GHK-Cu and NAD+ are compared because both are discussed in anti-aging contexts. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring three-amino-acid peptide bound to a copper ion, studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin and hair. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme, not a peptide, involved in cellular energy production and DNA repair.
At a glance
| GHK-Cu | NAD+ | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) studied for wound healing, collagen synthesis, skin and hair | 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 stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and for copper-dependent wound-repair pathways; also anti-inflammatory effects | 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 as an injectable product; widely used as a topical skin-care ingredient | Injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment |
| Strength of evidence | Human studies support topical use on skin; injected use has been studied far less formally | 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. Reconstituted solution turns blue from the copper, which is normal | Flushing (warmth and discomfort) that typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes; nausea |
| Common vial sizes | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | 100mg, 500mg, 1000mg |
| Mixing math example | 50 mg + 5 mL BAC water = 10,000 mcg/mL, 100 mcg per unit | 500 mg + 5 mL BAC water = 100,000 mcg/mL, 1 mg per unit |
Key differences
GHK-Cu is studied for stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and for wound-repair pathways that depend on its copper. NAD+ acts as a cofactor for sirtuins, proteins involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism.
GHK-Cu is widely used as a topical skin-care ingredient and is not FDA-approved as an injectable product. Injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved treatment.
GHK-Cu's reported side effects are minimal, with possible injection site irritation; its reconstituted solution turns blue from the copper, which is normal. NAD+ is associated with flushing that typically passes within 15 to 30 minutes, and nausea.
What the research covers
GHK-Cu has human studies supporting topical use on skin, while injected use has been studied far less formally. NAD+ aging research is mostly in laboratory and animal models, with a small 2019 human pilot study of how infused NAD+ is processed.
Sources
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Pickart L et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018. Review
- The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Pickart L et al. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2008. Review
- 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 GHK-Cu and NAD+?
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide studied for collagen, wound healing and skin. NAD+ is a coenzyme that acts as a cofactor for sirtuins in DNA repair and energy metabolism.
Is GHK-Cu or NAD+ FDA-approved?
Neither is FDA-approved as an injectable treatment. GHK-Cu is widely used in topical skin care.
Which has more human research, GHK-Cu or NAD+?
GHK-Cu has human studies of topical use on skin. Human research on directly administered NAD+ is small, including a 2019 pilot study.
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide. GHK-Cu is a peptide bound to a copper ion.
Both entries, plus the calculator
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