NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

The essential coenzyme for cellular energy production and DNA repair that declines significantly with age.

100% 50% · t½ Time → Serum level
Molecular Weight 663.43 Da
Half-Life ~1–2 hours
Typical Dose 250–1000 mg
Cycle Length Ongoing or quarterly

Description

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a dinucleotide coenzyme found in every living cell, existing in oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms. It is one of the most critical molecules in human biology, serving as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain and as a substrate for over 500 enzymatic reactions. NAD+ levels decline by approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60, and this decline is now recognized as a central driver of multiple hallmarks of aging including mitochondrial dysfunction, genomic instability, and impaired cellular senescence clearance. Direct NAD+ supplementation via IV or subcutaneous injection bypasses the rate-limiting steps of oral precursor conversion (NMN, NR) and rapidly restores cellular NAD+ pools. Research interest has expanded dramatically following discoveries linking NAD+ to sirtuin activation, PARP-mediated DNA repair, and the regulation of circadian rhythms.

Key Characteristics

Molecular Formula

C21H27N7O14P2

Molecular Formula

663.43 Da

Half-Life

~1–2 hours (IV)

Administration Routes

Intravenous (preferred), Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection

Typical Dose

250–1000 mg

Frequency

Weekly to monthly (IV); daily (SC)

Investigated Benefits

* Benefits based on preclinical/animal research unless otherwise noted.

Mechanism of Action

“The essential coenzyme for cellular energy production and DNA repair that declines significantly with age.”

NAD+ functions as a hydride (H-) acceptor in oxidation-reduction reactions, cycling between NAD+ and NADH in glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Beyond energy metabolism, NAD+ is consumed as a substrate by three major enzyme classes: sirtuins (SIRT1-7, NAD+-dependent deacylases that regulate gene expression, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inflammation), PARP enzymes (poly-ADP-ribose polymerases that repair DNA strand breaks), and CD38/CD157 (NAD+ glycohydrolases involved in calcium signaling and immune function). SIRT1 activation by elevated NAD+ deacetylates and activates PGC-1α (driving mitochondrial biogenesis), FOXO3a (promoting stress resistance), and NF-κB (reducing inflammation). SIRT3 in mitochondria activates antioxidant enzymes and optimizes electron transport chain efficiency. The competition between PARP enzymes and sirtuins for NAD+ means that chronic DNA damage can deplete NAD+ and impair sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways.

Administration Routes

Intravenous (preferred)

Subcutaneous injection

Intramuscular injection

Dosing Protocol

Typical Dose

250–1000 mg

Frequency

Weekly to monthly (IV); daily (SC)

Cycle Length

Ongoing or quarterly courses

Administration

Intravenous (preferred)

Protocol Notes

IV infusion should be administered slowly (over 2–4 hours) to minimize side effects. SC injection is more practical for home use. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) are alternatives with lower bioavailability.

Reconstitution Guide

Dissolve in sterile saline or bacteriostatic water per prescriber instructions.

Storage Information

Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: use within 24 hours.

Quality & Sourcing Standards

When sourcing NAD+ for research purposes, the following quality benchmarks should be verified before use.

Purity:

>98% (verified by HPLC)

Certificate of Analysis (COA):

Must be provided by supplier

Endotoxin Testing:

<0.1 EU/mg (prevents bacterial contamination)

GMP Compliance:

Manufactured in cGMP-certified facility

Third-Party Testing:

Independent lab verification preferred

Storage Information

Lyophilized: refrigerate. Reconstituted: use within 24 hours.

FDA Disclaimer

The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. The products and information provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is intended for educational and research purposes only. Many peptides described on this site are not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use and are classified as research chemicals. Nothing on this site constitutes medical advice.

Research Highlights

1

NAD+ decline with aging well-established in human studies

2

IV NAD+ shown to rapidly restore cellular levels

3

Sirtuin activation demonstrated with NAD+ restoration

Evidence Level

Multiple animal studies and/or early human trials. Reasonable confidence in mechanism, but human data is limited.

Compatible Peptides

Peptides commonly used alongside NAD+ for synergistic effects.

GHK-Cu

A naturally occurring copper peptide that regulates 31% of the human genome and drives wound healing and anti-aging responses.

Epithalon

A tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland that activates telomerase and has demonstrated lifespan extension in multiple animal models.

MOTS-c

A mitochondria-encoded peptide that regulates metabolic homeostasis and has demonstrated remarkable longevity effects.

Protocols Featuring NAD+

GLOW Regenerative Protocol

Skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and comprehensive tissue regeneration

Quick Reference

Category

Longevity & Anti-Aging

Status

Research Only

Dose

250–1000 mg

Frequency

Weekly to monthly (IV); daily (SC)

Cycle

Ongoing or quarterly courses