Prof. PeptideProf. Peptide

NAD+

LongevityResearch-Grade

Last reviewed: September 20, 2026

Quick Facts

What it is
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — a coenzyme in every living cell, central to energy metabolism, DNA repair, and sirtuin activity. A small-molecule cofactor (not a peptide), studied for longevity, energy, and cellular repair.
How it's taken
Subcutaneous injection or IV infusion (clinical); oral precursors (NMN, NR) also used
Half-life
Short plasma half-life; cellular NAD+ pools persist via downstream conversion
Typical research dose
SC 50–100 mg once or twice weekly; IV 250–1000 mg; oral precursors (NMN/NR) 250–1000 mg daily
Research status
Not FDA-approved as injectable therapy; oral precursors (NMN/NR) sold as supplements. Not WADA-prohibited.
On this page
  1. 1.Where to source NAD+
  2. 2.What is NAD+?
  3. 3.How does NAD+ work?
  4. 4.What is NAD+ used for?
  5. 5.How long does NAD+ take to work?
  6. 6.How is NAD+ dosed?
  7. 7.How is NAD+ administered?
  8. 8.What does NAD+ stack well with?
  9. 9.What are the side effects of NAD+?
  10. 10.Does NAD+ interact with other drugs?
  11. 11.How should NAD+ be stored?
  12. 12.What are the limitations of NAD+ research?
  13. 13.NAD+ FAQ
  14. 14.References
  15. 15.Published Studies

Where to source NAD+

Subcutaneous and oral research-grade NAD+ is sold by specialty peptide and longevity vendors. IV infusion is offered in functional medicine clinics. Quality varies — verify Certificate of Analysis. The vendors highlighted below have been vetted for transparent third-party testing, traceable batch documentation, and verified discount codes.

Capstone Peptides50% off
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Accumark Labs · digital COAs

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Amino Club40% off

ILS Laboratories · batch COAs

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Peptide Partners10% off
Professor's Pick

Kovera, Chromate and BioRegen · certificates checked at each lab

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Glacier Aminos10% off

Batch-traceable COAs · cold-chain shipping

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Also stocking NAD+

Midwest Peptide, Modern Aminos, Mytide Lab, NovaForge Labs — each carries a current price row for this compound.

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See all 88 verified vendors · Compare every vendor's NAD+ price

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, also written NADH in its reduced form and historically called Coenzyme 1) is a coenzyme present in every cell of every living organism. It plays a central role in cellular metabolism, energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation. Unlike most peptides on Prof. Peptide, NAD+ is technically a small-molecule cofactor rather than a peptide — but it's included because it's commonly stacked with peptides in longevity protocols and sold by the same vendors. NAD+ levels decline ~50% from age 20 to 60, and this decline is implicated in many hallmarks of aging including mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulated DNA damage, and reduced sirtuin activity. NAD+ supplementation has emerged as one of the most researched longevity interventions of the past decade. Often paired with Epitalon for combined cellular metabolism + telomere maintenance. New to peptide research? Start with the basics

Reported benefits:

  • Restoration of cellular NAD+ levels to youthful range
  • Sirtuin enzyme activation (SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6) — longevity gene activation
  • Enhanced mitochondrial function and ATP production
  • Improved DNA repair via PARP activation
  • Cognitive support and neuroprotection
  • Combined energy + recovery + longevity effects

Common research dose: Subcutaneous injection: 50–100 mg once or twice weekly. IV infusion (clinical settings): 250–1000 mg over 2–4 hours. Oral precursors (NMN, NR): 250–1000 mg daily. Sublingual NAD+: 50–125 mg daily.

Where to buy: PP maintains a vetted list of peptide vendors with verified discount codes. See Verified Discount Codes for current options.

How does NAD+ work?

NAD+ is required for hundreds of enzymatic reactions including the citric acid cycle, electron transport chain, and beta-oxidation — ATP production fundamentally depends on adequate NAD+ levels. It's also the obligate substrate for sirtuin enzymes (the 'longevity gene' pathway) and PARPs (DNA damage repair). The age-related NAD+ decline is driven largely by CD38, an NAD-degrading enzyme that increases with aging and chronic inflammation — supplementation overcomes this consumption.

  1. Cofactor for Cellular Metabolism [1]. NAD+ is required for hundreds of enzymatic reactions including the citric acid cycle, electron transport chain, and beta-oxidation. ATP production fundamentally depends on adequate NAD+ levels.
  2. Sirtuin Activation [2]. NAD+ is the obligate substrate for sirtuin enzymes (SIRT1–7). Sirtuins regulate gene expression, DNA repair, mitochondrial biogenesis, and cellular senescence — collectively the "longevity gene" pathway.
  3. PARP Activation [3]. Poly-ADP-ribose polymerases use NAD+ for DNA damage repair. Adequate NAD+ supports genome integrity, particularly under oxidative stress.
  4. CD38 Substrate [4]. CD38, an NAD-degrading enzyme, increases with aging and chronic inflammation. This drives the age-related NAD+ decline. NAD+ supplementation overcomes the consumption.
  5. Mitochondrial Biogenesis. Adequate NAD+ supports PGC-1α activation and mitochondrial biogenesis. Critical for muscle, brain, and metabolic tissue function.

What is NAD+ used for?

NAD+'s research evidence base spans aging and longevity (the central application — most-studied longevity intervention of the past decade), cognitive function and neuroprotection, cellular repair, metabolic syndrome, and recovery/athletic performance. Human clinical trials have grown substantially since 2018 (NR-Martens), 2022 (NMN-Igarashi), and 2023 (NR-Orr), though the 2024 meta-analysis tempers some clinical efficacy claims — NAD+ elevation is consistent, downstream functional benefits need more data.

  1. Aging & Longevity [5]. NAD+ decline is a hallmark of aging. Restoration in animal models extends healthspan, reduces age-related cognitive decline, and improves muscle function. Most-studied longevity intervention of the past decade.
  2. Cognitive Function & Neuroprotection. NAD+ supports neuronal energy metabolism and mitochondrial health. Studies in cognitive decline, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic brain injury.
  3. Cellular Repair. DNA repair via PARP, mitochondrial repair via sirtuins. Critical in oxidative stress contexts.
  4. Metabolic Syndrome. NAD+ supports metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism. Research interest in obesity and Type 2 diabetes — though 2024 meta-analysis found most metabolic markers (glucose, lipids) not significantly different from placebo despite NAD+ elevation.
  5. Recovery & Athletic Performance. Anecdotal community use for post-workout recovery, jet lag, and energy. Limited controlled athlete data.

How long does NAD+ take to work?

NAD+ effects develop on multiple timescales. Acute energy/recovery effects within hours of injection. Cognitive effects: 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Long-term anti-aging effects: months. Benefit is sometimes assessed after a 4–8 week protocol, though no trial or label has been identified establishing this timeframe. Subjective improvements in energy and recovery often appear before measurable changes.

Acute energy and recovery effects appear within hours of injection. Subjective cognitive effects are sometimes reported to develop over 1–2 weeks of consistent use, though no trial or label has been identified establishing this timeframe. Long-term anti-aging effects accumulate over months — sirtuin activation and DNA repair are not acute pharmacology but cumulative cellular processes. Most users assess benefit after 4–8 week protocols. Subjective improvements in energy and recovery often appear before measurable changes in biomarkers like blood NAD+ levels.

How is NAD+ dosed?

No completed human trial of subcutaneous NAD+ was found — every completed trial located for this page used intravenous administration. The figures below separate what those trials actually gave from the community-reported figures that circulate for subcutaneous, sublingual, and oral routes.

Prof. Peptide reports what trials established and what research communities practice, labelled separately. Neither is a recommendation.

Need to calculate a dose?

Use the Prof. Peptide dosage calculator for accurate reconstitution and dosing math.

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What the cited literature administered (IV route only)

Yu et al. 2026 [7], a randomized placebo-controlled trial (ChiCTR2200059169) in 180 adults with heart failure from ischemic cardiomyopathy, gave intravenous NAD+ at 10 mg/day for 7 days alongside standard heart-failure therapy. At 1 month the NAD+ group showed significantly greater improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction than placebo (45.44% vs. 42.44%, p=0.024). This is a disease population on a clinical IV protocol, not a healthy-volunteer dose.

Reyna et al. 2026 [8], a retrospective chart review (Human Observational) of a commercial wellness clinic, reported that participants receiving intravenous NAD+ at 500 mg/day for 4 days experienced moderate-to-severe gastrointestinal symptoms, increased heart rate, and chest pressure during infusion, all resolving once the infusion ended; average infusion time was 97 minutes, longer than a comparison nicotinamide-riboside IV group.

Two registered trials test other routes but have posted no results: NCT06382688 compares IV NAD+ 500 mg against IV and oral nicotinamide riboside and placebo; NCT06919328, currently recruiting, includes a subcutaneous NAD+ 100 mg arm — the only registered trial found with a genuine subcutaneous arm, and it has not yet reported.

Community-reported practice (unverified)

  1. Subcutaneous injection. 50–100 mg once or twice weekly — a dose and schedule not tested in any completed trial; the only registered trial with a subcutaneous arm (NCT06919328) has not reported results.
  2. IV infusion (clinical). 250–1000 mg over 2–4 hours, monthly to weekly — diverges from both cited IV trials, which used lower daily doses (10 mg/day or 500 mg/day) over shorter multi-day courses rather than a single large monthly infusion.
  3. Sublingual. 50–125 mg daily.
  4. Oral NMN/NR (precursors). 250–1000 mg daily — different absorption profile, less direct.
  5. Cycle length. Community protocols describe both continuous use and 3-months-on / 1-month-off cycles; no study of a cycling schedule was found.
  6. Time of day. Morning preferred (some users report sleep disruption with evening dosing).

Community reports describe burning at the injection site with subcutaneous NAD+; no human trial of subcutaneous NAD+ was found. IV infusion requires a clinical setting. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) avoid injection.

The Prof. Peptide dosage calculator converts between milligram figures and syringe units for a given reconstitution; it performs the arithmetic and does not set a schedule. The NAD+ reconstitution calculator works the same arithmetic against the vial sizes tracked for this compound.

How is NAD+ administered?

NAD+ is administered through multiple routes: subcutaneous injection (community reports describe injection-site burning; no human trial found), IV infusion (clinical setting), sublingual (moderate absorption), or oral precursors NMN/NR (avoids injection but indirect). The route choice has the biggest impact on tolerability and convenience — many users start oral and move to clinical IV if they want stronger effects. For the practical mechanics of subcutaneous injection technique, see the syringes and injection technique guide.

  1. Subcutaneous route. Site rotation between abdomen, thigh, upper arm. Community reports describe slower injection as reducing burning; no study tested this.
  2. IV infusion. Clinical setting only. 2–4 hour infusion under physician supervision.
  3. Sublingual. Hold under tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing for absorption through oral mucosa.
  4. Oral precursors. NMN or NR capsules with or without food.
  5. Time of day. Community reports describe morning dosing, citing stimulant-like effects and sleep disruption later in the day.
  6. Reconstitution. Bacteriostatic water, swirl gently — do not shake. Light-sensitive — degrades quickly in sunlight.

Timing context. NAD+'s biological effects accumulate via gene expression (sirtuin activation), DNA repair (PARP), and mitochondrial biogenesis rather than acute pharmacology. The route choice affects tolerability more than timing. Subcutaneous and IV produce direct NAD+ elevation; oral precursors require multi-step conversion to active NAD+, with absorption affected by gut metabolism and aging-related conversion-pathway decline.

AspectReported
FrequencySC: 1–2× weekly. IV: monthly to weekly. Oral: daily.
Best time of dayMorning preferred — some users report stimulant-like effects that disrupt sleep if dosed late
FoodNo fasting required for any route
Route choiceOral NMN/NR for entry-level (no injection); SC for direct NAD+ (injection-site burning in community reports); IV in a clinical setting (no bioavailability comparison found)
Half-lifeShort plasma half-life; cellular NAD+ pools persist via downstream conversion
Steady-stateBlood NAD+ levels rise measurably within days; downstream functional effects accumulate over weeks-months

Reconstitution math. Water volume sets concentration: a lower volume yields a higher concentration and a smaller syringe draw for a given mg amount, and the reverse for a higher volume. NAD+ research vials are typically 500 mg — significantly larger than peptide vials. Because per-dose amounts are large (50–100 mg subcutaneous, up to 250 mg sublingual equivalent), 1–2 mL reconstitution keeps draws within insulin syringe capacity. All units below are measured on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL). The table assumes a 500 mg vial.

BAC waterConcentration25 mg dose50 mg dose100 mg dose250 mg dose
1 mL500 mg/mL5 units10 units20 units50 units
2 mL250 mg/mL10 units20 units40 units100 units
5 mL100 mg/mL25 units50 units100 unitsn/a*

*Draw exceeds standard 100-unit insulin syringe capacity at this reconstitution volume — would require split injections or a lower reconstitution volume.

Units vs mcg. At a 500 mg vial, each unit drawn delivers 5 mg of NAD+ at 1 mL reconstitution, 2.5 mg at 2 mL, and 1 mg at 5 mL — the reconstitution volume determines the mg-per-unit conversion. For a primer on reading insulin syringes and choosing the right barrel size, see our guide on syringes and injection technique.

Common question: How does oral NAD+ compare with NAD+ injections?

What does NAD+ stack well with?

NAD+'s canonical pairing is with Epitalon (cellular metabolism + telomere maintenance — two non-overlapping aging hallmarks). NMN or NR oral precursors are sometimes combined with injectable NAD+ for sustained levels. Resveratrol pairs mechanically (sirtuin activator). Community protocols add methyl donors (TMG, B12) at high doses, citing methylation depletion; no study of this was found.

  1. Epitalon. Epitalon is the most common longevity stack pairing (cellular metabolism + telomere maintenance). See the Epitalon vs NAD+ comparison for protocol differences.
  2. NMN or NR oral precursors. Sometimes combined with injectable NAD+ for sustained levels between injections.
  3. Resveratrol. Sirtuin activator that pairs mechanically with NAD+ — sirtuins require NAD+ as substrate, and resveratrol activates SIRT1.
  4. CoQ10 + MOTS-c. Mitochondrial support pairing. MOTS-c activates AMPK through a non-overlapping pathway.
  5. GHK-Cu. GHK-Cu for combined gene expression modulation + NAD+ metabolism. Common longevity pairing.
  6. Methyl donors (TMG, B12). Community protocols add these at high doses, citing methylation depletion; no study of this was found.

What are the side effects of NAD+?

Community reports describe burning at the injection site with subcutaneous NAD+; no human trial of subcutaneous NAD+ was found. A retrospective review of 500 mg IV NAD+ infusions reported moderate to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, faster heart rate and chest pressure during infusion [8]. Most-reported user effects are flushing (most common with IV/SC), mild nausea, and transient warmth. Community protocols describe methylation depletion at very high doses and add methyl donors; no study of either was found. NAD+ supports both healthy and, theoretically, cancer cells; the published data does not resolve what that means alongside cancer.

Common (most users)

  1. Flushing. Most common with IV/SC routes.
  2. Mild nausea. Common with rapid administration.
  3. Transient warmth sensation. Often paired with flushing.
  4. Injection site pain/burning. Community reports with subcutaneous use; no human trial of subcutaneous NAD+ was found.

Less common (moderate)

  1. Mild headache. Inconsistent across users.
  2. Brief anxiety or restlessness. During IV infusion (slow the drip).

Serious (rare)

  1. Very rare allergic reactions.
  2. Methylation depletion at very high doses. Described in community protocols, which add methyl donors (TMG, B12); no study of either was found.

Community reports describe burning at the injection site with subcutaneous NAD+. No human trial of subcutaneous NAD+ was found, so this is unverified. For IV NAD+, Reyna et al. 2026 reported moderate to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, faster heart rate and chest pressure during 500 mg infusions, resolving when the infusion ended [8]. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) involve no injection.

Does NAD+ interact with other drugs?

NAD+ has limited documented drug interactions at therapeutic doses. Theoretical concern with methotrexate (folate metabolism). Cancer therapies have complex interactions — NAD+ supports both healthy and, theoretically, cancer cells; the published data does not resolve what that means alongside cancer therapy. SSRIs have no documented interactions. Most other supplements and medications are generally compatible.

  1. Methotrexate. Theoretical concern; NAD+ may affect folate metabolism.
  2. Cancer therapies. Complex interaction. NAD+ supports both healthy cells and, theoretically, cancer cells; the published data does not resolve what that means alongside cancer therapy.
  3. SSRIs. No documented interactions.
  4. Most other supplements and medications. Generally compatible.

How should NAD+ be stored?

  1. Lyophilized: -20°C long-term, 2–8°C short-term.
  2. Reconstituted: 2–8°C, refrigerated, is standard practice once dissolved. Prof. Peptide has not identified a manufacturer label, published study, or lab document establishing how long reconstituted research-grade NAD+ remains stable — this page does not state a duration as fact.
  3. Light-sensitive — degrades quickly in sunlight.
  4. The reconstituted solution is not frozen.
  5. Reconstitution uses bacteriostatic water for injection. Swirl gently — do not shake.
  6. A solution that is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles is discarded.

What are the limitations of NAD+ research?

NAD+ is NOT FDA-approved as an injectable therapy. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) are sold as dietary supplements but the FDA has issued warnings to some manufacturers. Most clinical evidence for longevity claims comes from animal models — the 2024 meta-analysis found NMN consistently raises blood NAD+ but most clinically relevant outcomes (fasting glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol) were not significantly different from placebo. NAD+ is technically a dinucleotide cofactor, not a peptide. NOT on the WADA prohibited list.

NAD+ is NOT FDA-approved as an injectable therapy. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) are sold as dietary supplements in the US but the FDA has issued warnings to some manufacturers. NAD+ IV infusion is offered in clinical settings (functional medicine clinics) under physician supervision.

Most clinical evidence for longevity claims comes from animal models. Human clinical trials are growing but still limited compared to the marketing volume around NAD+ products. The 2024 NMN meta-analysis tempered some clinical efficacy claims — NAD+ elevation is consistent, downstream functional benefits in humans need more data.

Research-grade material is sold by specialty peptide/longevity vendors. Quality varies; verify Certificate of Analysis. Community reports describe injection-site burning with subcutaneous use; no trial has measured it.

Anti-doping: NAD+ is NOT currently on the WADA prohibited list. Some athletic federations may have stricter rules.

The “is NAD+ a peptide” question — technically NAD+ is a dinucleotide cofactor, not a peptide. It's included on Prof. Peptide because of its prevalence in longevity stacks alongside peptide therapies and its sale by the same specialty vendors.

NAD+ FAQ

Is NAD+ a peptide?

Technically no. NAD+ is a dinucleotide cofactor — not a peptide. It's included on Prof. Peptide because it's commonly stacked with peptide therapies in longevity protocols, sold by the same specialty vendors, and serves as the cofactor for the same sirtuin and PARP pathways targeted by other anti-aging interventions.

Is NAD+ FDA-approved?

NAD+ is NOT FDA-approved as an injectable therapy. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) are sold as dietary supplements in the US, though the FDA has issued warnings to some manufacturers. NAD+ IV infusion is offered in clinical settings (functional medicine clinics) under physician supervision. Subcutaneous and oral research-grade NAD+ is sold by specialty vendors.

NAD+ vs NMN vs NR — which is best?

Different positions in the same metabolic pathway. NAD+ is the active cofactor itself; NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors the body converts to NAD+. No study comparing the bioavailability of injected NAD+ with oral precursors was found. The one randomized NAD+ trial found used intravenous dosing (Yu et al. 2026 [7]); the oral human trials tested NR and NMN. Clinical settings use IV NAD+.

Does subcutaneous NAD+ really burn that much?

Community reports describe burning at the injection site with subcutaneous NAD+. No human trial of subcutaneous NAD+ was found, so there is no measured tolerability data for that route. For IV NAD+, a retrospective review of 500 mg infusions reported moderate to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, faster heart rate and chest pressure during infusion, which resolved when the infusion ended [8]. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) involve no injection.

How is NAD+ different from B vitamins?

NAD+ is synthesized in the body from niacin (vitamin B3) and other precursors. Niacin supplementation increases NAD+ levels through this conversion pathway, which is part of why niacin has been used historically for aging-related applications. The advantage of direct NAD+ or NMN/NR over niacin is bypassing some of the conversion steps that decline with age, particularly the ones limited by CD38 enzyme activity in older adults.

Can NAD+ help with cognitive decline?

Animal models show NAD+ supports neuronal energy metabolism and mitochondrial health. Studies in cognitive decline, Parkinson's disease, and post-traumatic brain injury are early-stage but promising. Human clinical trials are limited compared to the marketing volume around NAD+ products. Some users report subjective cognitive benefits within 1–2 weeks, but controlled efficacy data is thinner than the marketing implies.

Is it safe to take NAD+ long-term?

Short-term safety is excellent at therapeutic doses. Long-term human safety data is growing but still limited compared to decades of clinical use peptides like Thymosin Alpha-1. Community protocols describe cycles such as 3 months on / 1 month off; no study of a cycling schedule was found. Community protocols describe methylation depletion at very high doses and add methyl donors (TMG, B12); no study of either was found. NAD+ supports both healthy and, theoretically, cancer cells; whether that matters alongside an active cancer is an oncology question the data does not answer.

How does NAD+ compare to Epitalon for longevity?

Both are foundational longevity research compounds with different mechanisms. NAD+ restores cellular metabolism cofactor levels and sirtuin activity (energy + cellular repair). Epitalon activates telomerase (chromosome end maintenance + pineal melatonin restoration). The two are commonly stacked together because they target non-overlapping aging hallmarks. See the Epitalon vs NAD+ comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.

Where can I buy NAD+?

Subcutaneous and oral research-grade NAD+ is sold by specialty peptide and longevity vendors. IV infusion is offered in functional medicine clinics. Quality varies; verify Certificate of Analysis. PP maintains a list of vetted vendors with verified discount codes — see Verified Discount Codes .

References

  1. Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208-13.
  2. Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol. 2014;24(8):464-71.
  3. Cantó C, Menzies KJ, Auwerx J. NAD+ Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus. Cell Metab. 2015;22(1):31-53.
  4. Camacho-Pereira J, Tarragó MG, Chini CCS, et al. CD38 Dictates Age-Related NAD Decline and Mitochondrial Dysfunction through an SIRT3-Dependent Mechanism. Cell Metab. 2016;23(6):1127-1139. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4911708/
  5. Yoshino J, Baur JA, Imai SI. NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):513-528.
  6. Wikipedia. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide_adenine_dinucleotide
  7. Yu X, Xu J, Cao J, et al. Effect of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide on Heart Failure Caused by Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2026;26(1):97-106. PMID 40954388. ChiCTR2200059169. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40954388/
  8. Reyna K, Heinzen G, Patel N, et al. Intravenous infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) versus nicotinamide riboside (NR): a retrospective tolerability pilot study in a real-world setting. Front Aging. 2026;7:1652582. PMID 41704678. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41704678/

Published Studies

Plain-English summaries of the peer-reviewed studies behind the claims above. Click any title to read the source paper.

Nature Communications / PubMed · 2018Open Access
Chronic Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation Is Well-Tolerated and Elevates NAD+ in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults →

Martens CR, Denman BA, Mazzo MR, et al.

The landmark human trial establishing that oral NR supplementation safely and effectively raises NAD+ levels in middle-aged and older adults. In this 2×6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, NR supplementation significantly increased whole blood NAD+ metabolism without adverse effects. The study also found initial signals of benefit for blood pressure and arterial stiffness — suggesting NAD+ restoration may have downstream vascular benefits beyond metabolic function.

NPJ Aging / PMC · 2022Open Access
Chronic Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Supplementation Elevates Blood NAD+ Levels and Alters Muscle Function in Healthy Older Men →

Igarashi M, Miura M, Williams E, et al.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 250mg daily NMN supplementation in healthy older men over 6–12 weeks. NMN significantly elevated whole blood NAD+ and NAD+ metabolite concentrations, with nominally significant improvements in gait speed and left grip strength.

GeroScience / PMC · 2023Open Access
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Nicotinamide Riboside in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment →

Orr ME, Garber G, Ramsay MT, et al.

A pilot RCT examining NR's effects on cognition in 20 older adults with mild cognitive impairment. NR at 1g/day raised blood NAD+ and reduced epigenetic age as measured by PhenoAge and GrimAge clocks. Cognitive test scores did not significantly improve over 10 weeks — likely due to small sample size and short duration.

Advances in Nutrition / PubMed · 2023Paywalled
The Safety and Anti-Aging Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Human Clinical Trials — An Update →

Song Q, Zhou X, Xu K, et al.

A review summarizing the growing human clinical trial pipeline for NMN. The paper documents how NAD+ levels decline with aging and explains why restoration is theoretically significant — NAD+ is an essential substrate for sirtuins, PARPs, and hundreds of redox reactions governing mitochondrial function.

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition / PubMed · 2025Paywalled
Efficacy of Oral NMN Supplementation on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism — A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis →

Zhang J, Poon ET, Wong SH, et al.

A 2025 meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (513 participants) examining NMN's effects on metabolic health markers. The analysis confirmed NMN consistently and significantly elevates blood NAD+ levels, but found most clinically relevant outcomes (fasting glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol) were not significantly different from placebo. An important counterbalance to enthusiastic popular coverage.

LongevityCellular MetabolismSirtuin ActivatorResearch-Grade

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Epitalon vs NAD+

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