NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide · NAD

Rank#999
Anti AgingNot ApprovedAnimalMixedSubQIVOral

Popular for:Cellular energy, DNA repair, anti-aging, sirtuin activation

45837

Total Studies

14502

Human Studies

Animal

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and activation of sirtuins (longevity-associated proteins). NAD+ levels decline significantly with age — by age 50, levels may be half of what they were at age 20.

While NAD+ precursors like NMN and NR are available as oral supplements, injectable NAD+ provides direct cellular replenishment bypassing the conversion steps required by precursors. IV NAD+ infusions and subcutaneous injections are researched for anti-aging, neurodegeneration, metabolic health, and addiction recovery.

Mechanism of Action

NAD+ serves as a critical coenzyme in mitochondrial electron transport chain reactions (cellular energy production) and as a substrate for enzymes including sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARPs (DNA repair enzymes), and CD38. By replenishing NAD+ levels, these enzymatic pathways are supported, potentially improving mitochondrial function, genomic stability, and cellular stress responses.

Key Research Benefits

Essential coenzyme for mitochondrial energy production
Substrate for sirtuin activation (longevity pathways)
Studied for DNA repair via PARP enzyme support
Researched for neurodegeneration and cognitive function
Investigated for addiction recovery protocols
Injectable bypasses oral bioavailability limitations

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

45837

Total Studies

14502

Human Studies

NAD+ is a naturally occurring coenzyme, not a drug. IV and injectable forms available through clinics and compounding pharmacies. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) available as supplements. Not FDA-approved as a therapeutic.

Key Studies / PubMed References

45,837 studies found on PubMed · showing top 25 by relevance

View all on PubMed

NAD metabolism: Role in senescence regulation and aging.

Review

Chini CCS, Cordeiro HS, Tran NLK, et al. · Aging cell · 2024

PMID: 37424179

NADBoosting Strategies.

In Vitro

Rice J, Lautrup S, Fang EF · Sub-cellular biochemistry · 2024

PMID: 39693020

The therapeutic perspective of NADprecursors in age-related diseases.

Review

Iqbal T, Nakagawa T · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · 2024

PMID: 38340651

Roles of NADin Health and Aging.

Human Study

Lautrup S, Hou Y, Fang EF, et al. · Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine · 2024

PMID: 37848251

Regulation of and challenges in targeting NADmetabolism.

Review

Migaud ME, Ziegler M, Baur JA · Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology · 2024

PMID: 39026037

Side Effects & Safety

Nausea and stomach discomfort (especially IV)
Chest tightness during IV infusion
Muscle cramping
Headache
IV infusions can be uncomfortable (often require slow drip)

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for NAD+ yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. NAD+ is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.