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Cell ageing and metabolism Research use only

NAD+

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (a coenzyme, not a peptide)

A coenzyme found in every living cell, central to energy metabolism and DNA repair. It is not a peptide, but many peptide suppliers sell it, so we include it here.

Reviewed 26 October 2026 · Sources listed at the end of the page

Structure

NAD+ is not a peptide. It is a dinucleotide: two nucleotides, one with an adenine base and one with nicotinamide, joined through their phosphate groups. Formula C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂.

Evidence at a glance

Where the published research on NAD+ comes from, by type of study.

Many studies

Cell studies

Redox reactions, sirtuin and PARP enzyme activity, and mitochondrial function.

Many studies

Animal studies

Ageing and metabolic studies in mice, often using precursors such as NR and NMN.

Several trials

Human studies

Trials mostly test oral precursors (NR, NMN). Evidence for injected NAD+ is limited.

Worth knowing. Research grade, supplement grade and pharmaceutical grade are very different products. Check grade and purity on the COA.

Research areas

What laboratories have studied NAD+ for, and in which models. These are research questions, not proven uses.

Sirtuins and PARPs

Enzyme assays
  • Required substrate for sirtuin and PARP enzymes.
  • Used to study DNA repair and protein deacetylation.

Mitochondrial function

Isolated mitochondriaCell culture
  • Central electron carrier in glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation.

Ageing models

Aged mice
  • NAD+ levels fall with age in several tissues in mice.

Legal status

NAD+ is not an approved medicine anywhere we cover. Suppliers may sell it for laboratory research only, and regulators judge that by the whole website, not the label.

United States Varies by form

Not an approved drug for injection. Oral precursors are sold as dietary supplements under separate rules.

United Kingdom Varies by form

Not a licensed medicine. Food supplement rules apply to some oral forms.

European Union Varies by form

Not an authorised medicine. Novel food rules apply to some precursors.

Sport Not listed

Not named on the WADA Prohibited List. Check rules on infusion volume.

Lab handling

General good practice for research materials. Follow the supplier's datasheet where it differs.

Storage

Keep the sealed material at −20 °C, dry and away from light. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to stop condensation.

Solubility

Freely soluble in water; protect solutions from light and heat. Add solvent down the vial wall and swirl gently rather than shaking.

Aliquots

Split solutions into single-use aliquots, label with lot number and date, and freeze. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Work out your stock solution

Stock concentration, molarity and dilutions for NAD+, using MW 663.43 g/mol.

Open the lab calculator

Before you buy for your lab

Tick each check as you confirm it with the supplier. Do not order until all six are done.

0 of 6
RecommendedPasses all six checks and sells no GLP-1 research compounds.
CautionResearch-only product pages and COAs, but sells GLP-1 compounds or lab accessories such as syringes and pens, or makes claims we do not endorse. The reason is shown next to every Caution link.
AvoidDosing or human-use claims, or an FDA warning letter. Never linked.
Supplier comparison for NAD+ is in progress. Labels follow our editorial policy. Until listings go live, run any supplier through the vendor check. All products from any supplier are for laboratory research use only.

Questions researchers ask

What is NAD+?

A coenzyme found in every living cell, central to energy metabolism and DNA repair. It is not a peptide, but many peptide suppliers sell it, so we include it here.

What is the molecular weight of NAD+?

About 663.43 g/mol. Use the figure on your batch certificate of analysis.

Is NAD+ approved for human use?

No. Not an approved drug for injection. Oral precursors are sold as dietary supplements under separate rules.

How should NAD+ be stored in the lab?

Keep the sealed material cold, dry and away from light, typically at −20 °C. Once in solution, split it into single-use aliquots and freeze to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Does this page give doses?

No. We publish laboratory and educational information only, never doses, injection guidance or treatment advice.

Is NAD+ a peptide?

No. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme made of two nucleotides. It is listed here because it is often sold alongside research peptides.

NAD+ vs NADH: what is the difference?

NAD+ is the oxidised form and NADH the reduced form of the same coenzyme. Together they carry electrons in cellular metabolism.

NAD+ vs NMN: what is the difference?

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a precursor that cells convert into NAD+. NAD+ is the active coenzyme itself.

Is NAD+ legal?

Oral precursors such as NR are sold as dietary supplements in the US. Injectable NAD+ is not an FDA-approved drug. In the UK and EU, status depends on the form and the claims made.

Is NAD+ banned by WADA?

NAD+ is not named on the WADA Prohibited List, but WADA limits intravenous infusions and injections above 100 mL per 12 hours.

Sources

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