Is NAD+ Actually the 'Fountain of Youth'—Or Just Expensive Hype?

Welcome to the latest episode of LIFTS, your bite-sized dose of the latest fitness industry trends and stories. In this episode, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal are joined by Rachele Pojednic, Chief Science Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, to explore one of the most talked-about topics in modern wellness: NAD and the rise of longevity therapies. As wellness clinics, IV drips, and performance treatments become increasingly mainstream, NAD has emerged as a central molecule in the conversation around energy, recovery, and healthy aging. But as interest grows, so too does the gap between consumer awareness, scientific understanding, and real-world application. The discussion explores what NAD actually is, how it functions within the body, and why it has become such a focal point in longevity and optimisation. Rachel provides a clear explanation of the biology behind NAD, including its role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic function. The conversation also examines the rapid growth of wellness clinics and the increasing demand for therapies that promise improved performance, recovery, and long-term health. As the industry evolves, questions around effectiveness, dosage, delivery methods, and safety are becoming increasingly important. Matthew and Mo share their own experiences with NAD treatments, opening up a broader discussion around the difference between anecdotal outcomes and evidence-based practice. Rachel highlights the importance of understanding not just the therapy, but the underlying molecule, and why delivery method alone may not determine effectiveness. For operators and industry professionals, this episode provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities presented by the growth of longevity services. As gyms and wellness spaces begin to integrate these offerings, the need for scientific validation, responsible implementation, and clear consumer education has never been greater. As the conversation develops, the panel explores the wider credibility challenges within the wellness industry, the role of influencers in shaping consumer behaviour, and the responsibility of businesses to prioritise safety, transparency, and long-term outcomes. In this episode, we cover: • What NAD is and why it matters for energy, metabolism, and aging • Why NAD levels decline over time and how this impacts health • The rise of wellness clinics and longevity therapies • The difference between NAD, NR, and NMN • Why delivery method and molecule selection both matter • The gap between wellness hype and scientific evidence • Safety considerations, dosage challenges, and unknowns • What operators should consider before offering NAD or similar therapies 👉 To learn more about Rachele Pojednic, click here:   / rachelepojednic   Support fitness industry news by sponsoring future LIFTS episodes. Contact us at wendy@liftspodcast.com for advertising opportunities. 📩 Never miss an episode. Subscribe to our weekly podcast newsletter and monthly industry brief: https://www.liftspodcast.com/newsletter Subscribe to our YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new video when it’s published:    / escapefitness   Shop gym equipment: https://escapefitness.com/shop View our full catalog: https://escapefitness.com/support/cat... Join the conversation at LIFTS LinkedIn:   / liftspod   Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:50 What is NAD? 6:15 Why NAD Matters for Aging & Performance 9:10 The Rise of NAD & Wellness Clinics 13:00 Can You Measure NAD? 19:00 NAD Therapy: Delivery Methods Explained 28:30 Wellness Hype vs Science 38:30 Safety, Dosage & What We Don’t Know 51:30 Final Takeaways for Operators