Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide — IV, subcutaneous and oral precursor (NMN, NR) protocols for longevity, energy and DNA repair. For research purposes only — not for human use.
Clean Peptides does not provide advice on dosages or usage. This guide compiles product information from Clean Peptides together with independent educational material from PeptideWiki, for research reference only. It is not medical advice and does not represent recommendations, endorsements, or instructions from Clean Peptides.
What Is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell — essential for energy production, DNA repair and gene regulation. It is an electron carrier in mitochondrial respiration, a required cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1–7, the “longevity enzymes”), and a substrate for PARP DNA-repair enzymes. Technically a dinucleotide (not a peptide), NAD+ is central to the longevity community and is routinely stacked with peptides like MOTS-c, SS-31 and Epitalon. NAD+ levels decline ~50% between ages 40 and 60.
Dosing derives from clinical protocols, published research and community experience.
Key Characteristics
- Central coenzyme in cellular energy metabolism — essential for ATP production.
- Sirtuin cofactor (SIRT1–7) — regulates aging, inflammation, stress resistance, DNA repair.
- PARP substrate for DNA repair — a major NAD+ sink that increases with age.
- CD38-related decline — CD38 activity rises with age, consuming NAD+.
- Multiple strategies — IV, subcutaneous, oral precursors (NMN, NR, niacin, niacinamide).
- ~50% decline between ages 40–60.
How Dosage Is Determined
Informed by IV-clinic protocols, oral-precursor PK trials (NMN, NR), NAD+ metabolism research and community experience. NR 1,000 mg/day elevates NAD+ 40–90%; NMN 250 mg/day improves insulin sensitivity in trials. IV protocols (250–1,000 mg over 2–8 h) originated in addiction medicine. Strength of evidence: strong for oral precursors, moderate for injectable.
Standard Dosage Ranges
IV Infusion (Clinical)
| Level | Dose/Session | Infusion Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | 250 mg | 2–3 hours | 1x/week |
| Standard | 500 mg | 3–4 hours | 1–2x/week |
| High / Therapeutic | 750–1,000 mg | 4–8 hours | Per protocol |
Subcutaneous
| Level | Dose/Injection | Frequency | Weekly Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | 50–100 mg | 2x/week | 100–200 mg |
| Standard | 100–200 mg | 2–3x/week | 200–600 mg |
| Higher Range | 200 mg | Daily or near-daily | Up to 1,000+ mg |
Oral Precursors
| Precursor | Starting | Standard | Higher Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMN | 250 mg/day | 500 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| NR (Niagen) | 300 mg/day | 300–600 mg/day | 600–1,000 mg/day |
| Niacin (NA) | 50 mg/day | 100–500 mg/day | 1,000+ mg/day |
| Niacinamide (NAM) | 250 mg/day | 500 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
Administration Routes Compared
| Parameter | IV Infusion | Subcutaneous | Oral Precursors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Dose | 250–1,000 mg | 100–200 mg | 250–1,000 mg/day |
| NAD+ Elevation | Highest acute spike | Significant | Moderate, sustained |
| Cost | $250–$1,000+/session | $100–$300/month | $30–$100/month |
| Best For | Acute loading, addiction, neuro | Maintenance | Long-term daily longevity |
| Evidence | Clinical practice | Clinical practice | Multiple human trials |
“Load and maintain”: IV loading (2–4 sessions over 1–2 weeks) then SubQ (2–3x/week) and/or daily oral precursors.
Oral Precursors: NMN vs NR
| Feature | NMN | NR (Niagen) |
|---|---|---|
| Pathway | One step before NAD+ | Two steps before NAD+ |
| Standard Dose | 250–1,000 mg/day | 300–600 mg/day |
| Clinical Trials | Multiple (growing) | More published trials |
| Regulatory (US) | Contested | FDA-recognized as GRAS |
Both work and are well-tolerated. Consistent daily use matters more than which precursor.
Reconstitution & Dosing (with the supplied 3 mL)
The Clean Peptides NAD+ vial is 1000 mg. Reconstituted in 3 mL it is highly concentrated (≈333 mg/mL); many researchers instead dilute NAD+ into a larger volume for IV use. Figures below are for subcutaneous dosing from the supplied 3 mL.
Every Clean Peptides vial ships with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol). All figures below assume you reconstitute with the full 3 mL. On a standard U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units = 1 mL.
Quick formula: concentration = vial strength ÷ 3 mL, and units to draw = dose (mg) × 300 ÷ vial strength (mg).
How to reconstitute
- Wash your hands and lay out the vial, the 3 mL bacteriostatic water, an insulin syringe and alcohol swabs on a clean surface.
- Flip off the caps and swab both rubber stoppers with alcohol; let them air-dry 10–15 seconds.
- Draw the full 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (in three 1 mL passes with an insulin syringe, or in one pass with a 3 mL syringe).
- Add the water slowly, angling the needle so it runs down the inside glass wall — never squirt it directly onto the powder cake.
- Dissolve gently — let the vial sit 1–2 minutes, then swirl or roll it between your palms until the solution is clear. Never shake.
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Resulting concentration: 1000 mg → 333.33 mg/mL.
Storage: unreconstituted powder refrigerated (2–8 °C); reconstituted solution refrigerated and used within 28–30 days; do not freeze; protect from light and heat.
Draw volumes with 3 mL — NAD+
| Vial (Clean Peptides) | Concentration | 50 mg | 100 mg | 200 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 mg | 333.33 mg/mL | 15 u | 30 u | 60 u |
Dosage by Goal
- General longevity & anti-aging: oral NMN 500 mg/day or NR 300–600 mg/day, morning; + TMG 500–1,000 mg/day. Stack with Epitalon, MOTS-c.
- Energy & mitochondrial optimization: oral NMN 500–1,000 mg/day ± SubQ 100–200 mg 2x/week; + MOTS-c, SS-31.
- Cognitive & neuroprotection: IV 500 mg (2–4 loading sessions) + oral NMN 500–1,000 mg/day maintenance.
- Addiction recovery: IV 500–1,000 mg/session daily 7–14 days (medical clinic only).
- DNA repair & genomic integrity: oral NMN 500–1,000 mg/day ± SubQ 100 mg 2–3x/week; + Epitalon, SS-31.
Match intensity to goal — most benefit from consistent daily oral NMN or NR.
Cycling & Duration
| Protocol | Duration | Cycling |
|---|---|---|
| Oral NMN/NR (maintenance) | Ongoing (indefinite) | No cycling required |
| SubQ NAD+ (maintenance) | Ongoing or periodic | Optional 8 wk on / 4 wk off |
| IV NAD+ (loading) | 1–2 weeks (2–4 sessions) | Transition to SubQ/oral |
| IV NAD+ (therapeutic) | 7–14 consecutive days | Per clinical protocol |
| Periodic IV boosters | 1 session every 4–8 weeks | Alongside daily oral |
NAD+ is a metabolic cofactor, not a receptor agonist — no desensitization; continuous daily oral use is standard.
Stacking Protocols
- NAD+ + MOTS-c — mitochondrial optimization (ETC fuel + AMPK activation).
- NAD+ + SS-31 — mitochondrial membrane integrity (cardiolipin stabilization).
- NAD+ + Epitalon — longevity & telomere maintenance.
- NAD+ + Metformin — separate dosing by several hours (potential interference with exercise benefits).
NAD+ is foundational, not redundant — it fuels the pathways these peptides target. Full MOTS-c protocols: see our MOTS-c Dosage Guide.
Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Oral precursors have excellent safety profiles; IV/SubQ have more acute effects.
IV (rate-dependent): flushing, chest tightness/pressure, nausea/cramping, anxiety, headache, lightheadedness — all resolve when the infusion is slowed. SubQ: injection-site stinging/burning, redness, mild flushing. Oral (NMN/NR): very mild; rare GI upset; possible sleep disruption if taken late. Niacin specifically causes flushing above 50–100 mg.
Contraindications: active malignancy (discuss with oncologist); pregnancy/breastfeeding (avoid injectable); bleeding disorders/anticoagulants; liver disease (high-dose niacin risk — NMN/NR do not share this).
Common Mistakes
- Running IV infusion too fast (main cause of severe side effects).
- Expecting oral NAD+ (the molecule) to work like NMN/NR (poor bioavailability — use precursors).
- Inconsistent daily precursor dosing.
- Ignoring the cancer concern in high-risk individuals.
- Skipping methyl-donor support (TMG) during high-dose use.
- Choosing the most expensive route without matching goals.
- Improper storage after reconstitution.
- Taking NMN/NR at night (sleep disruption — take in the morning).
Key Takeaways
- Central coenzyme for energy, DNA repair and aging; declines ~50% between ages 40–60.
- Not technically a peptide, but widely used in the longevity/peptide community.
- Routes: IV (highest, most expensive), SubQ (moderate, home use), oral NMN/NR (most practical daily).
- Oral precursors are the mainstay: NMN 500 mg/day or NR 300–600 mg/day + TMG.
- SubQ NAD+ stings but is well-tolerated (100–200 mg, 2–3x/week). Best stacks: MOTS-c, SS-31, Epitalon.
Download & Related Resources
Shop NAD+: NAD+ 1000 mg
Related guides: MOTS-c Dosage Guide · Tesamorelin Dosage Guide
References
- Camacho-Pereira J, et al. “CD38 dictates age-related NAD decline.” Cell Metab. 2016;23(6):1127-1139.
- Yoshino J, et al. “NAD+ intermediates: NMN and NR.” Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):513-528.
- Martens CR, et al. “Chronic NR supplementation elevates NAD+ in older adults.” Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):1286.
- Yoshino M, et al. “NMN increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women.” Science. 2021;372(6547):1224-1229.
- Rajman L, et al. “Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules.” Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):529-547.
For research purposes only — not for human use. Educational reference compiled from PeptideWiki (peptidewiki.co).
