NAD+Also known as: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD

Mechanism of Action

NAD+ acts as an essential coenzyme in redox reactions, serving as an electron carrier in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production. It is a critical substrate for enzymes like sirtuins and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), which regulate DNA repair, gene expression, and cell stress responses. By modulating these enzymatic pathways, NAD+ influences cellular metabolism, energy homeostasis, and longevity mechanisms.

Reported Research Benefits

NAD+ is commonly used in preclinical studies investigating mitochondrial function, DNA repair, neuroprotection, metabolic disorders, and anti-aging interventions. Researchers study its effects on energy production, cognitive performance, oxidative stress reduction, and cellular regeneration.

Dosing Protocol & Reconstitution

Supplied as a lyophilized powder typically in 500 mg or 1000 mg vials. For laboratory research, NAD+ is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water and administered subcutaneously or intravenously in controlled experimental settings. Storage post-reconstitution is at 2–8°C with stability up to 60 days.

Research Notes

NAD+ supplementation in vitro and in vivo models has demonstrated improved mitochondrial bioenergetics, enhanced DNA repair capacity, activation of sirtuin pathways, reduced oxidative damage, and neuroprotective effects. Its half-life varies by administration route and biological context, often necessitating repeated dosing in experimental designs.

Research Summary

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme central to cellular metabolism, energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation. Levels decline ~50% by age 50. Supplementation via IV or subcutaneous routes more directly raises tissue NAD+ than oral precursors. Clinical studies demonstrate improvements in energy, cognitive function, metabolic health, and inflammatory markers.

Side Effects & Safety

IV administration may cause flushing, nausea, and transient chest tightness if infused too rapidly. Generally well-tolerated at research doses. Theoretical concern about stimulating NAD+-dependent DNA repair pathways in cancer cells, though evidence is limited.

Stability & Storage

Refer to research notes

Molecular Data

Molecular Formula: C21H27N7O14P2
Molecular Weight: 663.43 g/mol
CAS Number: 53-84-9
IUPAC Name: (+)-1-[(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(6-Amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-3-(5-phosphonooxy-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl)oxy-5-(phosphonooxy)pentyl dihydrogen phosphate

Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=NAD+supplementation+aging+sirtuins