Peptide library · Skin & longevity
NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
Early human studies398%rise in blood NAD+ six hours into an IV infusion in a pilot study, with no adverse events
What it is
Not a peptide but a coenzyme every cell uses to make energy. Levels fall with age, which is why it's a longevity favorite. NMN and NR are its building blocks.
Why researchers are interested
- NR improved walking distance by 17.6 m vs placebo in 90 people with leg artery disease (Nat Commun 2024).
- NMN improved muscle insulin sensitivity in a 25 woman trial (Science 2021).
- IV NAD+ was well tolerated in the pilot study.
Good to know
- Raising NAD+ levels hasn't yet been shown to change hard health outcomes.
- A 2025 meta-analysis found NMN didn't improve blood sugar markers.
Evidence level: 3 of 5
Sources
Front Aging Neurosci 2019; Science 2021; Nat Commun 2024; Curr Diabetes Rep 2025
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Educational content only. Not medical advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-17.