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Metabolic cofactor

NAD+

Also known as Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

The cellular energy cofactor behind many longevity protocols.

Emerging evidence

Overview

NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body. It plays a central role in two critical processes: mitochondrial energy production and DNA repair. Levels of NAD+ decline with age, and that decline is associated with reduced cellular efficiency and resilience. The mechanism is foundational - NAD+ is not a signaling molecule that activates a specific receptor; it is a metabolic cofactor that mitochondria depend on to produce ATP, the cell's main energy currency. Restoring NAD+ levels is intended to support that underlying energy infrastructure. Primary goals are energy support and longevity, with cognition as a meaningful secondary aim. People drawn to NAD+ include those building broad longevity protocols, those experiencing age-related fatigue or cognitive fog, and those stacking it alongside other mitochondrial compounds. It is taken by subcutaneous injection or intravenously (IV). For subcutaneous use, the dose range is 50 to 100 mg. Frequency is several times per week, timed to the morning. Cycles can be ongoing or cyclical depending on the protocol. The main safety note is important: injecting too quickly causes flushing and chest tightness. The standard guidance is to go slow on injection rate. This applies particularly to IV administration. NAD+ stacks well with MOTS-c, SS-31, and 5-Amino-1MQ for broader mitochondrial and metabolic support. There are no contraindications based on pregnancy or cancer history. NAD+ is compounded by licensed pharmacies. Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at consult.

At a glance

Route
SC injection or IV
Dose
50-100 mg (SC)
Frequency
Several times per week
Timing
Morning (inject slowly)
Cycle
Ongoing or cyclical

Combining

Stacks well with: MOTS-c, SS-31, 5-Amino-1MQ

Safety

Fast dosing causes flushing/chest tightness; go slow.

Regulatory: Compounded.

Questions

What is NAD+ and why does it matter?

NAD+ is a coenzyme that every cell depends on for energy production and DNA repair. It declines with age, and that decline is linked to reduced cellular efficiency. Supplementing it aims to restore that baseline metabolic function.

How is NAD+ taken and what are the dose options?

It can be given by subcutaneous injection or IV. The SC dose range is 50 to 100 mg. Frequency is several times per week, typically in the morning. Exact dose and form are set at consult.

What is the main safety concern?

Injecting or infusing too quickly causes flushing and chest tightness. This is the most common side effect and is rate-dependent - not a sign of allergy. Going slowly on injection rate resolves it.

Who is NAD+ used for?

Primarily people focused on energy support and longevity. It is also used for cognition support and is frequently stacked into broader mitochondrial protocols alongside MOTS-c, SS-31, and 5-Amino-1MQ.

Is there a contraindication for people with cancer history?

No. NAD+ does not carry an exclusion flag for cancer history or pregnancy in the current data.

What does the evidence look like?

NAD+ is classified as emerging evidence. It is compounded by licensed pharmacies and is not FDA-approved as a drug, but it is widely used in clinical longevity and metabolic protocols.

Can it be used continuously?

Cycles can be ongoing or cyclical depending on the protocol. That structure is determined at consult based on your goals and response.

Related protocols

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Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network. This page is education, not a prescription.

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Education only, not medical advice. Peptides discussed are for informational purposes and many are not FDA-approved. Eligibility, prescribing, compounding, and dispensing are handled by appropriately licensed entities. Exact protocols and dosing are set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at consult. Content is pending clinical review.