IV drip parties beloved of stars ‘won’t keep you young’

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

NAD+ intravenous drip parties, where participants receive infusions while socializing, have gained popularity but face skepticism from experts regarding their anti-aging benefits. Medical professionals highlight the lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these treatments and warn consumers to approach such trends with caution.

NAD+ intravenous (IV) drip parties, popularized among celebrities and wellness enthusiasts, have come under scrutiny as experts question their effectiveness in promoting anti-aging benefits. These gatherings, which have gained traction in locations such as the Cotswolds, involve participants receiving NAD+ infusions while socializing and enjoying prosecco. Proponents tout NAD+ as a key to “ultimate wellness” and youthful vitality, but scientific support for these claims remains limited.

Dr. Leonard Guarente, a biology professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who first identified the connection between NAD+ and aging-related proteins called sirtuins in the 1990s, expressed skepticism about the long-term benefits of intermittent NAD+ IV treatments. While he is an advocate for NAD+ supplementation, Guarente emphasized that occasional IV drips are unlikely to produce sustained effects. “If you use a drip once a month then you’re going to get one good day of high NAD and 30 days where NAD is not elevated,” he explained, highlighting the inconsistency of the approach.

The phenomenon was recently featured on the BBC program Clickbait Clinic, where presenter Stacey Dooley investigated the trend and spoke with Dr. Randeep Bhella, a general practitioner who administers these IV drips. Bhella acknowledged the social aspect of the events, describing them as “a nice way to learn about wellness as a group of friends and [talk] about health,” with sessions costing up to £350 per participant.

However, some medical professionals caution against the claimed efficacy of NAD+ drips. Dr. Alex George, a health campaigner and also a contributor to the show, referenced a recent study that found no evidence supporting the effectiveness of IV NAD+ therapy. He noted that the NAD molecule’s size prevents it from effectively crossing from the bloodstream into cells, which calls into question whether the treatment can deliver the purported cellular benefits.

As the popularity of IV wellness treatments continues to grow, experts urge consumers to carefully assess the scientific validity behind the claims and remain cautious of therapies lacking rigorous clinical backing.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.