NAD+

Quickstart highlights

Dosing & reconstitution guide

Standard protocol (5 mL = 100 mg/mL)

A 500 mg vial dissolved in 5 mL bacteriostatic water gives a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Calculate your own dilution →

Reconstitution steps

1. Let the vial reach room temperature and wash your hands.
2. Disinfect both rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab.
3. Draw up 5 mL of bacteriostatic water.
4. Inject the water slowly down the glass wall, not directly onto the powder.
5. Swirl gently until clear — never shake.
6. Label the vial with date and concentration and refrigerate.

Supplies needed

• NAD+ vial (500 mg)
• Bacteriostatic water
• Mixing syringe (1–3 mL) and U-100 insulin syringes
• Alcohol swabs and sharps container

Protocol overview

Dosing protocol in research

Values as described in literature and research protocols; not dosing advice.

Storage instructions

• Lyophilised (powder): cool, dry and dark; long-term at −20 °C.
• After reconstitution: refrigerator at 2–8 °C, use within ~4 weeks.
• Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.

Important notes

How this works

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule found in every living cell. While often grouped with peptides, it is technically a coenzyme. Scientists study NAD+ because its concentration in tissues declines as organisms age.

Within the cell, NAD+ acts as an important electron carrier during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. It enables mitochondria to convert nutrients into ATP, the cell's primary energy source. Furthermore, it serves as a necessary substrate for sirtuins and PARP enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation and DNA repair. The molecule exists in two forms: the oxidized form (NAD+) and the reduced form (NADH). The ratio between these two determines cellular metabolic health. After administration, NAD+ is rapidly degraded and converted by enzymes such as CD38.

Clinical research on NAD+ has primarily focused on high-dose intravenous infusions for addiction treatment and acute metabolic support. Subcutaneous injections at lower doses (50-100 mg) are a more recent area of study for maintenance protocols. Rodent studies show improvements in insulin sensitivity and muscle function, but robust human data on long-term effects are still lacking. The substance is not on the WADA prohibited list, though intravenous infusions are strictly regulated for athletes. Questions remain regarding optimal dosing and the bioavailability of various administration routes.

Potential benefits & side effects

Effects described in research

• Raised NAD+ levels
• Support of mitochondrial function
• Substrate for sirtuins

Common side effects

• Flushing
• Nausea
• Chest pressure
• Cramps

Rapid administration can trigger side effects such as nausea, flushing, and chest pressure. Lower subcutaneous doses are generally better tolerated, though local injection site irritation, fatigue, or insomnia have been reported. Data regarding the safety of long-term use over several years are unavailable.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active or prior cancer
• Under 18 years of age

Lifestyle factors

• Keep a log of doses, timing and observed effects.
• Adequate sleep, hydration and a stable diet.

Injection technique

• Choose a site with subcutaneous fat: abdomen (5 cm from the navel), thigh or back of upper arm.
• Disinfect, pinch a skin fold and insert at a 45–90° angle.
• Inject slowly, wait 5 seconds and withdraw.
• Rotate sites and use each needle once.

Recommended source

Quality varies widely between suppliers. Look for an independent HPLC/MS lab report per batch, purity ≥ 98% and clear storage and shipping conditions.

As a reference we use the NAD+ from PeptideWinkel, which publishes lab reports per batch.

Frequently asked questions