NAD+ Injections, Popularized by Celebrities, Lead to Tragic Death of 20-Year-Old Woman

A tragic incident has occurred where a woman in her 20s, who received an NAD+ intravenous injection, a treatment gaining attention among Hollywood celebrities as an 'anti-aging shot,' passed away from cardiac arrest. This event raises questions about the safety and efficacy of NAD+ injections for many people.

The woman, identified as Elizabeth Barron, 27, a resident of the Bronx, New York, fell into cardiac arrest on the 19th after receiving an NAD+ injection from a man named Luis Rojas Cabrera. She was transported to the hospital unconscious but ultimately succumbed to her condition. According to the New York District Attorney's office, while NAD+ injections require a prescription from a medical professional for intravenous administration, Cabrera was not licensed to practice medicine in the United States.

NAD+'s Effects and Safety Concerns

This incident has reignited the debate surrounding the effects of NAD+. NAD+, short for 'Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide,' is naturally present in all cells and plays a role in various physiological processes. Particularly, research indicating that NAD+ levels decrease with age has fueled claims that supplementing it can slow down aging.

• Interest surged after Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner shared their experiences with NAD+ injections.
• Joe Rogan has claimed NAD+ can improve immune function and cognitive abilities.

However, unlike results from animal studies, research on humans often focuses on Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) rather than NAD+ itself. Recent studies show that NR and NMN can increase blood NAD+ levels, but their effects on bodily functions and metabolism have been inconsistent.

Warnings Regarding Safety

Safety concerns cannot be overlooked. A study published in 2026 reported cases of moderate to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, increased heart rate, and chest tightness among individuals who received NAD+ intravenous injections. While these symptoms resolved after the injection, the safety of long-term, repeated administration remains unconfirmed. Furthermore, as with any intravenous injection, there are risks of infection and vascular damage.

Experts state there is insufficient scientific evidence to support that NAD+ administered intravenously effectively enters cells. Michael Sagner, an expert from King's College London, pointed out that injecting NAD itself is unscientific. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also warned about the potential for bacterial endotoxin contamination in NAD+ injections manufactured with improper raw materials.

NAD+ Injection Procedures in Korea

In Korea, NAD+ intravenous injections are also being promoted in cosmetic clinics for purposes such as 'fatigue recovery' and 'aging management.' However, when considering such procedures, it is crucial to verify the following:

• Whether the product used is approved.
• The manufacturing and distribution channels.
• The exact ingredients and dosage.
• The licensing of the medical professional administering the procedure.
• The emergency response system in place.

NAD+ injections should not be considered a proven anti-aging treatment or a substitute for chronic disease management. Careful consideration is necessary.