NAD+
N-A-D plus
A coenzyme in every cell that powers your mitochondria — levels drop with age, and restoring them supports energy and cellular repair.
Also known as: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD
Last reviewed: April 2026
What It Does
NAD+ is the battery charger for your cells. Every cell uses it to produce energy in the mitochondria and to activate sirtuins — proteins that repair DNA and regulate aging. Your NAD+ levels drop by roughly half by age 50. Supplementing it directly restores cellular energy production and turns on your body's repair systems.
Why People Take It
How It's Administered
Subcutaneous Injection
Small injection into belly fat
Frequency
3–5 times per week
Pain Level
●○○ Minimal
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
50mg – 200mg
Iv Infusion
IV drip in clinic for higher doses
Frequency
Weekly or biweekly
Pain Level
●○○ Minimal
Self-Administered
Clinic only
Typical Range
250mg – 500mg
Topical
Cream for skin benefits
Frequency
Daily
Pain Level
○○○ None
Self-Administered
Yes — at home
Typical Range
Varies
What To Expect
Day 1
Some report immediate mental clarity after IV infusion.
Week 2–4
Improved energy, better exercise recovery.
Month 2+
Sustained cognitive and energy benefits. Skin improvements with topical use.
Side Effects
Overall: Mild
Common (1–10%)
Flushing/warmth
Warm sensation during or after injection. Temporary.
Injection site discomfort
NAD+ can sting during injection. Slow injection helps.
Uncommon (0.1–1%)
Nausea
Occasionally with higher IV doses.
Who Should NOT Take This
• Active cancer (NAD+ may fuel rapidly dividing cells — discuss with oncologist)
Drug Interactions
• Generally very few due to natural occurrence in body
Pregnancy: Limited pregnancy safety data. Consult provider before use.
Clinical Details
Show Clinical Details (for healthcare professionals)Hide Clinical Details▼
Half-Life
~30–45 minutes (plasma — rapidly taken up by cells via transporters)
Bioavailability
~100% (injectable), variable (oral precursors like NMN/NR are better absorbed than NAD+ itself)
Mechanism of Action
Essential cofactor for oxidative phosphorylation (Complex I) in mitochondria. Required substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARPs (DNA repair enzymes), and CD38. Declining NAD+ levels drive age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.
Published Research
NAD+ Metabolism and Its Roles in Cellular Processes (2020) ↗Compare With Similar Peptides
NAD+ powers cellular energy; glutathione provides antioxidant defense. Rapamycin triggers cleanup (autophagy). All three address different aspects of cellular aging.
Glutathione
Your body's most powerful antioxidant — protects cells from damage, supports detox, and enhances recovery.
Rapamycin
The most studied longevity compound — activates cellular cleanup by telling your cells to switch from 'growth mode' to 'maintenance mode.'
Frequently Asked Questions
An independent licensed telehealth network prescribes this compound, and a licensed provider in that network decides whether it is appropriate for you.
Explore the RECHARGE program →This is a compounded medication prescribed off-label. It has not been FDA-approved for the uses described. All prescribing decisions are made by your independent licensed provider.