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This is plain-language harm-reduction information, not medical advice. Peptides discussed here are research compounds; most are not approved for human use. People will use them either way — we would rather they have the facts.
What it is
NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every cell. It is essential for converting food into energy and for repairing DNA damage. Its levels drop substantially with age.
Direct NAD+ injection or IV infusion is one way to raise levels. Cheaper alternatives are oral precursors (NMN, NR) which the body converts to NAD+.
History
NAD+ itself was discovered in 1906; modern interest in supplementing it dates to David Sinclair's lab work in the 2000s.
How it works
Acts as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial energy production cycle and a substrate for sirtuins (longevity-associated repair enzymes) and PARPs (DNA repair enzymes).
Dosage
- Subcutaneous: 50–100 mg daily.
- IV infusion: 250–750 mg per session, often weekly or in 5–10 day intensive blocks.
How it is taken
- Subcutaneous belly injection (least painful but slowest).
- IM injection (faster onset, more burn).
- IV infusion (clinic only, fastest and most expensive).
How to reconstitute
- 100 mg vial with 2 ml BAC water = 50 mg/ml. 50 mg = 20 units on a 1 ml insulin syringe.
How it should arrive
White powder, sealed vial. Light protection important.
How it should look once reconstituted
Clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution.
What to expect, and when
- Subjective energy: 1–3 weeks.
- Sleep and skin: 4–8 weeks.
- Longevity-style outcomes: not assessable in practical timeframes.
Side effects
- Injection-site burn (notable with IM and IV).
- Flushing.
- Chest tightness during fast IV infusion — clinics slow the drip when this happens.
- Headache.
Risks
- Limited long-term human data.
- Cost is high relative to oral precursors that may achieve similar intracellular NAD+ levels.
Potential gains
- Subjective increase in energy and mental clarity.
- Improved sleep in some users.
- Cellular repair / longevity claims are mechanistically plausible but unproven at human-lifespan scale.
Other useful information
NMN or NR oral supplementation is cheaper and easier and likely raises intracellular NAD+ similarly for most people. Direct NAD+ injection is a stronger but more expensive option.
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