BPC-157 and NAD+ are often mentioned together, but they are different kinds of molecule studied for different things. BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein in human gastric juice, studied for tissue repair and gut healing. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme, not a peptide, involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair.
At a glance
| BPC-157 | NAD+ | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide from human gastric juice, studied for tissue repair and gut healing | Essential coenzyme (not a peptide) involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair, made by the body from dietary precursors |
| How it's thought to work | Studied for enhancing fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and growth factor activity; also dopamine and serotonin systems | Cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7), proteins involved in DNA repair and energy metabolism; levels are described as declining with age |
| Regulatory status | FDA Category 2 substance; WADA prohibited; not FDA-approved for any human use | Injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment |
| Strength of evidence | Extensive preclinical (animal and lab) data; human clinical trials remain limited | Aging research is mostly in animals and labs; a small 2019 human pilot study measured how infused NAD+ is processed |
| Reported side effects | Minimal: occasional injection site redness or irritation, rare mild dizziness or nausea | Flushing (warmth and discomfort) that typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes; nausea |
| Common vial sizes | 5mg, 10mg | 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg |
| Mixing math example | 5 mg + 1 mL BAC water = 5,000 mcg/mL, 50 mcg per unit | 500 mg + 5 mL BAC water = 100,000 mcg/mL, 1 mg per unit |
Key differences
BPC-157 is studied for enhancing fibroblast activity, collagen synthesis, angiogenesis and growth factor activity. NAD+ acts as a cofactor for sirtuins, proteins involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, and its levels are described as declining with age.
BPC-157 is an FDA Category 2 substance and is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list. Injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment.
BPC-157's reported side effects are minimal: occasional injection site redness or irritation and rare mild dizziness or nausea. NAD+ is associated with flushing that can feel intense and typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes, and nausea.
What the research covers
BPC-157 has extensive animal and laboratory research on tissue repair, and human clinical trials remain limited. NAD+ research on aging is mostly in laboratory and animal models, with a small 2019 human pilot study of how infused NAD+ is processed.
Sources
- Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Gwyer D et al. Cell and Tissue Research, 2019. Review
- The Prohibited List. World Anti-Doping Agency, 2026. Regulatory document
- Certain Bulk Drug Substances for Use in Compounding that May Present Significant Safety Risks. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026. Regulatory document
- A Pilot Study Investigating Changes in the Human Plasma and Urine NAD+ Metabolome During a 6 Hour Intravenous Infusion of NAD+. Grant R et al. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2019. Human trial
- NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Verdin E et al. Science, 2015. Review
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between BPC-157 and NAD+?
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide studied for tissue repair and gut healing. NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair.
Is NAD+ a peptide like BPC-157?
No. NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide.
Is BPC-157 or NAD+ FDA-approved?
Neither is FDA-approved for these uses. BPC-157 is an FDA Category 2 substance, and injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment.
Is there human research on BPC-157 or NAD+?
Human data is limited for both. BPC-157 research is mainly preclinical, and NAD+ has a small 2019 human pilot study.
Both entries, plus the calculator
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