27-Year-Old Dies Following NAD+ Infusion at New York Wellness Center
A 27-year-old New York woman died after receiving an intravenous NAD+ infusion at a Bronx wellness center, prompting criminal charges against the unlicensed provider who administered the treatment.
According to multiple media reports, Elizabeth Baron lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest shortly after receiving an IV infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) at Bereshit Lifestyle Center in the Riverdale section of the Bronx on July 19. She was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities said the city medical examiner is investigating the cause of death and conducting toxicology testing.
Police arrested Luis Rojas Cabrera, who reportedly operated the wellness center and advertised himself as a holistic practitioner. Prosecutors alleged that he is licensed to practice medicine in the Dominican Republic but does not hold a license to practice medicine in New York or elsewhere in the United States. He was charged with unauthorized practice of a profession and reckless endangerment. Reports indicate additional charges could be considered pending the outcome of the medical examiner’s investigation.
News outlets state that Rojas Cabrera administered NAD+ through an IV line. Prosecutors argued that he lacked legal authority to provide the treatment and noted that IV administration of NAD+ requires appropriate medical oversight and a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
NAD+ therapies have become increasingly popular in wellness, longevity and functional medicine circles. NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and metabolic processes. Although IV NAD+ treatments are marketed by some clinics for wellness, anti-aging and recovery purposes, the treatment remains subject to state scope-of-practice laws, prescription requirements and professional licensing rules.
As of publication, the official cause of death had not been released.
