What is NAD+?
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body. It plays a critical role in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and regulating circadian rhythms. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which has made it a focus of longevity and anti-aging research.
Unlike precursor supplements (NMN, NR), injectable NAD+ delivers the molecule directly, bypassing digestive breakdown and allowing for rapid cellular uptake. Research applications include metabolic function, cognitive health, and cellular aging studies.
The 1000mg (1g) vial offers the best value for experienced researchers running extended protocols or higher-dose applications.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peptide Amount | 1000mg (1g) |
| Recommended BAC Water | 10mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 100mg/mL |
| Typical Research Dose | 100-500mg |
| Frequency | 1-3x per week |
| Administration | SubQ, IM, or slow IV push |
Reconstitution Guide
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean vial stoppers — Wipe with alcohol swabs
- Draw 10mL BAC water — Using sterile syringe (may need to add in portions)
- Add to peptide vial — Inject slowly down the wall
- Dissolve — Gently swirl until fully dissolved (3-5 minutes)
- Label and refrigerate — Store immediately at 2-8°C
Alternative Reconstitution
For higher concentration:
- 5mL BAC water = 200mg/mL (2mg per unit)
- Useful for reducing injection volume on higher doses
Concentration Calculations
With 1000mg in 10mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 100mg/mL (100,000mcg/mL)
- Per unit (U-100): 1mg per unit
With 1000mg in 5mL BAC water:
- Concentration: 200mg/mL
- Per unit (U-100): 2mg per unit
Dosage Protocol
Common Dose Calculations (100mg/mL)
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 1.00mL | 100 units (1mL syringe) |
| 150mg | 1.50mL | Use 3mL syringe |
| 200mg | 2.00mL | Use 3mL syringe |
| 250mg | 2.50mL | Use 3mL syringe |
| 500mg | 5.00mL | Use 5mL syringe |
Common Dose Calculations (200mg/mL)
| Desired Dose | Draw Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 0.50mL | 50 units |
| 200mg | 1.00mL | 100 units (1mL syringe) |
| 300mg | 1.50mL | Use 3mL syringe |
| 400mg | 2.00mL | Use 3mL syringe |
| 500mg | 2.50mL | Use 3mL syringe |
Doses Per Vial
| Dose Amount | Total Doses (10mL) |
|---|---|
| 100mg | 10 doses |
| 200mg | 5 doses |
| 250mg | 4 doses |
| 500mg | 2 doses |
Suggested Protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading Phase | 250-500mg | Daily for 3-5 days | Initial |
| High-Dose Maintenance | 250-500mg | 2-3x weekly | Ongoing |
| Standard Maintenance | 100-200mg | 2-3x weekly | Ongoing |
| Weekly Intensive | 500mg | 1x weekly | Ongoing |
Note: The 1000mg vial is ideal for loading phases and higher-dose protocols.
Administration Methods
Subcutaneous Injection
Most common for self-administration research:
- Clean injection site with alcohol
- Pinch skin at abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm
- Inject at 45-90° angle
- Inject very slowly — NAD+ can cause temporary stinging
- Rotate injection sites
- For volumes >1mL, consider splitting between two sites
Intramuscular Injection
- Deltoid or gluteal muscle
- Inject slowly over 1-2 minutes
- Better for larger volumes (2-5mL)
- Faster absorption than SubQ
Slow IV Push (Research/Clinical Setting)
- Requires proper training and sterile technique
- Administered very slowly (45-60+ minutes for higher doses)
- 500mg IV typically given over 2-3 hours
- May cause flushing, warmth, or nausea if pushed too fast
Drip Rate Guidelines (IV)
| Dose | Minimum Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 15-20 min | Can push slightly faster |
| 250mg | 30-45 min | Moderate pace |
| 500mg | 2-3 hours | Very slow, monitor for reactions |
| 1000mg | 4-6 hours | Clinical setting only |
What to Expect
During Administration
NAD+ injections may cause:
- Temporary stinging/burning at injection site (SubQ)
- Flushing or warmth sensation
- Chest tightness (if IV is too fast — slow down immediately)
- Abdominal cramping (rare, slow down)
- Nausea (rare, usually speed related)
These effects are typically mild and resolve within minutes. Injecting slowly is critical.
Research Observations
- Energy: Significant increase in cellular energy (ATP production)
- Cognition: Improved mental clarity and focus reported
- Recovery: Enhanced physical and exercise recovery
- Sleep: Better sleep quality in many studies
- Mood: Improved sense of wellbeing
Timeline of Effects
| Timeframe | Typical Observations |
|---|---|
| Immediate | Flushing, warmth (if any) |
| 30-60 min | Increased alertness/energy |
| 1-6 hours | Peak effects |
| Days-Weeks | Cumulative benefits with regular dosing |
Storage Requirements
| Form | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized (powder) | -20°C | 2+ years |
| Lyophilized (powder) | 2-8°C | 6-12 months |
| Reconstituted | 2-8°C | 2-3 weeks |
Important:
- NAD+ is light-sensitive — store in original amber vial or wrap in foil
- Keep away from direct light
- Do not freeze reconstituted solution
Research Considerations
Mechanism of Action
- Sirtuin Activation — NAD+ is essential for sirtuin enzyme function (SIRT1-7)
- PARP Support — DNA repair enzyme activation
- Mitochondrial Function — ATP production and cellular energy
- Circadian Rhythm — Clock gene regulation
- CD38 Interaction — NAD+ consumption by CD38 increases with age
Research Applications
- Cellular aging and senescence
- Metabolic dysfunction and obesity research
- Neurodegenerative disease models
- Mitochondrial dysfunction studies
- Addiction recovery research (NAD+ therapy)
- Athletic performance and recovery
- Chronic fatigue research
Synergistic Compounds
NAD+ is often researched alongside:
- Resveratrol — Sirtuin activator
- Quercetin — Senolytic, may inhibit CD38
- Fisetin — Senolytic compound
- TMG (Trimethylglycine) — Methyl donor support
- Apigenin — CD38 inhibitor (preserves NAD+)
Cost Efficiency: 500mg vs 1000mg
| Vial Size | Doses (at 200mg) | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 500mg | 2.5 doses | Standard |
| 1000mg | 5 doses | Better value per mg |
The 1000mg vial typically offers 15-25% savings per mg compared to the 500mg size, making it the preferred choice for ongoing research protocols.
NAD+ vs. Precursors
| Form | Bioavailability | Administration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAD+ Injectable | Direct/Immediate | Injection | Rapid, precise dosing |
| NMN | Converted to NAD+ | Oral | Daily maintenance |
| NR | Converted to NAD+ | Oral | Daily maintenance |
| Niacin | Converted to NAD+ | Oral | Budget option |
Injectable NAD+ bypasses the conversion steps required by oral precursors, providing direct cellular delivery at precise doses.
Sourcing for Research
Source from verified suppliers that provide third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COA) for each batch. Compare purity documentation, shipping conditions, and batch traceability before purchasing research materials.