical outcomes for some patients, including improvements in brain fog, energy levels, and sleep quality. Dr. Enayat stated that approximately 75% of his patients report symptom improvements. However, he also cautioned against overselling NAD+ as a universal cure, suggesting it is most beneficial when individuals are depleted.

Both Dr. Sagner and Dr. Enayat agreed that measuring NAD+ levels could be a more prudent approach for individuals considering supplementation. If levels are found to be low, then a course of oral NR could be considered. Nevertheless, there remains no conclusive proof that such interventions lead to long-term anti-aging effects.

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stated that NAD+ supplements, in the absence of medicinal claims, are not regulated as medicinal products, and they cannot advise on their efficacy or safety.