NAD+ is a fundamental coenzyme present in all living cells that serves as a critical electron carrier in metabolic reactions and a substrate for enzymes including sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38. NAD+ levels decline approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60. While not a peptide, NAD+ and its precursors (NMN, NR) are frequently discussed in peptide communities. IV NAD+ infusions are popular at anti-aging clinics, though large-scale human efficacy trials are limited.
Category: Anti-Aging / Telomere. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: NAD+ IV: used clinically at anti-aging and addiction clinics; no FDA approval. NMN: Phase I/II human trials completed (Yoshino et al., Science 2021). NR: multiple human trials completed.
Functions as: (1) an electron carrier in glycolysis, TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation; (2) a substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), which regulate gene expression, DNA repair, and metabolism; (3) a substrate for PARPs, which repair DNA damage; (4) a substrate for CD38/CD157, involved in calcium…
Safety considerations: IV NAD+: commonly causes flushing, nausea, chest tightness, abdominal cramping during infusion — dose-rate dependent; Rare tachycardia and blood pressure changes during IV infusion; Oral NMN and NR are generally well-tolerated at doses up to 1200mg/day.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-07-05.
Related peptides: Epithalon.
Compare: NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) vs Epithalon.
While NAD+ is a coenzyme (not a peptide), it targets many of the same aging and metabolic pathways. Many peptide vendors also sell NAD+ and its precursors.
Each has different pharmacokinetics. IV provides immediate but transient elevation. Oral NMN and NR raise intracellular NAD+ through the salvage pathway with slower onset but potentially more sustained effects. No head-to-head trial has compared clinical outcomes.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme critical for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and longevity pathways. Injectable forms are available from peptide vendors, bypassing oral bioavailability limitations.
NAD+ has been studied for: Cellular energy production, DNA repair support, Anti-aging potential, Metabolic regulation. Not a peptide; coenzyme. Available in 500mg and 1000mg injectable formulations from peptide vendors.
Essential coenzyme for mitochondrial function, sirtuin activation, and PARP-mediated DNA repair. Levels decline significantly with age.