NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every cell, essential for mitochondrial ATP production via electron transport, DNA repair via PARP enzymes, and sirtuin deacetylase activation. Levels decline approximately 50% between age 20 and 60. Restored through IV therapy or oral precursors NMN and NR. A primary target in longevity and metabolic health research.

What is the recommended dose of NAD+?

The typical research dose of NAD+ is 250-1,000 mg (IV), administered 2-3x weekly (IV therapy); daily (oral precursors) via IV / IM / Oral (as precursors NMN, NR). Use the ASCEND calculator for exact syringe draw volumes based on your vial size.

How is NAD+ administered?

NAD+ is typically administered IV / IM / Oral (as precursors NMN, NR), 2-3x weekly (IV therapy); daily (oral precursors), in research cycles of 4 weeks IV series; ongoing oral. Approximate half-life: Very short (direct IV); precursors have hours-long kinetics.

What is the research status of NAD+?

NAD+ is at the Preclinical / Early Phase I stage of research. FDA status: Not Approved (drug use). WADA status: Not Listed.

NAD+: Mechanism, Dosing & Research Data

Storage Stability

Lyophilized

1-2 years (-20°C)

Reconstituted

N/A (oral)

Room temp

Stable (dry)

Mechanism of Action

Mitochondrial Energy Production

NAD+ accepts electrons from the citric acid cycle intermediates (NADH form), then donates them to Complex I of the electron transport chain. Without NAD+, mitochondria cannot efficiently produce ATP.

Sirtuin Activation

NAD+ is the obligate substrate for sirtuin deacetylases (SIRT1-7). Sirtuins regulate mitochondrial biogenesis (SIRT1 via PGC-1α), DNA repair (SIRT6), and metabolic homeostasis. Low NAD+ → low sirtuin activity → accelerated aging phenotypes.

PARP-Mediated DNA Repair

PARP enzymes consume NAD+ to add poly-ADP-ribose chains to DNA strand breaks, recruiting repair machinery. DNA damage (from oxidative stress, UV) depletes NAD+, a vicious cycle in aging cells.

CD38 Competition

CD38 (a major NAD+ consumer) increases with age and inflammation. CD38 competition is a key reason NAD+ declines with age beyond reduced biosynthesis.

Research Summary

Preclinical Longevity

NMN and NR supplementation in aged mice restores NAD+ levels, improves muscle function, reverses metabolic decline, and extends healthy lifespan in multiple studies.

IV NAD+ in Addiction Recovery

Off-label IV NAD+ (high-dose infusions 500-1,500 mg over 4-6 hours) is used in addiction clinics for withdrawal support, reporting improvements in energy, cognitive clarity, and craving reduction.

Human Phase I/II (NMN/NR)

Oral NMN (500 mg/day) and NR (300-1,000 mg/day) safely raise blood NAD+ levels in humans in multiple small RCTs. Functional outcomes in published trials are modest but consistent with NAD+ elevation.

Parkinson's & Neurodegeneration

Preclinical and small pilot data suggests NAD+ precursors may slow neurodegeneration through SIRT3/SIRT1 mitochondrial protection in dopaminergic neurons.

Research Protocols

IV Protocol

250-1,000 mg NAD+ in 500 mL saline infused over 2-4 hours. Faster infusion rate causes flushing, chest tightness, and GI discomfort. Must be given slowly. 3-5 days consecutively for "loading" series.

IM Protocol (Research Clinics)

100-500 mg IM daily for 10 days. Faster than IV but no rate control. Calculate draw volume carefully.

Oral Precursors

NMN 500 mg/day or NR 500 mg/day orally. Sublingual NMN may improve bioavailability. Take in the morning with food.

Storage & Handling

Lyophilized NAD+ powder: store at -20°C. Highly hygroscopic, keep sealed and dry. Reconstitute with sterile saline for IV. Use immediately after reconstitution. Do not store reconstituted solution. For IM use: reconstitute with sterile water or saline.

References

[1]Yoshino J, et al. "NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease." Trends Cell Biol, 2018.
[2]Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. "Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules." Cell Metab, 2018.
[3]Trammell SA, et al. "Nicotinamide riboside raises NAD+ in humans." Nat Commun, 2016.

Ready to dose NAD+?

Get the exact syringe draw

You have read the research. Now run the math. Pick your vial size and BAC water volume, get IU draw in seconds.

Open the Calculator →

How much BAC water for NAD+? Exact mixing guide →

Browse all peptides in the peptide library →

Evidence	C · Phase 1
Mol. weight	663.4 Da
Half-life	Very short (direct IV); precursors have hours-long kinetics
Peak time	,
Route(s)	IV / IM / Oral (as precursors NMN, NR)
Typical dose	250-1,000 mg (IV)
Frequency	2-3x weekly (IV therapy); daily (oral precursors)
Cycle	4 weeks IV series; ongoing oral
Storage	-20°C (freeze); room temp if dry powder
WADA	Not Listed Not on WADA prohibited list; no performance advantage classification
FDA	Not Approved (drug use) Not FDA-approved as a drug; IV NAD+ is off-label; NMN and NR are marketed as dietary supplements under DSHEA
Research	Preclinical / Early Phase I

NAD+