NAD+

Overview

NAD+ is a coenzyme every cell uses in energy metabolism and repair pathways, and blood NAD+ tends to fall with age, which is the rationale behind the anti-aging and energy claims made for it. It is worth being clear up front that NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide, and it appears here only as an adjacent research compound.

The most important distinction is between injected NAD+ and oral NAD+ precursors. Rigorous human data mostly concern oral precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which raise blood NAD+ and are generally well tolerated. Evidence for injected or subcutaneous NAD+ itself is limited to small pilot studies, and a 2026 systematic review found no outcome trials of intravenous or intramuscular NAD+ for aging or wellness. It is not an FDA-approved therapy.

Dosing

There is no standardized or clinically validated dose for injected NAD+. One pilot infused about 750 mg IV over 6 hours to study pharmacokinetics, and clinic-marketed drip ranges vary widely without validation.

Side effects

During faster IV infusion, small pilots and anecdotal reports describe flushing, nausea, abdominal cramping, increased heart rate, and chest pressure, which tend to resolve when the infusion ends. Slower infusion is used to limit these.

Storage

Handling guidance for injectable NAD+ is not well standardized. As a general practice, keep unmixed product refrigerated and away from light, and follow supplier instructions once reconstituted. See the full storage & safety guide for handling and disposal basics.