NAD+
Also known as: NAD+, NAD, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
NAD+ is an essential coenzyme central to cellular energy production and DNA repair whose levels decline with age. It is studied and supplemented for longevity, mitochondrial function, and metabolic health. Note: NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide, commonly sold alongside longevity research compounds.
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Mechanism of Action
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a redox coenzyme that shuttles electrons in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP. Beyond energy metabolism it serves as a required substrate for sirtuins, which regulate gene expression and mitochondrial biogenesis, and for PARP enzymes involved in DNA repair, as well as CD38 in immune signaling. Cellular NAD+ levels decline with age, impairing these pathways, so direct administration or precursor loading aims to restore the NAD+ pool. Replenished NAD+ is investigated for improving mitochondrial efficiency, stress resistance, and markers of biological aging.
- Half-life
- Short for free NAD+; cellular pools are continuously recycled rather than reflecting a single plasma half-life
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Supports cellular ATP and energy metabolism
- Provides substrate for sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways
- Aids PARP-driven DNA repair processes
- Studied for improved mitochondrial function
- Investigated for cognitive clarity and neuroprotection
- Explored for metabolic and anti-aging benefits
Potential Side Effects
- Flushing, nausea, or cramping, especially with rapid IV infusion
- Injection-site discomfort with subcutaneous use
- Transient lightheadedness or chest tightness during infusion
- Headache
- Limited rigorous long-term human safety data
Common Dosing
For research use only and not personal medical advice: protocols vary widely, with subcutaneous research references in the tens-to-low-hundreds of mg range and IV studies using higher doses infused slowly. Not a substitute for medical guidance.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited safety data
- Known hypersensitivity
- Active malignancy without clinician oversight given PARP and sirtuin modulation
NMN
NMN is a direct biosynthetic precursor of NAD+ used to raise cellular NAD+ levels. It is studied for longevity, metabolic health, and mitochondrial function. Note: NMN is a small-molecule NAD+ precursor, not a peptide, but is catalogued with longevity research compounds.
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region that acts as a regulator of metabolism. It is studied for improving insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, and exercise capacity.
Humanin
Humanin is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for its cytoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic effects. The HNG (Humanin-G) analog is a more potent variant frequently used in research.
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
SS-31 (elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide studied for protecting mitochondrial function in conditions involving oxidative stress and energy failure. It has been investigated clinically for mitochondrial myopathy and heart and kidney disease.
5-Amino-1MQ
5-Amino-1MQ is a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme NNMT, studied in animal models for its potential to reduce fat storage and support metabolic health.
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NAD(+) metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing
2021
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Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence
2018
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NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration
2015
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Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD(+) in healthy middle-aged and older adults
2018