What it is
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an essential coenzyme that supports cellular energy production and mitochondrial function. It powers redox metabolism, sirtuin and PARP signalling, and DNA repair processes. Tissue NAD+ levels decline with age — supplementation strategies aim to restore baseline and support energy, focus, and cellular resilience.
Mechanism of action
NAD+/NADH redox couple is central to glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. NAD+ is a substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1–7), PARPs, and CD38, linking it to chromatin regulation, DNA damage response, and circadian / metabolic biology.
Half-life: Not established for administered NAD+: the one human IV study calculated no half-life and saw plasma NAD+ rise only after two hours (Grant 2019). The oral precursor nicotinamide riboside has a human half-life of ~2.7 hours (Airhart 2017).
Evidence summary
Strong preclinical case for NAD+ supplementation in aging, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disease. Human precursor trials show modest but real biomarker improvements; large outcome trials are still emerging.
Pantheon dosing guide
- Application
- Subcutaneous Injection.
- BAC Water
- 4 mL.
- Dose
- 40 units (50 mg).
- Frequency & Cycle Length
- Once every 3rd day. 4 weeks.
- Timing
- Take in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.
- Key Benefits
- NAD+ is an essential coenzyme that supports cellular energy production and mitochondrial function to promote vitality, recovery, and healthy aging.
Additional research protocol context
The printed guide above is Pantheon's dosing reference. These broader research examples are provided as context and may use different schedules.
- Subcutaneous: 50–250 mg daily, titrate to flush tolerance
- IV: 250–1,000 mg infused over 2–4 hours, weekly to monthly
- Pair with NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) and exercise
Side effects & safety
- Flushing, chest pressure, nausea on rapid IV infusion — slow the rate
- Mild fatigue or vivid dreams reported anecdotally
- Methyl-donor depletion concern with chronic high doses — pair with B-vitamins
Cited studies
- Airhart SE, Shireman LM, Risler LJ, et al. (2017). An open-label, non-randomized study of the pharmacokinetics of the nutritional supplement nicotinamide riboside (NR) and its effects on blood NAD+ levels in healthy volunteers. PLOS ONE.Read source ↗
- Grant R, Berg J, Mestayer R, et al. (2019). A pilot study investigating changes in the human plasma and urine NAD+ metabolome during a 6 hour intravenous infusion of NAD+. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.Read source ↗
- (2019). NAD+ in Aging and Disease. Cell.Read source ↗
- (2018). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science.Read source ↗
- (2022). NAD+ precursor supplementation in human ageing. GeroScience.Read source ↗
- (2020). The therapeutic perspective of NAD+ precursors in age-related diseases. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.Read source ↗
All content is for research and educational purposes. Peptides described are sold for laboratory research use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any protocol.
