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. Subcutaneous administration is studied as delivering substantially higher bioavailability, meaning more of the compound reaches active circulation, than oral supplements.
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. Because NAD+ is normally produced by the body from dietary precursors, subcutaneous delivery is studied primarily as a way of raising circulating levels more directly than oral intake allows.
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. Human studies have shown improvements in metabolic markers and mitochondrial function associated with NAD+ supplementation. Because NAD+ is a coenzyme the body already produces rather than a synthetic hormone analog, research on it often frames supplementation as restoring a natural level rather than introducing a new substance.
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.
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?
A growing body of research links NAD+ to aging, with human studies showing improved metabolic markers and mitochondrial function.
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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