NAD+
Also known as: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD, NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide — precursor), NR (nicotinamide riboside — precursor)
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme critical for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. Used for anti-aging and metabolic optimization.
Beginner Basics
Plain-English guide to NAD+
What it does
NAD+ is a molecule that helps your cells produce energy and repair damage. Researchers study it for potentially boosting energy levels, improving how your body uses fuel, and supporting recovery.
Typical dose
Researchers typically use 250-500 micrograms injected under the skin once or twice daily, starting at the lower dose to see how your body responds.
When to inject
Morning or right after exercise works best for energy benefits; some research protocols use evening timing to align with your body's natural rhythms.
Storage
Keep the dry powder in a cool, dark place until you mix it. Once mixed with sterile water, store in the refrigerator and use within the timeframe specified by your supplier.
First-timer tip
Start with the lowest dose (250 mcg) and wait several days before increasing-this lets you see how your body responds without jumping straight to a higher amount.
On This Page
Research Status
Research compound
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Typically resolve within 1-2 hours. Minimize by allowing solution to reach room temperature, using proper injection technique, and rotating sites. Apply ice if swelling persists.
May occur within 10-30 minutes of injection, particularly with higher doses. Self-resolving; no intervention required. More common with IV infusion than subcutaneous injection.
Reported in some users, particularly with initial doses. Usually resolves within 1-2 hours. Ensure adequate hydration and consider taking with food.
More common with oral NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) than subcutaneous injection. If persistent, take with food or reduce dose. Discontinue if severe.
NAD+ activates circadian pathways and may increase alertness. Dose in morning or early afternoon to avoid evening sleep disruption. Some users report improved sleep with morning dosing.
Preventable through rigorous site rotation. Rotate injection sites with each dose, leaving at least 1 inch between points. Maintain a detailed injection log. If lipodystrophy develops, discontinue injections at that site for 4-6 weeks.
May occur in first 1-2 weeks as cells adapt to increased NAD+ and metabolic activity. Typically resolves as tolerance develops. Ensure adequate sleep and hydration.
Discontinue immediately and seek medical attention if rash, hives, or difficulty breathing develop. May indicate hypersensitivity to the peptide or excipients. Do not re-administer.
Risk minimized by strict aseptic technique, proper site rotation, and skin cleaning. Seek medical attention if site becomes warm, red, swollen, or painful beyond 24 hours post-injection, or if systemic symptoms (fever, chills) develop.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 250-500 mcg |
Frequency, timing and route - members only | |
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline, use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2-8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 663.43 |
| Half-life | Approximately 0.5-1 hour (free NAD+ in plasma); NMN and NR precursors have longer half-lives (1-2 hours) and are more stable for supplementation |
NAD+ is a critical coenzyme that accepts and donates electrons in cellular redox reactions, powering ATP synthesis and energy metabolism. It serves as a substrate for NAD+-consuming enzymes including sirtuins (longevity regulators), PARPs (DNA repair), and CD38 (immune signaling), making it central to mitochondrial function, genomic stability, and cellular stress responses. Declining NAD+ levels with age contribute to metabolic dysfunction and cellular senescence; restoring NAD+ through precursor supplementation (NMN, NR) or direct infusion activates these pathways and may reverse age-related decline.
Track your NAD+ research
Free account. No credit card required.
Browse the Research Library
40+ peptide profiles with mechanism summaries, dosing data, and reconstitution guides.
View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. NAD+ is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.