NAD+
Also known as: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD
By GLPeptideSciences Editorial Team · How we evaluate evidence · Reviewed by Dr. George S. Watson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon · Updated 2026-06-02
A coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair, discussed in the longevity space — though injectable NAD+ itself is not technically a peptide.
What it is & how it works
What it is
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell, essential to energy production and DNA-repair enzymes. Strictly speaking it is not a peptide — it’s included here because it’s so often discussed alongside peptide longevity protocols.
How it is thought to work
NAD+ is a required cofactor for mitochondrial energy metabolism and for sirtuin and PARP enzymes involved in repair and stress response. NAD+ levels fall with age, which is the basis for interest in restoring it.
The evidence and the caveat
“NAD+ declines with age” is well established. “Therefore supplementing NAD+ slows aging in humans” is not — that leap is where the evidence becomes thin and debated. Much of the serious human research actually studies precursors rather than NAD+ itself.
What it's discussed & studied for
- Cellular energy metabolism
- Aging and healthspan discussion
- Recovery and cognitive discussion (anecdotal)
Discussion of a use is not a claim that it works or is approved.
Research status
NAD+ biology is well established; the claim that supplementing it meaningfully slows human aging is not. Much human work focuses on precursors (NR, NMN) rather than NAD+ itself.
Evidence quality
The underlying biochemistry is solid. The leap from 'NAD+ declines with age' to 'supplementing it produces clinical benefit' is where the evidence becomes thin and contested.
Dosing discussion
Often discussed as IV infusions or injections. No validated anti-aging dosing protocol is established; tolerability (especially infusion-rate effects) is a common topic.
Educational summary of what is discussed in the literature and community — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
Safety & harm reduction
Rapid IV administration is frequently reported as uncomfortable (flushing, chest tightness). Long-term safety of high-dose supplementation for aging purposes is not established.
Sourcing literacy
Pharmaceutical and compounded forms exist; research-market material is unverified. Note that NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide, despite being grouped with peptide protocols.
Selected literature
FAQ
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No — it's a coenzyme (a small molecule). It's included here because it's commonly discussed alongside peptide longevity protocols, not because it's chemically a peptide.
Does NAD+ reverse aging?
That's not established. NAD+ levels do decline with age, but evidence that supplementing it produces meaningful clinical anti-aging effects in humans is limited and contested.