NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Coenzyme central to mitochondrial energy and DNA repair

FDA Status

Not a peptide · cofactor · Available as IV/SC research-grade

Class

Pyridine nucleotide cofactor (not a true peptide)

Sequence

Nicotinamide-Ribose-PO4-PO4-Ribose-Adenine

Half-life

Tissue-dependent · ~6-8 hours plasma

Mechanism of action

• Sirtuin (SIRT1-7) activation — NAD+ dependent deacetylases
• PARP activity for DNA damage repair
• Mitochondrial respiratory chain electron transport
• CD38 substrate (consumes NAD+ with age)

Research areas

• Cellular aging and mitochondrial dysfunction
• Metabolic disease
• Neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson, Alzheimer)
• Substance withdrawal protocols (controversial)

Evidence and clinical data

NAD+ biology is well-established. NAD precursors (NMN, NR) have human safety/PK data. Direct NAD+ infusion effects less rigorously studied.

Safety profile

IV NAD+ infusions are generally tolerated but can cause flushing, nausea, chest pressure. Subcutaneous and oral precursors are better tolerated.