NAD+
Also known as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell, central to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling rather than a peptide in the strict sense. It has become popular in wellness and longevity clinics as an intravenous or injectable therapy intended to restore NAD+ levels that are reported to decline with age. Interest spans metabolic support, cognitive clarity, and general anti-aging protocols, though most available human data come from small, open-label studies rather than large controlled trials. Because NAD+ is a large, charged molecule, absorption and tolerability vary considerably by route of administration. It is frequently discussed alongside precursor compounds such as NMN and NR, which are marketed for raising NAD+ levels through different metabolic pathways.
Reported benefits
- Supports mitochondrial ATP production as a required metabolic cofactor
- Investigated for roles in DNA repair via PARP and sirtuin pathways
- Studied in early research for markers of cellular and cognitive aging
- Explored anecdotally for reduced fatigue and improved mental clarity
How it works
NAD+ acts as an electron carrier in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, supporting ATP production, and serves as a required substrate for sirtuins and PARP enzymes involved in DNA repair and gene regulation. Cellular NAD+ pools are reported to decline with age and metabolic stress, which has been proposed to contribute to reduced mitochondrial efficiency over time. Exogenous administration is intended to directly replenish circulating and tissue NAD+, bypassing some rate-limiting steps in endogenous synthesis from dietary precursors.
Dosing ranges
| Tier | Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 50 mg | 1-3x per week |
| Moderate | 100 mg | 3-5x per week |
| High | 200 mg | 5x per week, or IV infusion |
Estimate your dose
Dose estimator
Educational estimate for NAD+, scaled to body size. Not medical advice.
Read before using
This tool produces a rough, educational estimate by scaling commonly-published research ranges to lean body mass. It is not a prescription, medical advice, or a substitute for a licensed clinician. Most peptides use fixed dosing, not weight-based dosing. Individual needs vary. You are solely responsible for how you use this information.
Mixing & syringe units
Target dose follows the estimate above. Change it there, or edit it directly below.
Reconstitution calculator
How much water to add and how many insulin-syringe units to draw for NAD+. Educational only.
Draw to this mark
2,000units
= 20 mL for a 100 mg dose
Concentration
5 mg/mL
Doses per vial
0
This dose needs 2,000 units, more than a 100-unit syringe holds. Add more water, split the dose, or use a larger syringe.
A U-100 syringe reads 100 units per mL. This is a reconstitution math helper only, not a prescription or dosing advice. Verify every calculation and consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Possible side effects
Stacking notes
Often paired with NAD+ precursors such as NMN or NR, and with longevity-focused peptides such as Epithalon; data on combined use are limited.
Common protocols
Common questions
What is NAD+ used for?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell, central to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cell signaling rather than a peptide in the strict sense. It has become popular in wellness and longevity clinics as an intravenous or injectable therapy intended to restore NAD+ levels that are reported to decline with age. Interest spans metabolic support, cognitive clarity, and general anti-aging protocols, though most available human data come from small, open-label studies rather than large controlled trials. Because NAD+ is a large, charged molecule, absorption and tolerability vary considerably by route of administration. It is frequently discussed alongside precursor compounds such as NMN and NR, which are marketed for raising NAD+ levels through different metabolic pathways. Reported benefits include supports mitochondrial atp production as a required metabolic cofactor, investigated for roles in dna repair via parp and sirtuin pathways, studied in early research for markers of cellular and cognitive aging.
What is a typical NAD+ dose?
Reported ranges run 50-200 mg. A low protocol is 50 mg 1-3x per week, and a high protocol is 200 mg 5x per week, or iv infusion. This is reference information, not a dosing recommendation.
What is the half life of NAD+?
Short plasma half-life, roughly under an hour (existing estimates cite about 45 minutes); intracellular NAD+ elevation is reported to persist longer than circulating levels.. That is what sets the dosing frequency, and it is why the timing guidance is morning.
How is NAD+ administered?
Subcutaneous: into fat, under the skin. Intravenous infusion is also common, especially for higher doses; subcutaneous injection can cause local discomfort due to the compound's low pH.
How long is a NAD+ cycle?
Ongoing on, followed by None off. Often given as periodic infusions or injections, such as several times per week or in recurring series, rather than on a fixed on/off cycle.
What are the side effects of NAD+?
Reported side effects include injection-site burning or discomfort, related to the compound's low ph, flushing, nausea, or lightheadedness, more common with rapid iv infusion, headache reported at higher doses, limited long-term safety data for repeated high-dose protocols. Evidence level for this compound is moderate evidence.
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Educational use only, not medical advice. This profile is provided for research and educational purposes. NAD+ may be a research compound or a prescription medication; nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dosing figures reflect commonly-published research ranges, not a prescription. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decision. Read the full disclaimer →