"Are NMN Supplements and NAD+ IVs Worth The Hype?"

NAD+ IVs and NMN supplements are all the rage these days (cue the Instagram images from the Jenners and Kardashians boasting its benefits).

But what exactly are NAD+ or NMN? And does the science back the hype? Let’s dive in!

What Even Are These Things?

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (try saying that five times fast) and is found in our cells.  It’s a molecule critical for energy metabolism, cellular signaling, and DNA repair, and it naturally declines with age.  

Recently, NAD+ supplements (e.g, nicotinamide riboside [NR] and nicotinamide mononucleotide [NMN]) have gained popularity for their potential anti-aging and health benefits.

• Quick Note: NMN and NR are precursors to NAD+, so you can think of them interchangeably, although there are some differences!

How They Work (A Look Under The NAD+ and NVM Hood)

NMN is a natural compound found in our cells that plays a key role in metabolism within the nucleus, mitochondria, and cytoplasm.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Research has shown that “NMN has therapeutic effects towards a range of diseases, including age-induced type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart failure…as well as Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders” (Journal of Advanced Research, 2022).*

^{*Paraphrased for clarity.}

On the flip side, low NAD+ levels aren’t just associated with aging—they’re also linked to increased oxidative stress, brain fog, DNA damage, and even inflammaging (chronic inflammation that speeds up aging).

The General Consensus

While most of the research so far comes from cell (in vitro) and animal studies, the current evidence suggests that NAD+ precursors such as NMN may:

• Boost Neuroprotection ➜ Evidence: Preclinical studies suggest NAD+ precursors can protect neurons, improve memory, and reduce pathology in Alzheimer's models (Hou et al., Aging Cell, 2018).
• Benefit Cardiovascular Function ➜ Evidence: Human trials report improved cardiovascular function with NAD+ supplementation (Wang et al., JACC: Basic to Translational Science, 2022).
• Improve Metabolism ➜ Evidence: Small human trials have shown improved insulin sensitivity and reduced markers of inflammation (Yoshino et al., Science, 2021).

This Sounds Promising. But Are There Any Downsides?

While NAD+ and NMN supplements show (very) exciting potential, there’s still a big gap in human research. Right now, there are little to no long-term, peer-reviewed studies confirming the ideal dose, long-term safety, or risks in humans.

One of the best papers on this subject (available for you to read online for free right here!) was published in 2022 in the Journal of Advanced Research by Nadeeshani et al. The authors caution:

“NMN should not be considered a panacea for the elderly, because boosting NAD levels when not required may yield some detrimental effects….published reports about NMN’s long-term safety and clinical efficacy of anti-aging effects in humans are scarce.”*

^{*Paraphrased for clarity.}

So, as much potential for positive effects as NMN and NAD+ show, there is also a possibility of negative side effects.

The Potential Negative Side Effects

These include:

1. Possible Cancer Risk Concerns

Since NAD+ fuels cell metabolism, some researchers worry that boosting NAD+ levels may unintentionally stimulate existing cancer cells. However, note that no clear evidence of this exists yet.

2. Cost and Quality Variability

Because NAD+ supplements are still so new, they can be expensive—and product quality or purity varies widely! (It’s not uncommon to find NAD+ IVs for nearly $600 a pop.)

3. Side Effects & Tolerability Issues

Some users report gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea, flushing, or skin problems such as itching and sweating.

Bottom Line

The science isn’t fully there yet, especially when it comes to long-term safety and effects for women. While there’s reason to be optimistic, we still need larger human trials to be sure.

In the meantime, no need to shell out hundreds of dollars for NAD+ IVs or NMN supplements. Foods like edamame, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, and avocado provide key nutrients that support your body’s natural NAD+ production!

This question came directly from a member of the Ajenda community.