NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
A central metabolic coenzyme dosed to counter its age-related decline — a molecule, not a peptide.
Class
Essential redox coenzyme (not a peptide)
Half-life
Short; rapidly metabolised
Evidence
Limited human data
Limited human data
Small open-label studies, case series, or trials in a narrow population. Directionally informative, not conclusive.
Overview
NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every living cell, essential for energy metabolism and as a substrate for the sirtuins and PARPs — enzymes central to DNA repair and cellular stress response. It is not a peptide, but it is dosed and marketed within the same longevity space, so it is documented here.
NAD+ levels fall with age, and restoring them is a leading hypothesis in aging biology. Most human clinical work actually studies NAD+ precursors (nicotinamide riboside and NMN) taken orally, which reliably raise blood NAD+ but have shown inconsistent effects on hard outcomes. Direct NAD+ is given by IV infusion or subcutaneous injection.
The precursor trials are the best evidence, and they are mixed: NAD+ levels rise, but clinical benefits (metabolic, cognitive, physical) have been modest or absent in controlled human studies. IV NAD+ is popular in wellness clinics with far less controlled data than the precursors.
How it works
- Serves as the primary electron carrier in cellular energy production (glycolysis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation).
- Substrate for sirtuins, which regulate metabolism, inflammation, and DNA repair.
- Substrate for PARP enzymes involved in DNA damage repair.
- Declines with age; restoration is proposed to support mitochondrial and metabolic function.
What the research shows
Researched effects
- Precursors (NR/NMN) reliably raise blood NAD+ in human trials
- Modest or inconsistent effects on metabolic, physical, and cognitive endpoints in controlled trials
- Improved healthspan markers in animal models
- Anecdotal energy and clarity reports with IV administration
Limitations & what it won't do
- Raising NAD+ has not reliably produced hard clinical benefits in humans.
- IV NAD+ has far less controlled evidence than oral precursors.
- Not FDA approved as a therapy.
Dosing protocols
These ranges reflect published trials and community protocols. They are reference information, not a prescription. Doses are per injection unless noted.
Subcutaneous protocol (community)
50–100 mgNAD+ is uncomfortable to inject quickly. Start low. IV protocols use much larger doses (250–1000 mg) over hours in a clinical setting.
Oral precursor alternative
250–1000 mg (NR or NMN)The route with the most human trial data. Better tolerated than injections.
Reconstitution & measuring your dose
Handling
- Typical vial sizes
- 500 · 1000 mg
- Suggested BAC water
- 5 mL
- Storage
- Refrigerate reconstituted solution, protected from light; NAD+ is not highly stable.
- After reconstitution
- Reconstituted: use within ~1–2 weeks; stability is limited.
Why 5 mL? NAD+ vials are large. A 500 mg vial in 5 mL yields 100 mg/mL — a 50 mg dose lands on 50 units of a U-100 syringe. Inject slowly regardless of volume.
Dose calculator
Draw to
0.1units
= 0.001 mL · 2000 mcg per unit
Concentration
200000 mcg/mL
Doses per vial
4000
- This dose is only 0.1 units — hard to measure accurately on a 100-unit syringe. Add more bacteriostatic water to dilute, so each dose lands on a larger, easier-to-read mark.
Side effects
Common
- Intense flushing, chest tightness, and nausea with rapid injection/infusion (resolves quickly with slower dosing)
- Injection-site irritation
- Lightheadedness
Serious / rare
- Rarely, severe reactions to rapid IV administration
Contraindications & interactions
Do not use if you have
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
No pregnancy safety data for supraphysiologic dosing.
Use caution if you have
- Active cancer or current oncology treatment
NAD+ metabolism intersects with tumour biology in complex ways; discuss with oncology.
What to monitor
- Tolerability of injection/infusion rate
- Energy and general wellbeing
Commonly combined with
References
- Martens CR et al. — Nicotinamide riboside raises NAD+ in healthy middle-aged/older adultsNature Communications 2018;9:1286
Research & educational information only — not medical advice.
You must be 18 or older to use this site. The peptides described are presented as research chemicals intended for research purposes only. Most are not approved by the FDA for human use. Dosing ranges reflect what has appeared in the scientific literature or community protocols and are not prescriptions. Nothing here replaces evaluation by a licensed physician who knows your full medical history.
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