NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It transfers electrons in redox reactions and is also required by a group of enzymes that consume NAD+, such as the sirtuins and the PARPs [2][3]. To be clear from the outset: NAD+ is not a peptide. It is made not of amino acids but of two nucleotides joined by phosphate groups [1]. Research focuses mainly on how cells make and break down NAD+, and on precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
What NAD+ is chemically
The name itself is revealing. ‘Dinucleotide’ means that the molecule consists of two nucleotides. One contains the base adenine, the other nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. Both nucleotides contain a sugar group (ribose) and are linked by a bridge of two phosphate groups. The plus sign in NAD+ refers to the positive charge of the oxidised form; the reduced form is called NADH [2]. NAD+ was originally discovered in yeast extracts, where it influenced the rate of metabolism; only later did it become clear that it is the main acceptor of hydride ions in redox reactions [2]. NAD+ appears in our range alongside peptides, but chemically it belongs to an entirely different class of substances.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Name in PubChem | Nadide (β-NAD) |
| Molecular formula | C21H27N7O14P2 |
| Molar mass | 663.4 g/mol |
| CAS number | 53-84-9 |
| PubChem CID | 5892 |
Source: PubChem [1]. Because NAD+ is not a peptide, some concepts from the peptide world do not apply, such as an amino acid sequence or deletion sequences. Others do: for NAD+ too, HPLC and mass spectrometry show how pure a batch is and whether the right substance is present. A mass of around 663 g/mol is consistent with NAD+. For more on analyses, see How to read a certificate of analysis (COA).
The role of NAD+ in the cell
The best-known role of NAD+ is as an electron carrier. In many metabolic reactions, NAD+ accepts a hydride ion (a hydrogen atom with two electrons) and becomes NADH. These reactions are carried out by dehydrogenases, for example in glycolysis and the breakdown of fatty acids. NADH then passes the electrons on to the respiratory chain in the mitochondria, where ATP is formed [2]. This regenerates NAD+, which can accept electrons once more. In these redox reactions, NAD+ is therefore not consumed.
A second group of enzymes, by contrast, does consume NAD+. Sirtuins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and the enzyme CD38 use NAD+ as a substrate and cleave it, releasing nicotinamide [2][3]. According to the literature, these enzymes play a role in processes such as DNA repair, the packaging of DNA (chromatin) and cellular signalling pathways [2]. Because NAD+ is used so widely, it is constantly being made, broken down and recycled in the cell [2].
Synthesis and precursors
Cells can make NAD+ via three routes [2]:
| Route | Starting material | In brief |
|---|---|---|
| De novo (kynurenine pathway) | Tryptophan, an amino acid from food | Mainly in the liver; via a series of intermediates to NAD+ |
| Preiss-Handler pathway | Nicotinic acid (niacin) | Via nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide to NAD+ |
| Salvage pathway (recycling) | Nicotinamide, NR and NMN | Nicotinamide is converted back into NAD+ via NMN; inside the cell, NR is first converted into NMN |
NR and NMN in particular attract research interest because they are close to NAD+ in the salvage pathway [2]. They are also sold as food supplements, which are subject to different rules from laboratory reagents; a supplement is not the same as pure NAD+ for research.
What is being studied, and what is not known
Much of the research concerns changes in NAD+ levels. In several model organisms, including rodents, and in humans, measurements show that NAD+ levels in tissues and cells gradually decline with age [2]. Animal studies have examined what happens when those levels are replenished with precursors. In humans, the first clinical studies of precursors have been carried out, largely in healthy volunteers according to a 2021 review [2].
The authors of that review themselves point out what is not yet known. Much remains to be learned about how NAD+ levels are regulated, how they can be restored effectively, whether that is safe and whether it has beneficial effects in ageing humans [2]. We therefore make no claims about the effects of NAD+ in humans, including on energy or ageing. In their competing interests statement, the authors of the 2021 review also disclose ties with companies involved in NAD+ research [2]. This is common in the field, but worth bearing in mind when reading it.
Products
- NAD+ 1000 mg
- The full range is available in the shop.
Every vial and pen carries a batch number on the label. Keep NAD+ dry, cool and dark, and follow the storage advice on the label; general tips are given in Storing peptides.
Further reading
- What are peptides? Explanation and key terms
- Research use only (RUO): what does it mean?
- What is BPC-157? The state of the research
- How to read a certificate of analysis (COA): HPLC and MS explained
- Knowledge base: peptides and research materials explained
Sources
- PubChem, National Library of Medicine. Nadide (NAD+), CID 5892. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (accessed 30 September 2026)
- Covarrubias AJ, Perrone R, Grozio A, Verdin E. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 2021;22(2):119–141. doi:10.1038/s41580-020-00313-x
- Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science 2015;350(6265):1208–1213. doi:10.1126/science.aac4854
For laboratory research use only. Clean Peptides products are not intended for use in humans or animals. This article provides general information and is not medical advice.
