NAD+

NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Cellular energy coenzyme for longevity protocols

LongevityAnti-Aging ★ 85
Half-life
Short plasma half-life (under 1 hour); biological effects extended through metabolite recycling
Cycle
Standard SubQ cycles run 4-8 weeks. Common stack: 8-12 weeks SubQ followed by 4 weeks oral NMN or NR for layered support. IV protocols often front-load with weekly sessions for a month, then maintenance every 4-8 weeks.
Storage
Lyophilized: room temperature short-term, refrigerated long-term. Reconstituted or pre-mixed solution: 2-8°C refrigerated, use within 14-30 days. Protect from light.
Research
Limited human RCT data on injectable forms; stronger evidence for oral NR precursor in tissue NAD+ elevation

About

A coenzyme present in every cell that shuttles electrons during ATP production, powers DNA repair via PARP enzymes, and activates the sirtuin family of longevity regulators. Tissue NAD+ levels decline progressively with age, motivating restoration protocols via direct injection or precursor supplementation (NR, NMN). Technically a small-molecule coenzyme rather than a peptide. Injectable NAD+ is not FDA-approved and is available only through compounding pharmacies.

Mechanism

Acts as an electron carrier in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1-7) that regulate metabolism, inflammation, and DNA repair. Cofactor for PARP enzymes during DNA damage response. CD38 hydrolyzes NAD+ at increasing rates with age, contributing to decline.

Dosage

50 mg
1x weekly
0102030405060708090100

Draw to 13.3 units on a U-100 insulin syringe

750 mg · 2 mL BAC

Route
Subcutaneous (slow inject over 5-10 sec)
Duration
2-4 weeks titration

When to take: Morning or early afternoon — energy-pathway activation can disrupt sleep if dosed late. Inject slowly to minimize site stinging. IV must be slow-drip; rapid infusion triggers chest tightness and flushing.

Reconstitution

Vial size (mg): 750 mg · BAC water (mL): 2 mL · Concentration: 375 mg/mL

Some compounding pharmacies ship as pre-mixed solution — no reconstitution needed in that case. Inject water down vial wall, swirl gently. Discard if yellow or cloudy.

Dosing reference

Units to draw at the typical dose range, per vial size.

VialWaterTypical draw
750 mg2 mL13.5–40 units
1000 mg2 mL10–30 units

Benefits

  • Sustained energy and reduced fatigue (subjective)
  • Supports mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis
  • Activates sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways
  • Aids DNA damage repair via PARP cofactor role
  • Reported improvement in recovery and mental clarity

Side effects

  • Injection-site stinging, burning, or redness (SubQ)
  • Flushing, warmth, chest tightness (IV, especially fast infusion)
  • Nausea and headache during titration
  • Transient anxiety or jitteriness
  • Mild GI discomfort

Gender notes

No sex-specific dosing differences documented.

Cautions

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Active malignancy (sirtuin and PARP activity uncertain in cancer biology)
  • Severe liver or kidney disease
  • Concurrent high-dose niacin
  • Glucose-lowering medications without monitoring

Research

Stacks well with

GlutathioneEpitalonMOTS-cSS-31
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