Overview
NAD+ is classified as a longevity peptide. Cellular energy, DNA repair, longevity.
NAD+ is a critical coenzyme in every cell, essential for mitochondrial energy production (oxidative phosphorylation), DNA repair via PARP and sirtuin activation, and circadian rhythm regulation. Levels decline ~50% between ages 40-60, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and aging.
Also known as: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD Plus, Beta-Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Category
Longevity
Half-Life
4h
Route
SubQ
FDA Status
Not Approved
How Does NAD+ Work?
NAD+ is a critical coenzyme in every cell, essential for mitochondrial energy production (oxidative phosphorylation), DNA repair via PARP and sirtuin activation, and circadian rhythm regulation. Levels decline ~50% between ages 40-60, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and aging.
At the molecular level, NAD+ operates through pathways characteristic of the Longevity class, interacting with target receptors and downstream signaling cascades to produce its observed effects.
Published Research
The following studies are indexed from PubMed and peer-reviewed journals:
[1]NAD+ decline is a driver of aging
Rajman et al. (Cell Metabolism): Comprehensive review demonstrating NAD+ decline as a hallmark of aging, with restoration improving mitochondrial function, stem cell renewal, and lifespan in animal models.
Evidence: strong[2]NAD+ repletion improves mitochondrial and stem cell function
Zhang et al. (Science): NAD+ supplementation restores mitochondrial function in aged mice, improving muscle stem cell function and extending lifespan.
Evidence: preclinical[3]CD38 dictates age-related NAD decline and mitochondrial dysfunction
Camacho-Pereira et al. (Cell Metabolism): Identifies CD38 as the primary NAD-consuming enzyme that increases with age, explaining the progressive NAD+ decline.
Evidence: preclinical[4]NAD+ intermediates: NMN and NR clinical trial overview
Yoshino et al.: Review of human clinical trials for NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) showing safe elevation of blood NAD+ levels with improvements in insulin sensitivity and muscle function.
Evidence: moderate[5]Lopinavir/ritonavir (ABT-378/r).
A study published in Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[6]Nicotinamide riboside activates SIRT5 deacetylation.
A study published in The FEBS journal investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[7]NAD(+) Metabolism and Diseases with Motor Dysfunction.
A study published in Genes investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[8]Multiple domain interfaces mediate SARM1 autoinhibition.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[9]Progresses in both basic research and clinical trials of NAD+ in Parkinson's disease.
A study published in Mechanisms of ageing and development investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[10]An Upstream Open Reading Frame in Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Encodes a Circuit Breaker of Lactate Metabolism.
A study published in Cell metabolism investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[11]Decreased plasma nicotinamide and altered NAD(+) metabolism in glial cells surrounding Aβ plaques in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurobiology of disease investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[12]Peptide backbone modifications in lanthipeptides.
A study published in Methods in enzymology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[13]The Role of Nicotinamide in Cancer Chemoprevention and Therapy.
A study published in Biomolecules investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[14]L-Glutamine in sickle cell disease.
A study published in Drugs of today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998) investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[15]Cangrelor versus crushed ticagrelor in patients with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock: rationale and design of the randomised, double-blind DAPT-SHOCK-AMI trial.
A study published in EuroIntervention : journal of EuroPCR in collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[16]Implications of NAD(+) boosters in translational medicine.
A study published in European journal of clinical investigation investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[17]Visfatin: A Possible Role in Cardiovasculo-Metabolic Disorders.
A study published in Cells investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[18]Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
A study published in Current diabetes reports investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: moderate[19]SS-31, a Mitochondria-Targeting Peptide, Ameliorates Kidney Disease.
A study published in Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinical[20]Selective amide bond formation in redox-active coacervate protocells.
A study published in Nature communications investigating the effects and mechanisms.
Evidence: preclinicalSafety Profile
Generally well-tolerated. IV NAD+ infusions may cause chest tightness, nausea, and cramping during administration. Subcutaneous injection is better tolerated. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) have good safety profiles in clinical trials.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea during infusion | ~30% (IV route) | moderate |
| Flushing/warmth | ~20% of users | mild |
| Chest tightness | ~15% (IV route) | mild |
| Injection site discomfort | ~10% (SubQ) | mild |
Sourcing NAD+ for Research
If you're looking to source NAD+ for laboratory research, our vendor directory compares pricing, purity testing, and COA verification from independently vetted suppliers.
* Research vendor — verify your regional regulations before purchase.
Full Research Profile
NAD+ — dosing, interactions, timelines & more
Comprehensive compound profile with sourcing information, stacking synergies, and outcome timelines.