A new IV drip therapy called NAD+, which became a go-to-for Hollywood celebs, is now getting popular with Indians who want to pep up their lives with this ‘miracle molecule’
“Working 15 to 16 hours a day with little sleep, I was tired all the time. At 40, I wanted a reset — not just to survive the day but feel alive again.” The transformation that convinced her to try NAD+ infusion therapy.
Many millennials (age 29-44) are turning to advanced anti-aging interventions to maintain their vitality, or so they believe. After Ozempic, NAD+ is the new buzzword among celebrities and longevity evangelists alike.
BUT WHAT IS NAD?:
NAD (also referred to as NAD+) is short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, which is a naturally occurring molecule whose levels decline as we age. This molecule is involved in more than 500 reactions in the body, including energy generation. “The whole hype around the NAD-boosting therapies is the fact that there’s pretty good scientific evidence that as we age.. the levels of NAD decline, and so the efficiency of all these pathways and reactions within the body declines, because the levels naturally drop with aging.” NAD-boosting therapies have been marketed in the form of pills, shots and IV infusions, through experts say it is better ingested than taken as drips as the latter can have side effects.
BIOHACK BRIGADE:
One of the reasons for its growing popularity is the interest in the science of youthfulness aka biohacking. Besides taking supplements, health-conscious Indians are now trying out advance IV infusion therapies like NAD, hydrogen oxygen therapy, cold plunges and red-light therapy to slow down the clock. “While interest is rising among senior citizens, the real momentum is driven by those aged 35 to 55. This generation is not just responding to aging but proactively working to prevent disease, delay degeneration, and enhance health span, not just lifespan. They are well-informed and focused on long-term wellness goals.”
A paradigm shift in attitude towards wellness, especially the affluent. “Medicine 3.0 is all about staying ahead of illness, not just reacting to it. The anti-aging industry in India is no longer confined to skincare and cosmetic procedures. It’s expanding into scientific, regenerative, and longevity-based solutions.”
Older adults approach them for enhancing physical as well as cognitive function. Interventions such as intermittent fasting and NAD therapy are being used to enhance cognitive clarity and boost overall energy levels.
WHAT DOES EVIDENCE SAY?:
While much of the public interest is anti-aging therapies is fueled by celebrity endorsements and anecdotal success stories, medical experts caution there isn’t enough clinical evidence to back these bio-hacks.
Some studies have shown promise though. The role of NAD+ supplementation in counteracting skeletal muscle aging and improving overall muscle health. Other research also suggests it improves symptoms of metabolic disorders and promotes muscle recovery.
However, most human trials so far have been limited in scale. “We need more randomized trials, not just testimonials.. Most current studies are either too small, short-term, or conducted on animals.”
“As doctors, we have prescribed multivitamins to millions over the years, and many buy them without prescriptions simply for a perceived energy boost. NAD+ and other therapies are currently in that space. ”
NAD+ therapies are not explicitly approved by Indian regulators, and their legal status remains ambiguous. While products like Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), a precursor to NAD+ can be legally imported for personal use, they are not widely available locally as dietary supplements.
OLD-SCHOOL WELLNESS:
So, even though high-tech therapies are making headlines, it’s mostly hype. “The science of aging is advancing rapidly, but we are not quite there yet in terms of proven therapies.”
And till they are proven, old school habits remain the most effective longevity tools rather than opting for “easy fixes.” Harvard researchers have found that 50-year old olds who maintained five healthy habits — balanced diet, daily exercise, optimum body weight, very little alcohol, and no smoking — upped their life expectancy from 79 years to 93 years (for women) and 75 years to 87 years (for men).
“If you can sleep, eat reasonably well, moderate the worst things — don’t smoke — that will get rid of most of your problems.”
