Why are celebrities obsessed with this supplement that can help with ageing?

Does it really turn back the clock?

Why are celebrities such as Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner raving about NAD+ therapy and supplements? Image: Instagram/@kendalljenner

It’s the wellness therapy celebrities everywhere can’t stop endorsing, but how effective, and safe, are NAD+ supplements?  Here's what an expert has to say about the latest wellness trend. 

Considering their immense wealth and influence (and access to the world's best cosmetic surgeons, skin aestheticians, personal trainers and nutritionists), when a mega-celebrity swears by something without any kind of #sponsored obligation, people tend to take notice. 

So, on an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, when besties Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner revelled in their latest self-care staple, NAD+ IV therapy, it’s no surprise the internet fell into a frenzy. With a public endorsement of that nature, NAD+ fast became somewhat of a star in the supplement world.

But this isn’t the first time Hailey Bieber has been responsible for a sweeping trend, with the self-professed nepo-baby having quite the reputation as a modern-day ‘it-girl’. Like many of the rich and famous, Bieber appears to set a new health, fashion or beauty trend every time she steps in front of a camera. And while her glazed doughnut manicures and two-finger sunscreen rule certainly aren’t doing anyone harm, perhaps the endorsement of supplements and wellness therapies are best left to the professionals. 

Like what you see? Sign up to our bodyandsoul.com.au newsletter for more stories like this.

What exactly is NAD+?

NAD+ (or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, if we’re getting technical) is an energy-generating co-enzyme naturally produced by every cell in the human body. But as all good things must come to an end, our body’s ability to produce sufficient amounts of NAD+ gradually decline as we age. 

It’s a process we’re long familiar with as human beings, watching almost every bodily function mimic the same steady decline. While many aspects of ageing are nothing short of beautiful, and it should be considered a privilege to add a new candle to our annual birthday cakes, there are plenty of things about getting older that are difficult to swallow. 

And though Jenner and Bieber are hardly at the pointy end of the ageing process, they’re both firm believers in the power of NAD+ in slowing down the clock, believing that supplementing their natural supply will protect their mitochondria function and slow the signs and symptoms of aging. But according to nutritionist Brooke Kelly, defying the natural ageing process is no where near as simple as popping an overpriced pill. 

The anti-ageing sector of the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and supplement industries are bigger (and more lucrative) than ever before. Image: iStock

Can NAD+ really turn back the clock?

While it certainly won’t transport you back through time, NAD+ has been found to contain some pretty amazing benefits. 

“In simple terms, having higher levels of NAD+ will allow your cells to function more optimally, meaning your body can repair quickly and you will feel more energised,” explains Kelly. “Additionally, NAD+ acts as a substrate for several enzymes which play an important role in weight management, regulating metabolic function, increasing exercise performance and even boosting collagen production in the skin.” 

But before you go and clean out the pharmacy shelves, Kelly emphasises the influence of NAD+ supplements and therapies on humans is still largely unexplored, “We don’t have enough evidence on whether supplementation with NAD+ can really ‘wind back the clock’.” 

“It’s also important to remember that our body cannot ingest NAD+ in its pure form and that the majority of supplements actually contain precursors such as nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) which are then converted into NAD+ inside our cells,” adds the nutritionist.

Supplements and wild wellness therapies aren't the only ways to support your body through the ageing process. Image: iStock

Is is even possible to reverse the ageing process?

These days, there are supplements for every ailment, bodily function, and hormone known to mankind, with the wellness industry positively booming thanks to a steady stream of powders, pills and potions on the market. 

But, according to Kelly, there are far more effective things to invest in than NAD+ supplements if you‘re looking to protect yourself against the perils of ageing. And the best part? You don’t need to be a Hollywood nepo-baby to get your hands on them. 

“Simple ways to protect NAD+ levels are to avoid known depleters such as poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking or UV radiation,” Kelly says, adding that intermittent fasting methods can be a cost-effective way to boost NAD+ naturally, switching on genes that allow cells to generate more NAD+. Since fasting isn’t suitable for everyone, the nutritionist recommends a few other simple (and delicious) methods for boosting your NAD+ production. 

“Exercise such as high-intensity interval training up-regulates genes and increases the abundance of NAD in our cells,” Kelly says. “A more pleasant way to boost NAD+ levels naturally is simply by increasing your intake of foods such as cucumber, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes and soybeans which are excellent sources of NAD precursors.” 

Lastly, with research demonstrating a correlation between NAD+ maintenance and our bodies' circadian clock, Kelly says it’s important not to underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. 

Originally published as Why are celebrities obsessed with this supplement that can help with ageing?