What it is
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is not technically a peptide, but it is commonly discussed alongside peptide research. It is an essential coenzyme, a helper molecule, involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. The body makes it from dietary precursors.
In the PeptidesAI encyclopedia it is categorized under immune and longevity, reflecting the research interest in NAD+ as a marker and possible target in the aging process.
How it's thought to work
NAD+ acts as a cofactor for a family of proteins called sirtuins (SIRT1 through SIRT7), which are involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and cellular energy metabolism. NAD+ levels are described as declining with age, and supplementation is studied with the aim of restoring higher levels of the coenzyme to support these sirtuin-dependent processes.
What the research says
There is a growing body of research on NAD+ in the context of aging, much of it in laboratory and animal models (reviewed by Verdin, 2015). Human research on directly administered NAD+ is still small and early: a 2019 pilot study (Grant et al.) measured how infused NAD+ is processed in the body and recorded the side effects participants reported.
Reported side effects
A distinctive reported side effect is flushing, a sensation of warmth and discomfort, which can be significant and typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes. Nausea has also been reported.
Reconstitution
NAD+ is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic (BAC) water before use. It commonly comes in 100 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg vials. The amount of peptide in the vial is fixed; the water added only changes how concentrated the solution is.
Worked example. A 500 mg vial is 500,000 mcg. Reconstituted with 5 mL of BAC water, that works out to 500,000 mcg ÷ 5 mL = 100,000 mcg/mL. On a U-100 insulin syringe, where each unit is 0.01 mL, each unit holds 100,000 × 0.01 = 1 mg. Use the peptide reconstitution calculator to work out the concentration and units for any vial size and water volume.
Important notes
The flushing sensation associated with NAD+ is described as normal, though it can feel intense while it lasts; it typically resolves within 15 to 30 minutes.
Sources
- 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
These questions cover the same ground as the sections above, in a shorter format.
What is NAD+?
An essential coenzyme for cellular energy production and DNA repair, not technically a peptide but commonly discussed alongside peptide research.
How is NAD+ thought to work?
It acts as a cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), proteins involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism, with levels declining with age.
What does the research on NAD+ say?
Research links NAD+ to aging, mostly in laboratory and animal models. Human studies of directly administered NAD+ are small and early.
What are the reported side effects of NAD+?
Flushing and warmth that can be significant but typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes, along with possible nausea.
How much is one unit from a 500 mg NAD+ vial?
With 5 mL of BAC water, a 500 mg vial is 100,000 mcg/mL, so one unit on a U-100 syringe (0.01 mL) holds 1 mg.
The full entry, plus the calculator
The PeptidesAI app has the complete encyclopedia entry for NAD+ — one of 70 compounds covered — plus the reconstitution calculator, a dose log and reminders. Free to download on iPhone.
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