NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide / NAD IV
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme every cell uses for energy metabolism and DNA repair; levels fall with age in animal studies. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) raise blood NAD+ in human trials. IV or injected NAD+ is sold by wellness clinics but has little human safety or efficacy data.
Half-life
varies by route
Typical Dose
100–500 mg (IV) or 50–250 mg (SubQ)
300/500Route
subcutaneous
Category
metabolic
Evidence Overview
Strength of evidence across clinical, expert, and experimental lanes.
How NAD+ is dosed in practice
Usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range: 100–500 mg (IV) or 50–250 mg (SubQ). Half-life: varies by route. Each card gives the dose, frequency and duration from one evidence lane: Clinical (human trials), Expert (practitioner protocols) or Experimental (early or animal data). These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Work out the units to draw with the reconstitution calculator, how long a vial lasts with the vial duration calculator, and how levels fall between doses with the half-life calculator.
Direct NAD+ has only been given to people IV in small studies: a 7-day randomized trial in heart failure (2024) showed non-significant trends, a 6-hour pharmacokinetic pilot (2019), and a retrospective review of 500 mg infusions (2026) that found stomach upset, faster heart rate and chest pressure during infusion. No human study of SubQ NAD+ has been published; oral precursor (NMN, NR) trials do not apply to injected NAD+.
- Randomized trial in heart failure (2024)
- Pharmacokinetic pilot (2019)
- Retrospective review of IV infusions (2026)
IV NAD+ (250–500 mg) provides immediate cellular repletion but requires 2–4 hour infusion. SubQ injections (50–200 mg) are more practical for maintenance. Combine with NMN oral supplementation for sustained levels between injections.
- Longevity medicine clinic protocols
- Practitioner protocols
- Biohacking conference presentations on NAD+ optimization
Community users report profound energy, mental clarity, and anti-aging effects from high-dose NAD+ protocols. Some combine with methylene blue and peptides for 'mitochondrial stacking.' Long-term safety data for direct NAD+ injection still limited.
- Biohacking community NAD+ therapy reports
- Community self-reports
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Known interactions with other compounds. Click nodes to explore connections.
Safety & Contraindications
- Active cancer (theoretical concern with enhanced cellular metabolism)
- Severe liver disease
- Known hypersensitivity to nicotinamide compounds
NAD+: common questions
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme every cell uses for energy metabolism and DNA repair; levels fall with age in animal studies. Oral precursors (NMN, NR) raise blood NAD+ in human trials. IV or injected NAD+ is sold by wellness clinics but has little human safety or efficacy data.
How is NAD+ dosed?
NAD+ is usually taken by subcutaneous (SubQ) injection. Typical range in DoseCraft's library: 100–500 mg (IV) or 50–250 mg (SubQ). Clinical (human trials), intravenously (IV): 50 mg IV daily (heart failure trial); 500 mg IV infusions (retrospective review); a 6-hour IV infusion (pharmacokinetic pilot); Daily for 7 days, or single infusions; 1–7 days. Expert (practitioner protocols): 100–200 mg SubQ per session; 250–500 mg IV per infusion; 2–3x per week (SubQ) or weekly (IV); Ongoing with periodic assessment. Experimental (early or animal data): 200–500 mg SubQ or 500–1000 mg IV; 2–5x per week; Continuous anti-aging protocol. These ranges describe what has been studied or used; they are not a prescription.
Is NAD+ FDA-approved?
NAD+ is sold as a dietary supplement, which the FDA does not approve for safety or effectiveness before sale.
What is the half-life of NAD+?
DoseCraft's library lists a half-life of varies by route. Half-life sets how often a compound is dosed and how long it takes to clear: about five half-lives.
Who should not use NAD+?
Listed contraindications: Active cancer (theoretical concern with enhanced cellular metabolism); Severe liver disease; Known hypersensitivity to nicotinamide compounds.
Free Guides for NAD+
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen.
Page updated . How we grade evidence: methodology.