How using NAD+ for 6 weeks makes you noticeably more productive, according to Women's Health's editor-in-chief
I’m your typical over-worked, under-recovered 40 something. With a full-time demanding job and a three and a half hour round-trip commute, a tween and a nine-year-old at home to marshal through life, plus a determination to work out at least three days a week, I operate on the edge of exhaustion every day.
Could buzzy NAD+ come to my rescue? With wellness-obsessed A-listers waxing lyrical about this molecule's benefits – ranging from improved cognition, heart health and cardio fitness – I was keen to find out. After all, if it’s good enough for Hailey Bieber, then it’s good enough for me.
The catch being that any addition to my already hectic schedule needs to be time efficient and convenient. NAD+ is often administered with a jab, directing the molecules straight into the blood stream. However, regular trips to a clinic to have anything administered intravenously would ultimately end up falling to the wayside for me. Luckily, there's now another way to experience the alleged wondrous benefits – through a self-administered pen.
Body Brilliant has released the NAD+ 4u pen. It’s the same size as a chunky regular pen which you screw a small needle – no longer than a centimetre – onto the end each time you want to inject a dose.
NAD+ 4u Pen Starter Kit
Body Brilliant founder Gemma Wilkins told me: 'Topping up NAD+ (which stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) can be highly beneficial for women who are overworked and perimenopausal because it plays a crucial role in cellular energy production, DNA repair and overall vitality.
'As we age, NAD levels naturally decline, leading to fatigue, brain fog, and slower recovery. For perimenopausal women, this depletion can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, worsening symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbances, and weight gain. Boosting NAD+ can support mitochondrial function, improve energy levels, and enhance cognitive clarity, making it easier to manage daily demands.' I was desperate to give it a try.
The NAD+ jab: what is it like to use?
The pen arrives in a cooler bag with ice blocks and should be kept in the fridge when not being used. It’s super simple to set up. A disposable, small needle easily screws onto one end, and you select your dosage by turning the bottom of the other.
Then comes the injection part. I’m not needle phobic, but it still takes a little resolve to inject anything into your own body. I chose my lower abdomen as the injection site and cleaned the area with the alcohol wipes provided. Once the needle is in you press the end of the pen, so the full dosage is administered, which takes a few seconds and stings a little. Now it’s time to remove the needle, discard it, and return your pen to the fridge until your next dose in a couple of days’ time.
'The ideal duration of NAD+ therapy depends on your personal health goals,' Gemma told me. 'Many people see benefits after the initial injection, but to maintain optimal results especially for long-term energy, cognitive function, and immune support ongoing supplementation may be beneficial. We recommend supplementing every other day for four-to-six weeks.'
Within about 20 minutes of the injection, I felt like I’d been given a boost of energy. My eyes felt brighter, and I had more of a spring in my step. The physical sensation was so marked it gave me more confidence. That evening, I was hosting a work event in front of 60 women, and I felt more prepared and ready to take on the challenge.
I diligently continued with the injecting protocol over the following weeks and the improvement to mood and energy continued, although I didn’t experience the almost instant hit I got after that first injection to same degree.
Then life started getting in the way and other priorities took over. Even though the process of setting up the pen and injecting takes less than two minutes there were days when I simply couldn’t face it. That said, on the days I did make the effort the benefits were obvious.
The benefits of NAD+ jabs
Did supplementing with NAD+ for six weeks improve my health? It’s impossible to say without proper testing. But I didn’t have a sniffle that entire time, my focus improved as did my general energy and mood. I’m in for another six weeks at least.
'If you get run down easily, NAD+ 4u can help by enhancing immune function at a cellular level,' notes Gemma. 'NAD supports the body’s natural repair mechanisms, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the resilience of immune cells. It also plays a role in managing oxidative stress, which can otherwise weaken immunity and make you more susceptible to illness.'
NAD+ pen vs NAD+ drip
The NAD+ 4u pen offers a more convenient and gradual approach to supplementation, allowing for consistent daily delivery leading to a more immediate effect. A drip (IV infusion), on the other hand, delivers a higher dose in one sitting. If you prefer a more regular effect, the pen is great for daily use. If you’re looking for a higher dose, the IV drip might be more suitable.
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