Kevin Love and NMN: Why Athletes, Including Ironman Champions, Are Using NAD⁺ Boosters

Introduction to NAD⁺ Boosters

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a powerhouse molecule at the heart of cellular health, playing a critical role in the human body’s energy production, DNA repair, and the regulation of key metabolic processes.

As a central player in the NAD system, NAD⁺ supports healthy aging and is a cornerstone of longevity science. However, as we age, our NAD levels naturally decline, which can lead to reduced cellular function, slower muscle recovery, and an increased risk of age-related diseases.

To counteract this decline, scientists and health enthusiasts have turned to NAD boosters—supplements designed to elevate NAD⁺ levels and support the body’s natural resilience. Two of the most researched NAD boosters are nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). These supplements have gained traction in the market for their potential to boost NAD, enhance energy, and promote healthy aging.

Leading researchers like Charles Brenner and David Sinclair have been at the forefront of NAD research, publishing in peer reviewed journals and driving clinical trials to explore the benefits of NAD boosters.

Clinical evidence suggests that taking NMN or NR supplements may improve insulin sensitivity, aid muscle recovery, and even slow aging by supporting the body’s natural repair mechanisms. While the science is promising, more research and rigorous testing are needed to fully understand the long-term effects and safety of these supplements in humans.

The market for NAD boosters is expanding rapidly, but not all supplements are created equal. Quality, purity, and third-party testing are essential factors to consider when choosing a brand, as the cost and effectiveness can vary widely.

The gold standard for supplement verification remains double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, which have demonstrated the potential of NAD boosters to support heart health, maintain circadian rhythms, and activate sirtuins, enzymes linked to longevity.

It’s important to remember that NAD boosters work best as part of a holistic approach to health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep all play a role in maintaining optimal NAD levels and supporting the body’s natural processes. When taking NMN or NR, following recommended dosing and consulting with a healthcare professional can help maximize benefits and minimize risks.

While some skeptics attribute the reported benefits of NAD boosters to the placebo effect, the growing body of clinical evidence and ongoing research in the field of longevity science suggest that these molecules may play a genuine role in helping humans live longer, healthier lives.

As public figures like Joe Rogan and leading scientists continue to spotlight the potential of NAD boosters, the future of this field looks bright, with new discoveries on the horizon that could transform the way we approach aging and cellular health.

In elite sports, every fraction of a second and every ounce of recovery counts. Athletes are constantly looking for safe, legal ways to extend their careers and maintain peak performance. One compound that’s been gaining attention is NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), a direct precursor to NAD⁺, the coenzyme that powers energy production and cellular repair within the cells of the body.

In recent years, some of the world’s most recognized athletes have openly embraced NAD⁺-boosting strategies from NBA stars to Olympians and Ironman champions. Let’s look at who’s leading the way, the science that supports them, and why NMN remains WADA-compliant for professional athletes.

Kevin Love: NBA All-Star and NAD⁺ IV Therapy

In a 2025 interview with Business Insider, NBA All-Star Kevin Love described NAD⁺ infusions as “a longevity hack to the max,” explaining that he “felt it cognitively” and was “thriving” after several consecutive IV drips. At 36, Love shared that he now receives NAD⁺ infusions on a monthly basis to support his energy and recovery, adding, “I really will be doing that forever.”

Although Love’s routine involves IV therapy rather than oral NMN supplements, his experience illustrates a broader trend: professional athletes are showing increasing interest in NAD⁺-boosting approaches as part of their strategies for recovery, mental sharpness, and long-term well-being.

Jesse Smith: Olympian Partnering with NMN Science

Five-time Olympic water polo captain Jesse Smith partnered in 2022 with Wonderfeel Biosciences to promote its NMN formula, Youngr™. The collaboration was introduced alongside published research, including a clinical trial in runners where NMN supplementation was reported to improve aerobic capacity by enhancing muscle oxygen utilization.

Smith commented that “breakthrough solutions” such as NMN may help athletes like him move into the next stage of their careers in “peak health.” His partnership highlights a growing connection between athletic achievement and ongoing research into longevity science.

Ben Khoo: Ironman Record Holder Turning to NMN

Singaporean triathlete and national Ironman record-holder Ben Khoo has publicly discussed incorporating NMN supplementation into his training and competition routine. In a 2024 interview with SportPlus.sg, Khoo explained that before starting he reviewed the WADA Prohibited List and confirmed that NMN was not banned.

Khoo described his experience with NMN as “really effective” and shared that it coincided with breaking the Singapore Ironman record in 2023. Convinced of its potential, he later launched his own supplement line to make NMN more accessible to other athletes.

Science Backing NMN’s Role in Endurance

Beyond personal stories, there’s solid research that supports NMN’s role in athletic performance. In 2021, a human trial published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition followed 48 amateur runners for six weeks.

Those who supplemented with NMN showed a clear improvement in aerobic capacity, specifically their ventilatory threshold, which suggests their muscles were able to use oxygen more efficiently than the placebo group.

This theme was echoed again at the 2022 ISSN Sports Nutrition Conference, where experts highlighted NMN’s potential to enhance endurance by supporting mitochondrial function — the engine that drives stamina and recovery.

Together, these findings reinforce what many athletes already report from their own experience: faster recovery, reduced fatigue, and the ability to train harder and longer.

WADA and NMN: The Compliance Question

For athletes, legality matters as much as performance. As of 2025, NMN is not listed on the WADA Prohibited List. Since NMN is a derivative of vitamin B3 (niacin), it is currently considered a nutritional supplement rather than a performance-enhancing drug.

Still, WADA updates its list annually, and athletes bear strict liability for what they ingest. That’s why choosing third-party tested, certified supplements is critical to avoid contamination with banned substances.

Why NMN Bio Can Earn Athletes’ Trust

At NMN Bio, we know how much trust matters in professional sport and that’s why our entire process is built on science and transparency.

Every batch of our NMN is sent to independent laboratories for rigorous analysis, ensuring more than 99% purity while checking for potency, heavy metals, and microbial safety.

To add another layer of credibility, our raw materials and finished capsules are also verified by Campden BRI, one of the most respected independent testing organizations in the UK.

Manufacturing takes place in ISO 9001–certified facilities in the UK, guaranteeing consistent quality, traceability, and internationally recognized standards. What truly sets NMN Bio apart, though, is our scientific leadership.

The company was founded by Dr. Elena Seranova, who holds a PhD in Neurodegeneration and NAD⁺ Metabolism. Her expertise, together with the dedication and knowledge of our scientific team, ensures that every formulation is rooted in rigorous research, not just marketing.

This commitment, from testing to transparent supply chains to scientific oversight, is why athletes and health-conscious individuals alike can trust NMN Bio with confidence.

This combination of rigorous testing and scientific oversight ensures NMN Bio supplements are both effective and trustworthy, exactly what athletes need to protect their careers.

Conclusion

What was once a “biohacker experiment” has now become a mainstream tool embraced by NBA stars, Olympians, and endurance champions. Combined with growing scientific research, NAD⁺ boosters like NMN are moving from the sidelines to the spotlight of elite performance.

For athletes, NMN offers a unique advantage: supporting energy metabolism, recovery, and healthy aging, all while remaining WADA-compliant. By choosing a tested, transparent, and scientifically led brand like NMN Bio, athletes can pursue peak performance with confidence.