Health
‘Fountain of youth’ molecule could promote healthy aging and slow diseases
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A small molecule has been hailed as potentially promoting longevity and combating certain diseases — but experts are also calling for more research.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) — often nicknamed the “fountain of youth” — is a coenzyme that is essential for cellular survival, which naturally declines with age. In recent years, supplements designed to boost NAD+ levels have grown in popularity.
Last month, researchers led by the University of Oslo reviewed preclinical and clinical studies investigating the link between NAD+ and aging.
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The review, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, concluded that restoring NAD+ levels could help to promote healthy aging and potentially slow or treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Every cell in the body contains NAD+, which plays a “critical role” in body functions that are essential to survival.
NAD+, a small molecule, has been hailed as potentially promoting longevity and combating certain diseases. (iStock)
Previous research has shown that patients with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit “notably low levels” of NAD+, the researchers noted — which aligns with the fact that NAD+ declines with age.
“NAD+ may hold the key to healthier aging and could protect us against diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease,” said Evandro Fei Fang-Stavem, an associate professor at the University of Oslo, in a press release. “However, we need further research on how to effectively utilize NAD+ in patient treatment.”
Benefits of NAD+
Research has shown that boosting NAD+ can improve mitochondrial and stem cell function, improve energy metabolism, enhance focus and mood, and support tissue repair, according to Dr. Amanda Kahn, a board-certified internist and longevity expert in New York City.
“From a longevity standpoint, NAD+ is one of the most central molecules in maintaining youthful cellular function,” she told Fox News Digital. “It activates … longevity pathways that protect against DNA damage and inflammation.”
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Boosting NAD+ also supports neuroprotection from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, enhances insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, repairs skin, boosts immune defense and improves symptoms in long COVID patients, Kahn added.
While NAD+ itself is a large molecule that can’t cross into cells, NAD+ “precursors” can enter cells and then work to create NAD+. (iStock)
Dr. Halland Chen, a double board-certified physician in New York who specializes in longevity, reiterated that studies in both animals and early human models show that maintaining healthy NAD+ levels can improve energy metabolism, cognitive function and overall vitality.
“Restoring NAD+ is ultimately about cellular repair and mitochondrial optimization, not just an energy boost,” he told Fox News Digital. “Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy enhances energy, focus and endurance, while supporting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress from daily life, travel or poor sleep.”
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NAD+ also activates sirtuins, a group of longevity-related proteins that regulate DNA repair, cellular stress responses and gene expression, Chen said, although he noted that larger human studies are still needed.
Methods of boosting NAD+
In clinical studies, patients with age-related diseases have taken compounds designed to boost NAD+.
While NAD+ itself is a large molecule that can’t cross into cells, NAD+ “precursors” can enter cells and then work to create NAD+, experts confirm.
These precursors include nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Most people take these NAD+ precursors in the form of pills, capsules or powders.
“Clinical experience shows that NAD+ therapy enhances energy, focus and endurance while supporting detoxification.”
“Oral NAD precursors can modestly raise NAD+ levels and are convenient for daily maintenance,” Khan said. “In contrast, injections or IV infusions bypass the gut and deliver NAD+ directly into circulation, leading to more rapid and noticeable effects on energy, focus and recovery.”
Khan also prescribes a weaker NAD+ nasal spray for patients who can’t tolerate needles, though she said the benefits are typically less pronounced.
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“In general, I find that combining daily oral precursors with weekly NAD+ injections offers the most comprehensive support for both intracellular and extracellular NAD stores,” she advised.
Chen noted that oral supplements are best for maintenance, while IV therapy is often chosen for a “rapid cellular reboot, post-travel recovery or enhanced performance.”
“Sessions typically last two to four hours and are administered as a series of three infusions within seven to 10 days, followed by monthly maintenance.”
A doctor noted that oral supplements are best for maintenance, while IV therapy is often chosen for a “rapid cellular reboot, post-travel recovery or enhanced performance.” (iStock)
NAD+ therapy tends to have the most benefit for those managing fatigue, metabolic dysfunction or neurological decline, as well as anyone seeking to enhance energy, focus and recovery, Chen said.
“In healthy adults, benefits are typically modest, but can be amplified when combined with optimized nutrition, exercise and sleep,” he added.
Risks and caveats
While NAD+ therapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, it can cause some mild side effects, according to Chen.
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“Headache, nausea or chest tightness can occur, especially during faster IV infusions, and typically resolve when the rate is slowed,” Chen, who is also chief medical innovation officer at the digital wellness platform Eden, told Fox News Digital.
“Injections or IV infusions bypass the gut and deliver NAD+ directly into circulation, leading to more rapid and noticeable effects on energy, focus and recovery,” a doctor said. (iStock)
“Most reactions are transient and self-limited, and therapy is considered safe under medical supervision,” the doctor added.
He advises caution for people with active liver or kidney disease, those with a personal or family history of cancer, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Kahn noted that common side effects include mild redness, itching or tenderness at the injection site, “which is harmless and dissipates quickly.”
“Some patients notice a transient rush, lasting no more than 10 minutes, after taking an NAD+ injection due to a brief release of adrenaline and mitochondrial ATP,” she went on. “While not dangerous, it can feel uncomfortable if not anticipated.”
“If the core pillars — sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic balance and stress regulation — are not in place, NAD+ therapy won’t deliver its full potential.”
When choosing a NAD+ product, quality matters more than quantity, according to multiple experts.
“Patients should look for clinically validated, third-party-tested formulations and start with lower doses to gauge tolerance,” Chen said.
NAD+ therapy isn’t a shortcut to health and longevity in and of itself, but one layer of a much larger foundation, according to the expert.
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“If the core pillars — sleep, movement, nutrition, metabolic balance and stress regulation — are not in place, NAD+ therapy won’t deliver its full potential,” he said. “It’s like pouring premium fuel into an engine that hasn’t been maintained — the energy source is there, but the system isn’t optimized to use it.”
NAD+ therapy isn’t a shortcut to health and longevity in and of itself, but one layer of a much larger foundation, according to experts. (iStock)
It’s important to speak with a doctor before starting a NAD+ regimen, experts agree.
“Your doctor needs to know about all supplements you plan to take, including NAD+, because it has strong biological effects,” Chen said. “Your doctor will evaluate your personal health risks and check your medications for potential interactions with NAD+ supplements.”
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Khan noted that because NAD+ interacts with metabolic and cellular pathways, dosing and timing should be individualized — “especially for those with cancer history, metabolic conditions or multiple medications.”
“A physician should help determine the appropriate delivery method, duration and monitor for response and tolerance,” she said.
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No sex for the win? This was the advice given to this year’s NBA champions.
New York Knicks owner James Dolan addressed the now-champs as they headed into the playoffs in April 2026, acknowledging their high potential to eventually win the championship.
“I don’t know if you understand what it would mean for you to win a championship this year … It would be life-changing,” he said. “It will stick with you the rest of your lives, and if you don’t win, you’ll be thinking about it the rest of your lives.”
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As Dolan’s inspirational speech to the team went on, he explained how the next 10 weeks would require each player to make sacrifices – watching their diets, getting proper sleep and perhaps even abstaining from sex.
“You need sacrifice and you need to eliminate all the distractions around you,” he said.
Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy and Knicks owner James Dolan after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
“I had this idea that maybe you should give up sex for the next 10 weeks,” the owner said. “You don’t have to give up sex for the next 10 weeks – but, like the Spartans … They denied themselves, so that they can have an edge. Get the edge.”
This received a few snickers from the team, and Dolan responded, “Don’t tell [your wives and girlfriends] you’re not going to have sex and don’t tell them it was my idea. But let them know what this is going to be like … and how they’re going to have to sacrifice, too.”
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Dr. Anna Elton, licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical sexologist in Massachusetts, confirmed that this belief has been around for centuries, dating back to the ancients Spartans and early Olympic competitors.
Avoiding sex can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus, according to Elton.
The theory behind abstaining from sex for better athletic performance supports that it can preserve energy, increase aggression and sharpen focus. (iStock)
But modern research has found little evidence that consensual sexual activity negatively impacts strength, endurance, reaction time or athletic performance when it occurs at least 10 hours before competition, the doctor countered.
However, “activity very close to competition may affect recovery measures,” she added. What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence.
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“Choosing to abstain can reinforce discipline and total commitment to a larger goal,” she said. “In those cases, the advantage may come more from mindset and focus than from any physical effect.”
“Whether the sacrifice is alcohol, social activities, favorite foods or sex, the message is often the same: ‘We are all in.’”
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson celebrates with teammates after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on June 13, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)
The science of abstinence
This discussion has historically focused on men, which Elton said is often based on “misconceptions about testosterone and energy depletion.”
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“Research has not demonstrated that normal sexual activity causes a meaningful decline in athletic performance, and concerns about testosterone depletion have not been consistently supported by the evidence,” she said.
“For women, sexual activity may have additional benefits related to stress reduction, emotional regulation and relationship satisfaction.”
Abstaining from sex for athletic performance may create a sense of discipline, minimize distractions, maintain focus on training and reinforce a team culture centered on sacrifice and commitment, experts say. (iStock)
In a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Anthony Puopolo, a men’s health expert and lead medical provider for RexMD, echoed Elton’s assessment that research largely does not support abstinence as a performance enhancer.
This is despite a small amount of evidence that suggests engaging in sexual activity within two hours of competition could pose a risk to cardiovascular recovery.
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“Unfortunately, nearly all studies (99%) have been conducted in males aged 20 to 40, so there is virtually no data on female athletes, older athletes or diverse populations,” said the Puerto Rico-based expert. “We know what to tell the Knicks, but we are not sure what to recommend for the New York Liberty.”
Importance of connection
Elton said abstinence may still offer psychological benefits for some competitors. “For some athletes, it can become part of a pre-competition ritual that enhances confidence,” she told Fox News Digital.
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Some other potential benefits of sexual activity include stress reduction, improved sleep, mood enhancement, emotional connection with a partner and relief from performance-related tension.
“Strong, supportive relationships are associated with better psychological resilience, which can be valuable during high-pressure competitions,” Elton said.
“One of the most overlooked performance advantages may be having a supportive relationship waiting at home,” a doctor said. (iStock)
“Ultimately, there is no universal rule,” she went on. “What helps one athlete perform at their best may not help another.”
Elton stressed that sleep, recovery, nutrition, stress management and support from loved ones are universal performance boosters.
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“Athletes devote tremendous attention to training their bodies, while overlooking the importance of their personal relationships,” she cautioned. “A supportive partner can be one of the greatest assets during a demanding season.”
“If competition requires temporary sacrifices, make those decisions together and keep communication open.”
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Eliminating sugar from your diet may seem like the key to healthy eating, but research suggests it could have unintended effects on digestive health.
A study presented at ENDO 2026, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, suggests that a total lack of sucrose, or table sugar, may harm gut health and disrupt the body’s natural metabolism.
To explore how the total absence of dietary sugar impacts the body, researchers at the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait City conducted a 16-week study on two groups of mice. Both groups were placed on a low-fat diet, but with one critical difference.
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One group consumed a low-fat diet that included a standard amount of sucrose, while the other group ate a low-fat diet that was completely sugar-free, according to the study’s press release.
Throughout the trial, the scientists monitored a wide variety of physiological factors, including the animals’ weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, hormone levels, internal inflammation and the specific composition of their gut bacteria.
A total lack of dietary sugar can cause imbalances in the gut bacteria and lead to signs of fatty liver disease, even without any weight gain, researchers said. (iStock)
The study outcome suggested that completely removing sugar caused several unexpected health problems.
“Completely removing sucrose from a low-fat diet may unexpectedly disrupt gut health and promote inflammation and metabolic dysfunction,” Rasheed Ahmad, principal scientist and head of the Immunology & Microbiology Department at the Dasman Diabetes Institute, said in the release.
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Even though the mice on the sugar-free diet did not gain any extra weight compared to the control group, their internal health indicators deteriorated.
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The animals that lacked sucrose developed an imbalance in their gut microbes and increased inflammation within the intestines and liver.
They also showed signs of poor glucose regulation, insulin resistance and cellular changes associated with fatty liver disease, according to the research.
Future dietary guidelines may shift away from strict, absolute sugar bans and instead focus on overall gut health through balanced nutrition. (iStock)
“The findings suggest that complete removal of sucrose from a low-fat diet may negatively affect gut microbiota and metabolic health,” Ahmad concluded.
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While the risks of high-sugar diets are well-established, the researchers noted that little attention has been given to the effects of completely eliminating sugar from low-fat meals.
Scientists say these new findings highlight that dietary carbohydrates play a valuable role in supporting balance between the immune system and the gut microbiome.
Completely cutting sucrose from a low-fat diet can unexpectedly trigger gut inflammation and disrupt the metabolism, experts say. (iStock)
Because this research was conducted on mice over a relatively short 16-week period, further clinical trials are necessary to determine whether a completely sugar-free diet causes the same gut and liver inflammation in humans.
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Additionally, the study focused specifically on removing sucrose from low-fat meals, meaning the results might not apply to people eliminating sugar while following higher-fat or ketogenic eating plans, the researchers noted.
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The team believes that future dietary guidelines may shift away from strict, absolute sugar restrictions and instead place a greater emphasis on maintaining a diverse, healthy population of gut bacteria through balanced nutrition.
“In the long term, these findings could help improve strategies for preventing and managing metabolic disorders, fatty liver disease and chronic inflammatory conditions,” Ahmad said.
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