Epithalon and NAD+ are compared because both are popular in longevity discussions, though they are different kinds of molecule. Epithalon, also spelled Epitalon, is a synthetic four-amino-acid peptide based on epithalamin from the pineal gland. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme, not a peptide, involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair. Neither is FDA-approved.
At a glance
| Epithalon | NAD+ | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on epithalamin from the pineal gland, studied in longevity research | 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 | Reported to activate telomerase and to normalize melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm | Cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1 to SIRT7), proteins involved in DNA repair and energy metabolism; levels are described as declining with age |
| Regulatory status | Not FDA-approved | Injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment |
| Strength of evidence | Mostly Russian laboratory and animal studies; longevity claims go beyond the human evidence | Aging research is mostly in animals and labs; a small 2019 human pilot study measured how infused NAD+ is processed |
| Reported side effects | Minimal; possible injection site irritation. Long-term human safety, including telomerase-related risk, is not well characterized | Flushing (warmth and discomfort) that typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes; nausea |
| Common vial sizes | 10mg, 50mg, 100mg | 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg |
| Mixing math example | 10 mg + 2 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
Epithalon is reported to activate telomerase, an enzyme that maintains the protective caps on chromosomes, and to normalize melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm. NAD+ acts as a cofactor for sirtuins, proteins involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.
Epithalon is a synthetic peptide. NAD+ is made by the body from dietary precursors, and its levels are described as declining with age.
Epithalon's reported side effects are minimal, with possible injection site irritation; long-term human safety, including any risk related to telomerase activation, is not well characterized. NAD+ is associated with flushing that typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes, and nausea.
What the research covers
Epithalon's research is mostly Russian laboratory and animal work reporting telomerase activation and lifespan effects, and its longevity claims go beyond the human evidence. NAD+ aging research is also mostly in laboratory and animal models, with a small 2019 human pilot study of how infused NAD+ is processed.
Sources
- Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice. Anisimov VN et al. Biogerontology, 2003. Preclinical
- Peptide promotes overcoming of the division limit in human somatic cells. Khavinson VKh et al. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2004. Preclinical
- 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 epithalon and NAD+?
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide reported to activate telomerase. NAD+ is a coenzyme that acts as a cofactor for sirtuins.
Is epithalon or NAD+ FDA-approved?
Neither is an FDA-approved treatment. Epithalon is not FDA-approved, and injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment.
Is there human evidence that epithalon or NAD+ extends lifespan?
No. Lifespan findings for epithalon come from laboratory and animal studies, and most NAD+ aging research is also preclinical.
Is epitalon the same as epithalon?
Yes. Epitalon and epithalon are two spellings of the same peptide.
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