In plain English
NAD+ is not a peptide but a coenzyme, a helper molecule that every cell needs to turn food into energy and to repair DNA. Levels fall noticeably with age. Injectable NAD+ is popular for energy, mental clarity and healthy aging, and is often used alongside longevity peptides.
What it's used for
- Energy and reduced fatigue
- Mental clarity and focus
- Healthy aging
- Recovery from alcohol and substance use (often by IV infusion)
Benefits
In animal studies, restoring NAD+ levels has improved energy metabolism, muscle function and markers of aging. In people, NAD+ levels decline with age, and small human studies show that raising them improves some measures of metabolism and muscle function. Users report more energy, clearer thinking and better recovery.
How it works
In simple terms: NAD+ is the fuel courier and repair helper inside every cell.
It carries electrons in the reactions that turn food into ATP, the cell’s energy currency. It is also used up by sirtuins (enzymes linked to aging and metabolism) and PARPs (enzymes that repair DNA). As NAD+ falls with age, these processes slow; topping it up is thought to support them.
Development history
- 1906: First identified by British biochemists Arthur Harden and William Young.
- 1930s: Its role in energy production is worked out, contributing to later Nobel Prizes.
- 2000s onward: Research on sirtuins and aging makes NAD+ a central topic in longevity science, and injections and IV infusions become popular.
Typical protocols
These ranges are what users commonly report.
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous injection | 50–100 mg | Daily or several times a week | Many start at 25–50 mg |
| Subcutaneous, higher range | 100–250 mg | 2–3 times weekly | Inject slowly |
| Intramuscular injection | 100–200 mg | 1–3 times weekly |
Injecting slowly reduces flushing and discomfort.
Cycling
Used in courses of several weeks or as ongoing maintenance a few times a week.
Administration options
- Subcutaneous injection: most common at home.
- Intramuscular injection: also used.
- IV infusion: given in clinics, usually at much higher doses over several hours.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
NAD+ commonly comes in 500 mg or 1,000 mg vials. Because doses are large, it is usually mixed with 5–10 mL of bacteriostatic water.
Draw your syringe to
– units
- Volume to draw
- –
- Concentration
- –
- Each unit holds
- –
- Doses per vial
- –
Show the math
This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Most common: flushing, warmth, nausea, chest tightness, cramping or a "rush" feeling, especially if injected quickly. Slowing down usually eases these.
- Injection-site stinging or redness.
- Long-term effects of high-dose injections have not been well studied.
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
- MOTS-c and SS-31: combined by users for mitochondrial support.
- Epitalon and GHK-Cu: combined in longevity protocols.
- Semax: combined by some users for mental energy.
Storage
Powder: refrigerate, dry and away from light.
After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C and use within about 3–4 weeks.
Compare with
- MOTS-c and SS-31: peptides that improve how mitochondria work, rather than supplying the coenzyme.
- IV vs injection: IV delivers more at once in a clinic; injections are easier at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. It is a coenzyme, but it is often used alongside peptides and sold by the same suppliers.
Why does it cause flushing?
Fast changes in NAD+ levels can cause flushing and a rush feeling; injecting slowly usually helps.
How long until people notice effects?
Users commonly report more energy within days to a couple of weeks.
References
- Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):529-547.
- Covarrubias AJ, et al. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2021;22(2):119-141.