NAD+

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a central role in cellular energy metabolism, serving as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. NAD+ is also a required substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARP enzymes involved in DNA repair, and CD38, which regulates immune function. Cellular NAD+ levels decline significantly with age, a finding that has made it one of the most researched molecules in the longevity field.

NAD+ is the active coenzyme itself. NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors that the body converts into NAD+ through different enzymatic pathways. Oral NMN and NR supplements are widely available, but their conversion efficiency is debated. Research-grade NAD+ in lyophilized form is the direct molecule, bypassing the conversion step entirely. Dr. Eric Verdin of the Buck Institute has noted that NAD+ itself is too large to enter cells directly and is likely broken down into nicotinamide before being resynthesized intracellularly.

Reconstitute lyophilized NAD+ with bacteriostatic water. For a 500mg vial, 5mL of bacteriostatic water yields a concentration of 100mg/mL. Introduce water slowly along the vial wall and allow the powder to dissolve without shaking. Store reconstituted NAD+ refrigerated at 2-8C and use within 30 days. NAD+ has a relatively short plasma half-life (approximately 14 minutes), which is relevant for research protocol design.

Published clinical research on IV NAD+ administration has reported flushing, nausea, chest tightness, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort as the most common observations. These effects are generally described as transient and dose-dependent in the literature. Subcutaneous administration research has reported injection-site reactions. No serious adverse events have been attributed to NAD+ in published clinical studies.

Research-grade NAD+ undergoes rigorous synthesis, purification, and third-party testing (HPLC and mass spectrometry) to confirm identity, purity, and sterility. Oral NMN supplements are manufactured to dietary supplement standards, which are significantly less stringent. The cost difference reflects the difference in manufacturing standards, testing requirements, and purity verification.

Look for 99%+ purity confirmed by HPLC analysis with mass spectrometry identity verification. A proper CoA should show purity, identity, sterility, and endotoxin testing results. NAD+ is sensitive to degradation, so the CoA should correspond to a recent lot. Every Kern NAD+ vial comes with a third-party Certificate of Analysis provided with every purchase.

Every batch undergoes third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry testing. HPLC confirms purity (99%+ standard). Mass spectrometry confirms molecular identity. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is provided with every purchase and available for download directly on this page.

All Kern products ship same-day (orders placed before 1pm EST). Lyophilized peptides are shipped at ambient temperature and are stable during transit. Upon receipt, store at -20C for long-term stability or 2-8C for near-term use. If the product arrives damaged, contact us within 7 days with photos for a free replacement.

Price differences usually reflect differences in purity, testing standards, and manufacturing quality. Low-cost vendors may skip mass spectrometry verification (which confirms you actually have the right molecule), use lower-grade raw materials, or skip sterility and endotoxin testing. Kern tests every batch with both HPLC and mass spec, and our CoAs are available before you buy.