Aging & longevity
NAD+, simplified.
Also called Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (not a peptide)
Human studiesA molecule every cell uses to make energy and repair DNA. Levels drop with age, which made it a centerpiece of longevity research. It is not a peptide.
- Size
- Coenzyme, not a peptide
- How it is taken
- Injection or IV
- Status
- Supplement and clinic infusion
- Available sizes
- Vials: 500 mg, 1,000 mg
What is it?
NAD+ shuttles energy inside your cells and fuels repair enzymes. Most research uses pills of its building blocks (NR or NMN). Injecting NAD+ directly is newer and less studied.
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What studies show
- In peopleOral building blocks reliably raise NAD+ levels in the blood of people.
- In peopleEffects on how people actually feel or function have been small or mixed so far.
- In animalsRaising NAD+ improved several markers of aging in mice.
What we don’t know yet
- Whether injected NAD+ has benefits beyond pills.
- Long-term effects of raising NAD+.
Side effects and cautions
- Fast injections or IVs often cause flushing, chest tightness, nausea and cramping.
Is it legal?
Not an approved drug. Sold as a supplement and given in wellness clinics.
Dosage & schedule evidence
How to read published schedules
Third-party protocols are not established clinical dosing standards. Safe human dose, frequency, and duration may be unknown.
| Measurement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 mg | 1,000 mcg (mass) |
| 100 U-100 units | 1 mL (volume, not dose) |
See third-party published protocols ↗ for research context. North Star does not validate these schedules.
Consult your doctor before considering any peptide for personal use. Educational only, not administration guidance.
Common questions
What is NAD+?
A molecule every cell uses to make energy and repair DNA. Levels drop with age, which made it a centerpiece of longevity research. It is not a peptide. NAD+ shuttles energy inside your cells and fuels repair enzymes. Most research uses pills of its building blocks (NR or NMN). Injecting NAD+ directly is newer and less studied.
What does the research say about NAD+?
Oral building blocks reliably raise NAD+ levels in the blood of people. Effects on how people actually feel or function have been small or mixed so far. Raising NAD+ improved several markers of aging in mice.
Is NAD+ FDA approved?
Not an approved drug. Sold as a supplement and given in wellness clinics.
What are the side effects of NAD+?
Fast injections or IVs often cause flushing, chest tightness, nausea and cramping.
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This page explains published research in plain language. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything, and it does not give dosing. Most peptides here are not FDA-approved, and products sold online vary widely in purity. Rules around peptides are changing, so check the current status and talk with a licensed clinician before starting anything. Last reviewed 2026-10-19.