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The Healf Source
‘The Fountain Of Youth’: The NAD Obsession For Anti-Ageing And Longevity
Written by: Pippa Thackeray
Written on: October 5, 2024
What is NAD?
NAD stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and is gaining attention, both in scientific realms and in those of A-list celebrities including Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, who fully endorse IV treatments to boost their NAD. It all stemmed from a scene, whereby Hailey Bieber was chatting to Kendall about the treatment on Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Now information is rapidly circulating about its claims for longevity.
Unlike some other temporary beauty fixes or fads, stars are turning to NAD for how it makes them feel. Supporting their overall sense of vitality and energy — just not aesthetics. Now even the UK celebrities are among the NAD fan group. Could it be a change in trajectory for the trickle down world of Hollywood beauty standards? One where the stars and the influencers increasingly use a more holistic approach toward beauty and health?
NAD’s rise in biohacking circles
These endorsements have made NAD a must-try in biohacking and longevity circles, with numerous celebrities turning to NAD IV infusions and supplements for their impressive purported benefits. This led to a surge in use across wellness clinics in hotspots like New York and Maui offering out NAD IV therapies designed for those who are demanding it most. Athletes find this treatment particularly helpful for optimising physicality. For many other NAD fans out there, access to this treatment means not only maintaining their looks but also increasing brain power and energy levels for the day-to-day.
From busy schedules to high-intensity demands, celebrities are using these treatments to stay sharp, energetic, and “youthful”. The growing popularity of these therapies in Hollywood media illustrates how biohacking is ever more common in the mainstream, with celebrities leading the charge toward a more holistic and sustainable approach to beauty and longevity. By investing in treatments that work at a cellular level, these stars are setting new trends. But this, perhaps, is nothing new. So, what makes NAD so special?
How NAD works in the body
The scientifically documented mechanisms of NAD are indeed essential for cellular health and longevity. Most supplementation methods on the UK market work to restore NAD levels by means of various precursors — here is how optimal NAD levels can benefit the body:
- Energy production: NAD is required for the process of converting nutrients into cellular energy (ATP). As NAD levels decline with age, so does the cell’s ability to efficiently generate energy, and therefore contributing to the ageing process.
- Repairing our DNA: NAD is also needed for repairing damaged DNA. Proteins called sirtuins help maintain the integrity of DNA and promote cell longevity. NAD activates these sirtuin proteins and may help to slow down ageing due to the support of healthy gene expression.
- Managing oxidative stress: Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals that cause damage to cells over time. If optimal NAD levels are reached, cells may be able to counteract oxidative stress better, which could potentially reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
How is NAD administered?
IV, like direct NAD oral supplementation, also has its downsides.
"The only way to describe it is that it feels like someone put all their weight on your body, like you’re about to faint... It doesn't feel good at all!"
Sophie Haboo
Sophie also shared her mixed experience with NAD on the podcast, acknowledging its potential long-term benefits, but also mentioning the intense, uncomfortable sensation she felt initially during the treatment. Therefore, despite the praise NAD gets for its anti-ageing and energy-boosting effects, it’s clear that not everyone will enjoy the process itself.
Is NAD a fad? Investing in long-term health
No, it isn’t a fad. While not everything that comes out of Hollywood is on the mark, we think our stars are definitely onto something by endorsing NAD. This time, we approve. It’s now fast becoming a favourite for vitality and longevity, with many feeling the benefits worldwide.
There may be some side effects if you choose to go down the route of an IV drip and some may pessimistically label NAD treatment as “just another bottle of pills,” but we think the popularity of products such as NAD extends further than the supplement market. Ultimately it’s a move toward achieving long term health goals naturally; feeling great as well as looking great — which surely has to be a step in the right direction!
Why NAD could be for you
You don’t have to be a celebrity to benefit from NAD supplements. You can feel more energised, sharper, and healthier every day. This is because NAD works behind the scenes, helping your cells repair themselves, fight off stress, and slow down ageing.
It’s something our bodies naturally lose as we get older, but supplementing NAD brings those levels back up, helping you feel like your best self again. Some people may experience minor side effects, but overall, the benefits such as more vitality and stronger cellular health are what stand out.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Pippa is a content writer and qualified Nutritional Therapist (DipNT) creating research-based content with a passion for many areas of wellbeing, including hormonal health, mental health and digestive health.
As a contributor to The Healf Source, she regularly attends seminars and programmes on a plethora of contemporary health issues and modern research insights with a drive to never stop learning. In addition, interviewing experts and specialists across The Four Pillars: EAT, MOVE, MIND, SLEEP.
In her spare time, she is an avid swimmer, mindfulness and yoga lover, occasionally bringing a raw, honest approach to the topics she faces. You may also discover some personal accounts of eye-opening wellbeing experiences amidst the reality of a disorientating, and often conflicting, modern wellbeing space.
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