By Dr. Sarah Mitchell, Certified Respiratory Therapist · Published 2026-05-15 · 9 min read
NMN, NR, and IV NAD therapy are a $2B industry. Here is what 2026 human trials actually demonstrate — and what they do not.
The NAD+ Hype, Reviewed
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) drives mitochondrial energy production and falls 50% by age 60. Supplementing precursors (NMN, NR) raises blood NAD+ levels — but human evidence for anti-aging effects remains modest.
What 2026 Trials Actually Show
| Outcome | Evidence |
|---|
| Raises blood NAD+ | ✅ Confirmed (40-60%) |
| Improves grip strength | ⚠ Mixed |
| Reduces inflammation markers | ✅ Modest |
| Improves VO2 max | ⚠ Small studies only |
| Extends human lifespan | ❌ No data |
Reasonable Use
If you choose to supplement: NMN 500 mg/day or NR 300 mg/day from a reputable, third-party-tested brand. Cycle for 3-month assessments.
Better Proven Longevity Interventions
Spend on what works first; supplements are a rounding error compared to these.