NAD+
Also known as Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell, central to energy metabolism and to enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs. It is not a peptide. There is no FDA-approved injectable NAD+ drug.
By [Author name]. Licensed pharmacist review: pending. Last updated .
Identity
- Type
- Dinucleotide coenzyme (not a peptide)
- Molecular formula
- C21H27N7O14P2 (PubChem)
- Molar mass
- about 663 g/mol
- Related precursors
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), niacin
What the research covers
NAD+ levels decline with age in several tissues in animal studies, which drives research interest in raising them, mostly through oral precursors such as NR and NMN.
Reviews (for example Covarrubias et al., Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2021) summarize NAD+ metabolism and the open questions. Controlled human data on injected NAD+ itself are sparse.
Summaries describe what studies measured, not what a substance does for anyone. Nothing here is a claim of benefit or a basis for use.
Regulatory status
- No FDA-approved injectable NAD+ product exists.
- NAD+ appears in some dietary supplements in oral form. Injectable NAD+ offered by clinics is typically prepared by compounding pharmacies under their own rules. Research-grade vials are labeled not for human use.
Anti-doping (WADA)
Not on the WADA Prohibited List. WADA does limit intravenous infusions and injections above 100 mL per 12 hours regardless of substance.
Follow changes on the FDA peptide status tracker.
NAD+ questions
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. It is a dinucleotide coenzyme. It is grouped with peptides because the same sellers carry it in the same vial format.