NAD+
Also called Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; related precursors NR and NMN
NAD+ is not a peptide; it is a coenzyme every cell uses for energy reactions. Some interventions raise NAD-related markers, but that has not been shown to reverse aging or reliably improve energy or memory.
Overview
What it is
A coenzyme the body makes from vitamin B3 forms and tryptophan. NAD+ itself, NADH, nicotinamide riboside (NR) and NMN are different substances with separate evidence.
How it works
NAD+ accepts electrons and becomes NADH, helping cells turn food into usable energy. It is also used in cell signaling and DNA repair.
What the research shows
A small 6-hour IV infusion study tracked NAD+ metabolites in blood and urine. An NR trial in middle-aged and older adults raised NAD+ levels. An NMN study improved muscle insulin sensitivity in women with prediabetes. A 24-week NMN trial (Sept 2026) raised NAD markers but did not improve its main clinical outcome.
Studied for
- NAD metabolism after IV infusionpilot
- NR supplementation in older adults
- NMN and muscle insulin sensitivity
- NMN 24-week trialprimary outcome not met
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
The FDA has received reports of severe chills, shaking, vomiting and fatigue after NAD+ injections, consistent with endotoxin contamination from ingredients unsuitable for sterile use. These are not a "detox" reaction; seek care for severe symptoms.
Regulatory status
Not an FDA-approved drug. FDA has warned compounders about ingredients unsuitable for sterile NAD+ preparations.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
NAD+ (500 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 500 mg NAD+
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 166.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 1.67 mg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
Community-Reported Use
| Week / Phase | Amount per Administration | U-100 Units (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 50 mg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Week 2 | 75 mg | 45 units (0.45 mL) |
| Weeks 3–8 | 100 mg | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 | 100 mg | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 13–16 | 100 mg | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
How to mix
- Clean the vial stopper with an alcohol swab and gather sterile supplies.
- Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label the vial 166.67 mg/mL with the preparation date and keep it refrigerated.
Dosing details
- Route is part of the protocol, not a detail that can be ignored. IV therapy places a solution directly into the bloodstream under medical supervision. A subcutaneous injection places a smaller volume beneath the skin and follows a different absorption path. Intramuscular administration is different again. Evidence from one route does not establish dosage and frequency for another.
- That matters when interpreting searches such as NAD+ 500 mg injection dosage per week, mg per injection, 2-3 times per week, or dosage per day. Published 500 mg and 750 mg studies used IV settings. They do not validate daily SubQ injections, three times per week, a lower dose used more often, or a higher dose used less often.
- The primary chart therefore answers a narrower question: if a 500 mg vial is prepared to 3.0 mL, what volume corresponds to the displayed mass? It does not select the right dose, decide the number of sessions, or claim that the community-reported pattern has demonstrated clinical benefits.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. It is a coenzyme.
Does a higher NAD level mean better health?
Not necessarily. Trials show markers can rise without clinical benefit.
Are NR and NMN the same as NAD+?
No. They are precursors with their own evidence.
Related in Energy and Wellness
Sources and further reading (7)
- NIH ODS. Niacin fact sheet.
- Grant R, et al. NAD+ metabolites during six-hour IV infusion. Front Aging Neurosci, 2019.
- Martens CR, et al. Nicotinamide riboside in middle-aged and older adults. Nat Commun, 2018.
- Yoshino M, et al. NMN and muscle insulin sensitivity in women. Science, 2021.
- Igarashi M, et al. 24-week NMN randomized trial. npj Aging, 2026.
- FDA. Ingredients suitable for sterile compounding (NAD+ notice).
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: NAD+ Research Use Only