What NAD+ is
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. Cells use it to turn food into energy and to run repair processes, including DNA repair. It is a nucleotide, not a peptide, but it's sold through the same clinics and channels, so it ends up in the same conversations.
NAD+ levels in the body decline with age in many studies. That finding drives most of its anti-aging marketing. Whether raising NAD+ from the outside reverses anything is a separate question, and a much less settled one.
There are two main ways people try to raise it: NAD+ itself, given as an injection or IV drip, and precursors like NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), taken by mouth so the body makes its own NAD+.
Regulatory status in 2026
There is no FDA-approved NAD+ drug. Unlike most gray-market peptides, though, NAD+ has a legal route: FDA lists NAD in Category 1 of its compounding list, meaning substances still under evaluation that pharmacies may compound with a prescription under an interim policy.
NAD is nominated for FDA's list of substances that compounding pharmacies may use.
FDA places NAD in Category 1, under evaluation. Pharmacies can compound it for individual patients with a prescription while the review continues.
FDA announces a Class I recall, its most serious level, of compounded NAD+ injections over bacterial endotoxin contamination.
Not approved and not on the final compounding list. Legally available as a compounded prescription. NAD+ sold as a research chemical is not legal for human use.
Regulatory status can change. Check the sources linked at the bottom of this page before relying on anything here.
Claims vs. what the research shows
Most human NAD+ research tested oral precursors, not injections or IV drips, and found they raise NAD+ levels in blood more reliably than they improve how people feel or function.
NAD+ declines with age.
Shown in multiple animal and human tissue studies. This part is well supported.
Strong human evidencePrecursors like NR and NMN raise NAD+ levels.
Shown in small human trials. Effects on measurable health outcomes have been inconsistent.
Animal or limited evidenceIV NAD+ boosts energy, focus, and slows aging.
Very little controlled human data. Most claims come from clinic marketing and patient reports.
Insufficient dataNAD+ treats addiction.
Promoted by some clinics. Not established in controlled trials.
Insufficient dataStorage and stability
Compounded NAD+ comes as a ready-to-use solution or a powder you mix. Follow the beyond-use date on the pharmacy label. NAD+ in solution is sensitive to heat and light.
Powder vials
- Refrigerate unless the label says otherwise.
- Keep away from light.
- Don't use past the pharmacy's beyond-use date.
Mixed or ready-to-use solution
- Keep refrigerated and protected from light.
- Don't freeze unless the label says to.
- Discard if the solution changes color or looks cloudy.
- Log the open or mix date so the vial's age is never a guess.
Light exposure is easy to overlook in a fridge door that opens dozens of times a day. VIALTIGHT is building stackable cases that block light from every side. See vialtight.com for updates.
Reconstitution math
Concentration is just the amount of peptide divided by the volume of water added. On a U-100 insulin syringe, 100 units equals 1 mL, so each unit is 0.01 mL. Enter what is on your vial label and what you added to see the concentration.
This shows concentration only. It is not a dosing recommendation. VialTracker runs this math for every vial you log and keeps it with the vial's history.
Safety flags
Contamination is a documented problem. FDA issued a Class I recall of compounded NAD+ injections in 2025 for endotoxin contamination, which can cause fever, chills, and shock. Use a licensed pharmacy, not a research supplier.
IV infusions can be uncomfortable. Chest tightness, nausea, flushing, and cramping are commonly reported, especially when infused quickly. Slowing the drip usually eases them.
Long-term effects are unknown. There's no long-term human safety data for repeated NAD+ injections or infusions.
Research-grade NAD+ isn't made for injection. Powder sold online as a research chemical isn't held to sterile manufacturing standards.
FAQ
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. It's a coenzyme made from vitamin B3 and other building blocks. It's sold through peptide clinics, which is why it's included here.
Is NAD+ legal?
Compounded NAD+ from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription is legal under FDA's interim policy. NAD+ sold as a research chemical is not legal for human use.
What's the difference between NAD+, NMN, and NR?
NAD+ is the active molecule. NMN and NR are precursors your body converts into NAD+. Precursors are taken by mouth. NAD+ itself is usually injected or infused.
Why does an NAD+ IV feel bad?
Fast infusion commonly causes chest tightness, nausea, and flushing. Clinics typically slow the drip to manage it.
Does VialTracker tell me what to take?
No. VialTracker organizes the information you enter and runs the math. It does not recommend doses, products, or protocols.