Why People Are Choosing NMN Over Expensive IV Drips
£1,800 for a four-hour IV drip at a luxury hotel. Two hours of nausea and discomfort at a posh wellness clinic. Lengthy waitlists for treatments that celebrities swear by but scientists question.
This is the world of NAD+ IV therapy—the latest status symbol in the wellness industry that promises everything from enhanced cognitive function to increased energy. It's become the treatment of choice for finance executives, Silicon Valley tech moguls, and Hollywood stars who can afford to spend thousands on the promise of cellular rejuvenation.
But what if there were a better way?
While the elite queue up for expensive and uncomfortable IV treatments, scientific research has been quietly advancing a more practical approach to boosting NAD+ levels—one that doesn't require needles, clinic visits, or remortgaging your home.
The Celebrity Obsession with NAD+ That's Raising Eyebrows
"I'm going to NAD for the rest of my life and I'm never going to age," declared Hailey Bieber in a 2022 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Jennifer Aniston mentions it regularly in interviews about her wellness routine. Joe Rogan discusses it on his podcast.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) has become the molecule du jour in high-end wellness circles. At Soho Farmhouse outside London, members can add NAD+ IV treatments to their countryside retreat. The Four Seasons hotel chain has partnered with Next Health to offer NAD+ drips alongside their spa services. In Miami's Faena Hotel, guests can choose between "Basic" (£525) and "Advanced" (£1,800) NAD+ infusions as casually as ordering from the room service menu.
The wellness industry has positioned NAD+ IV therapy as the ultimate biohack—a direct line to cellular rejuvenation for those who can afford the luxury of time and money.
"The issue with NAD+ IV therapy isn't just the cost—it's creating a two-tier system where cellular health becomes a luxury good rather than a fundamental aspect of wellbeing available to all."
But amidst the celebrity endorsements and luxury marketing, scientists have been asking a more fundamental question: Is this really the best way to support our body's NAD+ levels?
What Actually Happens to Your NAD+ as You Age?
NAD+ isn't some exotic compound invented by wellness gurus—it's a coenzyme found naturally in every cell of your body, playing critical roles in energy production and cellular repair mechanisms.
Your body relies on NAD+ for hundreds of essential biochemical reactions, including:
- Converting food into cellular energy
- Activating sirtuins—proteins that regulate cellular health and have been linked to longevity
- Supporting DNA repair
- Maintaining proper cell function under stress
- Regulating circadian rhythms and sleep cycles
The challenge? Our NAD+ levels decline dramatically as we age. Research suggests we lose up to 50% of our NAD+ between age 20 and 50, with levels continuing to drop thereafter. This decline correlates with many hallmarks of ageing, from reduced energy and cognitive changes to metabolic challenges.
"It's giving you back a molecule that you had when you were younger which we believe is responsible for keeping the cells optimised, particularly the mitochondria, the cell powerhouse." — Dr. Amanda Kahn, board-certified internist
This mitochondrial connection is particularly important. As Dr. Kahn notes, "When mitochondria slow down, that's a sign that cells are working less efficiently, following a pathway called senescence." This senescence process can have a cascading effect, with cellular aging becoming "almost contagious" to surrounding healthy cells.
NAD+ Decline: The Numbers
| Age | Approximate NAD+ Levels (Compared to Age 20) |
|---|---|
| 20 | 100% (Baseline) |
| 30 | 80% |
| 40 | 60% |
| 50 | 50% |
| 60+ | 30-40% |
Based on research published in the journals Cell Metabolism and Nature Communications
The IV Approach: Why Celebrities Are Getting It Wrong
At first glance, IV therapy seems logical: if your NAD+ levels are declining, why not simply infuse NAD+ directly into your bloodstream? This approach promises immediate bioavailability and maximum absorption, bypassing the digestive system entirely.
But there are significant drawbacks to NAD+ IV therapy that the glossy marketing often fails to mention:
The Discomfort Factor
Unlike a quick vitamin shot, NAD+ IV treatments are notoriously uncomfortable. A typical session can involve:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chest tightness and difficulty breathing
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Facial flushing
- Headaches that can persist for hours
One wellness journalist described her NAD+ IV experience as "feeling like my insides were being slowly crushed while simultaneously feeling like I might vomit." Hardly the luxurious wellness experience portrayed in the marketing materials.
The Time Commitment
NAD+ IV treatments aren't quick affairs. A standard infusion typically takes 2-4 hours, during which you're tethered to an IV pole. For busy professionals or parents, this represents a significant time investment—one that needs to be repeated regularly to maintain results.
The Questionable Safety Profile
In late 2024, the FDA issued warnings about contamination risks in NAD+ injectables after receiving "adverse event reports following use of NAD+ injectable drugs, including severe chills, shaking, vomiting and fatigue."
Dr. Amanda Kahn advises that "no one should order NAD off the internet or use any form of it without the guidance of a doctor." She adds that IVs are "harder to regulate, more invasive, and they tend to overload the system and throw the body out of homeostasis."
The Prohibitive Expense
Perhaps the most obvious barrier is cost. At luxury wellness clinics, NAD+ IV treatments range from £525 for a basic session to over £1,800 for an "advanced" treatment. Recommended protocols often suggest weekly or monthly sessions, potentially costing tens of thousands annually.
This pricing structure effectively restricts access to the wealthy, creating a two-tier system where cellular health becomes a luxury good rather than a fundamental aspect of wellbeing.
NAD+ IV Drips vs. NMN Supplements: A Practical Comparison
| Factor | NAD+ IV Drips | Healthspan Formulas NMN Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £525-£1,800 per session | Approximately £60-80 for a month's supply |
| Time Required | 2-4 hours per session | Seconds to swallow a capsule |
| Convenience | Requires clinic visit and intravenous access | Take anywhere, anytime |
| Side Effects | Common: nausea, headache, chest discomfort, vomiting | Rare and typically mild |
| Regulatory Concerns | FDA warnings about contamination risks | Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards |
| Privacy | Public treatment in clinical setting | Private use at home |
| Maintenance | Weekly or monthly clinic visits | Daily capsules as part of routine |
| Scientific Support | Limited clinical evidence for IV delivery method | Growing body of research supporting oral precursors |
The Scientific Consensus: Precursors Are the Future
While celebrities have been flocking to IV clinics, scientists researching NAD+ metabolism have been developing a more elegant solution: NAD+ precursors.
Rather than directly supplementing with NAD+ (which presents challenges for oral absorption), these compounds work by providing the body with the raw materials it needs to produce NAD+ naturally.
Two precursors have emerged as particularly promising: Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR).
The Science Behind NMN
Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, professor in the department of developmental biology at Washington University School of Medicine, has been at the forefront of NMN research. In 2000, he co-authored a groundbreaking paper with MIT professor Leonard Guarente that first established the connection between NAD+ and aging.
In 2016, Dr. Imai published research demonstrating how NMN supplementation produced remarkable anti-aging effects in mice:
"It enhanced their metabolism and improved insulin action and lipid panels in the blood, bone density, and number of immune cells." — Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, leading NMN researcher
Dr. Imai adds that human clinical trials are currently underway and showing promising results.
These findings have been reinforced by multiple peer-reviewed studies showing NMN's potential benefits for:
- Cardiovascular health
- Metabolic function
- Cognitive performance
- Muscle strength and endurance
- Immune function
- Cellular energy production
One particularly noteworthy benefit appears to be improved sleep quality. According to Dr. Imai, "Improvements in sleep, and people saying that they got really deep sleep, or were able to wake up without an alarm is the top anecdotal claim from people taking NMN."
Beyond the Lab: Real-World Benefits of NMN Supplementation
The scientific promise of NMN is impressive, but how does it translate to everyday life? Emerging evidence suggests the benefits are substantial and multifaceted.
Energy and Performance
For Jessi Butterfield, a makeup artist and mother of two young children, NAD+ precursors provided much-needed support during a challenging period. "I feel like it has helped me regain a little more mental clarity and my overall energy level has definitely improved compared to after my first kid," she told Allure magazine.
This experience aligns with what many users report: a noticeable but natural increase in energy levels. Unlike the jittery boost from caffeine or other stimulants, NMN appears to support cellular energy production in a more fundamental way.
Professional athletes and trainers have also taken note. According to Dr. Charles Brenner, who discovered NR as an NAD+ precursor in 2004, many athletes believe that taking NAD+ precursors "helped them recover more efficiently, a boon when you're getting beat up on the field or court weekly but need to rebound fast."
Cognitive Function
Brain fog and declining cognitive function affect millions of adults, particularly those experiencing high stress or poor sleep. NMN's ability to support brain energy metabolism makes it valuable for:
- Mental clarity and focus
- Memory and attention
- Cognitive resilience under stress
Dr. Kahn notes that many of her patients are "keen to be more engaged partners and parents." They report that supporting their NAD+ levels "makes them feel like they're better at everything."
Immune Resilience
The connection between NAD+ and immune function has gained particular attention recently. "We have very convincing evidence that both flu and coronaviruses attack the NAD system and that [NAD+ precursors are] protective and accelerate recovery," explains Dr. Brenner.
This immune support may be especially valuable during seasonal illness peaks or for individuals with heightened exposure risks.
Fertility Support
Perhaps most surprisingly, NAD+ precursors have shown promise for supporting fertility—an area where expensive treatments are the norm and new approaches are desperately needed.
Dr. Kahn has been recommending NAD+ support for female patients with fertility concerns and those undergoing egg freezing or IVF cycles.
"Replenishing NAD+ levels may help protect oocytes [egg cells] from oxidative damage, preserve their integrity and potentially improving overall quality." — Dr. Amanda Kahn
The results have been remarkable: Dr. Kahn has observed patients who incorporated NAD+ support between IVF cycles "up their healthy oocytes from almost zero counts to the twenties"—potentially increasing the chances of successful egg retrieval and viable pregnancy.
Why Healthspan Formulas NMN Stands Apart
With interest in NAD+ precursors growing, numerous supplements have entered the market—but quality and effectiveness vary dramatically. Healthspan Formulas developed our NMN Supplement specifically to address these concerns, offering several distinct advantages:
Pharmaceutical-Grade Purity
Healthspan Formulas sources only the highest quality NMN, manufactured to pharmaceutical-grade standards with comprehensive testing protocols. This ensures you're getting pure, potent NMN without contaminants or fillers.
Evidence-Based Formulation
Our NMN is provided at doses aligned with emerging clinical research, ensuring you receive amounts shown to effectively support NAD+ production. This science-first approach stands in contrast to many supplements that provide token amounts of active ingredients.
Superior Bioavailability
Absorption matters. Our proprietary formulation enhances NMN bioavailability, ensuring that more of the active compound reaches your bloodstream and is efficiently converted to NAD+.
Comprehensive Approach
While NMN alone offers significant benefits, research suggests that combining it with complementary compounds can enhance results. Our NMN, Resveratrol and TMG Complex provides a synergistic blend that supports multiple aspects of cellular health:
- NMN boosts NAD+ production
- Resveratrol activates sirtuins (the proteins that NAD+ fuels)
- TMG (trimethylglycine) supports methylation processes that are critical for DNA health
For those seeking a comprehensive approach to longevity support, our Longevity Essentials Bundle combines these NAD+-supporting compounds with additional supplements that target other key aspects of cellular aging.
Maximising Your Results: Beyond Supplementation
While NMN supplementation provides powerful support for NAD+ levels, combining it with lifestyle approaches can enhance results:
Movement Matters
Regular physical activity naturally boosts NAD+ production. Research suggests that combining exercise with NAD+ precursors creates a synergistic effect, supporting both performance and recovery.
Different exercise modalities appear to benefit NAD+ levels in distinct ways:
- Resistance training stimulates NAD+ production while building muscle mass that contributes to metabolic health
- Zone 2 cardiovascular training (sustained moderate-intensity exercise where you can still hold a conversation) improves mitochondrial efficiency
- HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) may trigger particularly strong NAD+ responses
For guidance on incorporating exercise into your longevity strategy, our article on Your Resting Heart Rate: A Simple Number with Big Clues to Your Longevity provides valuable insights.
Nutritional Support
Several dietary approaches support natural NAD+ production:
- Limiting ultra-processed foods that may deplete NAD+
- Including NAD+ precursor-rich foods like salmon, mushrooms, green vegetables, and fermented products
- Time-restricted eating, which has been shown to increase NAD+ levels by activating similar pathways
Our comprehensive guide to The Best Diet and Top 25 Foods for Healthy Ageing and Longevity provides a deeper exploration of nutritional approaches that complement NMN supplementation.
Stress Management and Sleep
Chronic stress and poor sleep significantly impact NAD+ metabolism. Prioritising quality sleep and incorporating stress management practices like meditation can help maintain healthy NAD+ levels.
The Future of NAD+ Research: What's Next?
While the benefits of NAD+ precursors are becoming increasingly clear, research continues to evolve. Several exciting developments are on the horizon:
Emerging Clinical Trials
Multiple human clinical trials with NMN are currently underway, building on the promising results seen in animal studies. Dr. Imai's work is particularly noteworthy, as it aims to translate the remarkable benefits seen in mice to human applications.
Combined Approaches
Researchers are exploring how NAD+ precursors might work synergistically with other compounds that affect aging pathways, including rapamycin, metformin, and various senolytics (compounds that clear senescent cells).
Application-Specific Formulations
As research advances, we're likely to see more targeted approaches for specific health concerns, from cognitive support to immune resilience to reproductive health.
Democratising Cellular Health: NAD+ for All
Perhaps the most important advantage of NMN supplementation over NAD+ IV therapy is its accessibility. While celebrities might spend thousands on exclusive IV treatments, high-quality oral NMN supplements make NAD+ support available to virtually everyone.
This democratisation of cellular health represents a significant shift in how we approach aging and wellness. Rather than reserving the benefits of cutting-edge science for the wealthy few, NMN supplementation makes evidence-based NAD+ support accessible to all who seek it.
"The promise of longevity science shouldn't be limited to those who can afford luxury clinic visits and expensive IV treatments. The most exciting developments are those that make cellular optimisation accessible to everyone."
At Healthspan Formulas, we believe that everyone deserves access to the tools that support cellular health, energy, and longevity. Our mission is to provide science-backed, high-quality supplements that make the benefits of NAD+ enhancement available without the exorbitant costs, inconvenience, or discomfort of IV treatments.
Whether you're experiencing the natural energy decline that comes with age, seeking to optimise performance, or simply want to support your body's cellular health, NMN supplementation offers a practical approach to maintaining the NAD+ levels essential for vitality and wellbeing.
Explore our complete range of NAD+-supporting supplements in our NAD+ Boosting Supplements collection.