I’ll be honest, despite being a nutritional therapist, I’m not a supplement junkie. So why did I decide to try the buzzy NAD+ injection pen when I favour a food-first approach and lifestyle tweaks over a cabinet full of pills?
Well, there are times when even the most balanced of diets and impeccable sleep routines don’t quite move the needle. And as a woman in my early 40’s, starting to feel the effects of perimenopause (fatigue, memory issues, lack of focus), I felt like I needed a boost. Plus, I don’t like to recommend supplements I've not tried myself.
I started to hear more and more about the molecule NAD. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have all reportedly tried it, and it's hard not to be intrigued by a supplement that claims to do (almost) everything: increase energy levels, boost cognitive function, repair DNA and improve skin and hair. And who doesn't want any or all of those?
What is NAD and why do we need it?
So what exactly is NAD (pronounced ‘nad’, not ‘N-A-D)? Also known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD is one of the most abundant coenzymes in the body and is used in almost every cell for energy production. Other benefits include DNA repair, a reduction in oxidative stress, regulating inflammation and boosting the immune system – all functions that basically keep us healthy.
The trouble is, NAD levels naturally decline with age – so much so, that the amount of NAD the body produces halves every 20 years. And that is thought to have a knock-on effect, with one study revealing a link to age-related illnesses, including diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's. So while research into supplementing NAD is still in its early stages, it's currently a big focus in longevity science.
What’s the best way to increase NAD in the body?
There are several ways to increase your levels of NAD. We can naturally support levels through our diet with foods rich in tryptophan, niacin (vitamin B3) and other B vitamins. But high-dose supplementation could be the solution if you're looking for more pronounced effects.
One option is via NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) supplements. These aren't like taking NAD directly, they help to increase your body's natural production of it, and so far, the science looks seriously promising, with studies showing safely increased levels of NAD+ in the blood.
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At the other end of the commitment and cost spectrum, are NAD+ IV infusions that take place in a clinic or an at-home pen like the one I tried. Both of these involve actual NAD+ molecules entering your bloodstream.
What happened when I tried the NAD+ For You Pen?
I chose to try the Body Brilliant NAD+ 4u Pen, which is actual NAD+ (a form of NAD that's ready for the body to use) in a sterile solution.
You can order this at-home treatment from the brand's website. The starter packs come with the pen, a 1000mg cartridge of NAD+ solution and enough needles and antibacterial wipes for 20 doses (as well as a needle disposal bin). The pen has to be stored in the fridge at all times and comes with a smart little ice pack for transport, so it’s easy to use on the move.
The guidance is to administer the dose of 50mg daily for three days by screwing a fresh needle onto the end each time you inject. You then reduce the frequency down to every other day over a one-month period. Then, once the course is complete, the advice is to pause and reflect on how you feel before continuing. The general guidance is that you can take this short-term or for longer periods of time, but currently, there is no clinical data to support long-term use.
"We’re seeing the most noticeable impact in clients navigating hormonal transitions, new mothers, women in perimenopause or menopause and those recovering from surgery or trauma” says Gemma Wilkins, the founder of Body Brilliant. “NAD helps them feel more balanced, energised, and resilient." Although this is anecdotal, it does make sense given NAD boosts energy production and works to support immune function.
As for whether the NAD+ Pen hurts? Yes, a little but it feel more like stinging and it takes less than five minutes to administer. I'm not squeamish so I really didn’t mind the process of injecting myself.
Everyone is different, but I preferred taking my shot of NAD in the morning in order to experience any immediate effects (if they actually occurred). I also wanted to test the theory that it might boost my gym performance and, given that NAD boosts energy production, I didn't want to take the dose too close to bedtime.
So how did it make me feel?
I was feeling pretty exhausted when I first tried the NAD+ pen and I did feel a subtle lift in my energy levels within the first few hours after taking the initial shot. Over the four-week period I also noticed better focus and a general feeling of alertness, as promised. I also have to say that pushing a barbell weight up in the gym felt a little bit easier than usual.
I wouldn’t say I felt a constant surge of energy – there were still dips and the occasional bout of restless focus, although these were perhaps a little less frequent than usual. Gemma says this is normal for the first few weeks as the body adjusts.
I tracked my sleep on my Garmin watch, and it showed my sleep patterns remained quite erratic – while some nights were beautifully deep, others horribly restless. But knowing my sleep pattern well, I’m confident this wasn’t down to the NAD+ pen, just life doing its thing!
But how do I know the subtle effects I experienced weren't a placebo? Put simply, I don't as I'm using an at-home treatment without any diagnostic testing from a professional to monitor the effects.
So would I supplement with NAD again?
At £375 for the starter pack and then £350 for a follow-up 20-day dose, the NAD+ 4u Pen isn't inexpensive, but it’s definitely more convenient than going to a clinic to be hooked up to a drip. I think if I ever hit a stretch where my energy tanked, or I needed acute focus, I would consider it for a specific, intentional phase. But I’d want to see more research before jumping in fully.
That's really the bottom line with supplementing NAD. It does hold promise, but human research is still catching up. Supporting NAD levels in the body is undoubtedly beneficial but amid the bold claims and anecdotal reports, what's currently lacking is credible studies, particularly for IV and injectables.
Right now, most clinical research is focused on NMN and NR supplements taken orally, with researchers exploring everything from cardiovascular perks (like better blood pressure regulation) to a reduction in inflammation – that all-important factor in everything from chronic disease to loss of firmness in our skin.
At present, the only reasonable indicator of whether your NAD levels have improved using supplements, drips or injections is a blood test. Jarl Närhi, founder of NADMED, a company that tests levels of NAD in the blood and tissues, is a firm believer in a test-first approach with a medical professional.
According to him, understanding your baseline NAD levels is essential before diving into any kind of intervention, including IV drips and NAD pens. “The safety and effectiveness of oral supplements, niacin, NR, and NMN, are well understood when taken at proper dosages, with strong evidence supporting their use," he says. "However, research on intravenous NAD+ drips and injections remains limited, making it difficult to provide a reliable assessment of their long-term benefits and safety.”
However, Jarl also believes that “given the central role of NAD in human health, measuring NAD levels is likely to become a standard component of routine blood testing in the future."
If you’re looking for a smart first step, as a nutritionist, I can say that oral NMN or NR supplements are a strong place to start alongside the usual wellness suspects like a balanced diet and lifestyle tweaks. But as clinical research gains traction – and I am sure it will – NAD+ pens have serious potential.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your GP before trialling a new supplement. You can find your local GP here.
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