Anti-Aging & Longevity
NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide · cellular cofactor
What it is
NAD+ is technically not a peptide but a coenzyme present in every cell of your body — it's used so heavily in the same protocol space that it's grouped with peptides in nearly every reference. NAD+ levels drop ~50% by middle age, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic slowdown.
How it works
NAD+ powers two critical cellular functions: (1) energy production in the electron transport chain (you literally can't make ATP without it); (2) DNA repair and longevity signaling via sirtuins and PARP enzymes. Restoring NAD+ levels reverses several markers of cellular aging.
Benefits
- Increased cellular energy and ATP
- Better mental clarity and focus
- Improved exercise capacity and recovery
- DNA repair support
- Sirtuin activation (longevity pathways)
- Metabolic flexibility
- Anti-aging effects on mitochondria
Timeline
- Day 1–3
- Often-immediate energy and clarity boost.
- Week 2–4
- Sustained energy improvements; better recovery.
- Month 2–3
- Cumulative effects on metabolism and resilience.
Dosing & titration
SubQ dose50–200 mg, 1–3x per week
IV dose250–1000 mg per infusion (clinic-only, brutal experience at high doses)
Oral precursorsNMN or NR, 250–1000 mg daily (gentler)
When to titrate upSubQ is more practical than IV. Start at 50 mg and increase based on tolerance — high doses cause flushing and chest discomfort.
Side effects & risks
- Flushing, chest tightness during/after IV (transient but uncomfortable)
- Nausea at high IV doses
- Mild injection site reactions (subQ)
- Generally very well tolerated
SubQ is more comfortable than IV for most users. NMN/NR oral supplements are gentler but produce smaller increases.
Typical price
$100–$300/mo subQ · $300–$600 per IVSubQ vials from compounding pharmacy. Clinic IV infusions per session.
Studies
- Rajman L et al. Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence — Comprehensive review. PubMedCell Metabolism, 2018
- Yoshino J et al. NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR — Mechanism review. PubMedCell Metabolism, 2018
- Search PubMed for NAD+ longevity — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.