WhatPeptide

NAD+

NAD+ is a critical coenzyme present in all living cells, central to cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways. Circulating and intracellular NAD+ levels decline with age, and parenteral supplementation is studied for reversing age-related metabolic decline and improving mitochondrial function.

Moderate evidence Unregulated Metabolic

Written by WhatPeptide Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-03-17

Dinucleotide coenzyme, not a peptide. Included for relevance to peptide users.

Half-life

Rapidly metabolized; cellular incorporation is key metric

Dosage range

100-1000 mg IV infusion or 25-100 mg subcutaneously (clinical literature context)

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Research level

Moderate

How NAD+ works

NAD+ serves as the essential electron carrier in oxidative phosphorylation (NADH/NAD+ cycling in the ETC) and as the substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARP enzymes involved in DNA damage repair, and CD38 which regulates calcium signaling. IV or subcutaneous administration more reliably elevates systemic NAD+ compared to oral precursors, which require hepatic conversion. Preclinical and early human data suggests improvements in mitochondrial biogenesis, cognitive markers, and inflammatory profiles with NAD+ supplementation.

Also known as: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD, β-NAD+

Research relevance

Anti-Aging & Longevity
Moderate relevance 65
Cognition & Focus
Some relevance 40

Side effects & safety

Flushing during IV infusion Nausea Headache Fatigue (transient) Injection site discomfort

Contraindications

Active malignancy (PARP inhibitor interactions)
Hypersensitivity

Consult a healthcare provider before use if any of these apply to you.

Key studies

FAQ

What is NAD+? +
NAD+ is a critical coenzyme present in all living cells, central to cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways. Circulating and intracellular NAD+ levels decline with age, and parenteral supplementation is studied for reversing age-related metabolic decline and improving mitochondrial function. Its mechanism of action is supported by moderate clinical and preclinical evidence.
What is NAD+ researched for? +
NAD+ has the strongest research relevance for Anti-Aging & Longevity, Cognition & Focus. Evidence is supported by moderate clinical and preclinical evidence.
What are the side effects of NAD+? +
Reported side effects include Flushing during IV infusion, Nausea, Headache, Fatigue (transient), Injection site discomfort. Key contraindications: Active malignancy (PARP inhibitor interactions); Hypersensitivity.
Is NAD+ FDA approved? +
NAD+ is not FDA-approved. It is available as a research compound or through compounding pharmacies in some jurisdictions.
How is NAD+ administered? +
NAD+ is typically administered via subcutaneous route. Researched dosage range: 100-1000 mg IV infusion or 25-100 mg subcutaneously (clinical literature context). Half-life: Rapidly metabolized; cellular incorporation is key metric.

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