Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is the central pyridine nucleotide coenzyme of cellular redox metabolism and a required substrate for the sirtuins (SIRT1–7), PARPs and CD38. Age-related decline in tissue NAD⁺ is one of the most-cited findings in the mitochondrial and longevity literature.
UK researchers referenced in this library commonly source reference-grade NAD+ through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC purity data and batch-level certificates of analysis against each listing.
Educational content for research audiences only. Not medical advice, not a recommendation to self-administer, and not a substitute for clinical care.
01 · What is NAD+?
NAD⁺ is not a peptide — it is a dinucleotide of nicotinamide and adenine linked by two phosphate groups. It is included in this library because it is routinely handled alongside peptides in preclinical mitochondrial research.
02 · Mechanism of action
NAD⁺ cycles between its oxidised (NAD⁺) and reduced (NADH) forms as the primary electron carrier of catabolic metabolism. Separately, NAD⁺ is consumed as a co-substrate by sirtuin deacylases, PARP DNA-repair enzymes and the ectoenzyme CD38. Because these three consumer classes deplete the pool, tissue NAD⁺ falls with age and with inflammatory stress — the rationale for supplementation research using NAD⁺ precursors and, in some models, exogenous NAD⁺ itself.
03 · Handling, reconstitution and storage
Lyophilised NAD+ is stored at -20 °C, desiccated, protected from light. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water (0.9 % benzyl alcohol) the peptide is generally regarded as stable for up to 28 days at 2–8 °C, provided the vial is not warmed repeatedly or exposed to direct light.
Bring the vial to room temperature before opening, inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall, swirl gently to dissolve — never shake — and log the reconstitution date on the vial. Full step-by-step protocol in our reconstitution chapter. Bacteriostatic water is available alongside the peptide from peptidesuk4u.co.uk.
04 · Purity, identity and CoA expectations
For reference-grade NAD+, expect: reverse-phase HPLC area-percent purity ≥ 99.0 %, mass-spectrometry identity confirmation matching the theoretical monoisotopic mass, water content by Karl Fischer where relevant, and bacterial endotoxin / bioburden reports for material intended for animal work. Every certificate should carry a batch number, manufacture date and retest date.
Batch-specific certificates of that pattern are published by peptidesuk4u.co.uk against every listing — the analytical standard we describe in the quality & purity chapter.
05 · Regulatory context
Injectable NAD⁺ has no marketing authorisation as a medicine in the UK, US or EU. Research-grade NAD⁺ is supplied as a laboratory reagent only.
Frequently asked questions
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. NAD⁺ is a dinucleotide coenzyme. It is included in this library because it is routinely handled and reconstituted alongside peptides in preclinical mitochondrial and longevity research.
How is NAD+ different from NMN or NR?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors that cells convert to NAD⁺. NAD⁺ itself is the active coenzyme.
Where do UK researchers source NAD+?
UK research groups referenced in this library commonly source research-grade NAD⁺ through peptidesuk4u.co.uk, which publishes HPLC characterisation and a batch-level CoA.
References
- [1]Rajman L. et al. Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules. Cell Metab. 2018.
- [2]Verdin E. NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015.