NAD+: Structure, Research Overview and Specifications
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It is central to energy metabolism and acts as a substrate for enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs, which makes it one of the most studied molecules in research on metabolism, DNA repair and ageing. This page summarises its chemistry, the published research and the specifications of the material we supply.
For in vitro research use only. Not for human or animal use. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is not a peptide but a small molecule made of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups: one containing adenine and the other containing nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. It is listed alongside our peptides because it is widely used in the same areas of research, particularly mitochondrial function and cellular ageing.
Cells use NAD+ in hundreds of reactions. It carries electrons during the breakdown of nutrients for energy, and it is consumed by signalling enzymes that regulate gene expression, DNA repair and stress responses.
Chemical data
| Name | NAD+ (β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidised form) |
|---|---|
| Other names | β-NAD, NAD, Nadide |
| Molecular formula | C21H27N7O14P2 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 663.4 g/mol |
| CAS number | 53-84-9 |
| Structure | Adenine nucleotide + nicotinamide nucleotide, linked by a pyrophosphate bridge |
| Form supplied | Lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder |
NAD+ and NADH
NAD exists in two main forms. NAD+ is the oxidised form that accepts electrons, and NADH is the reduced form that carries them. During glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, NAD+ is converted to NADH; in the mitochondria, NADH then donates its electrons to the electron transport chain to drive ATP production, regenerating NAD+.
The ratio between NAD+ and NADH is used in research as an indicator of a cell’s metabolic and redox state.
Biological roles studied
- Energy metabolismNAD+ is an essential electron carrier in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.
- SirtuinsSirtuins (SIRT1–7) are NAD+-dependent enzymes that regulate gene expression, mitochondrial function and stress responses.
- PARPs and DNA repairPoly(ADP-ribose) polymerases consume NAD+ to signal and repair DNA damage.
- CD38 and NAD+ declineThe enzyme CD38 breaks down NAD+, and its increase with age has been linked to falling NAD+ levels in animal studies.
What the published research shows
NAD+ levels and ageing
Studies in animal models and human tissue samples have reported that NAD+ levels decline with age in several tissues. This has made NAD+ metabolism a major focus in research on age-related changes in metabolism and mitochondrial function.
Restoring NAD+ in animal models
Research in rodents has examined raising NAD+ levels, often through precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Reported effects in these models include improved mitochondrial function and metabolic markers, although results vary between tissues and study designs.
Sirtuin and mitochondrial signalling
Work on the link between NAD+ and sirtuins, particularly SIRT1 and SIRT3, has helped explain how cellular energy status is connected to gene regulation and mitochondrial health.
Human studies
Human studies have mostly focused on NAD+ precursors rather than NAD+ itself, and have generally shown that NAD+ levels in blood can be raised. Effects on broader health outcomes remain unclear.
Limitations of the evidence
- Much of the evidence on raising NAD+ comes from rodent models, which do not necessarily translate to humans.
- Many studies use precursors (NR, NMN) rather than NAD+ itself, so findings cannot be assumed to apply directly to NAD+.
- NAD+ is a large, charged molecule, and how it is taken up by cells and tissues is still being studied.
- Measuring NAD+ accurately is technically difficult, and methods vary between laboratories.
Regulatory status
The NAD+ we supply is a research-grade compound and is not a licensed medicinal product in the UK. It is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research and is not intended for human or animal use.
Storage and handling in the lab
- Store lyophilised powder at −20 °C in a dry place; NAD+ is hygroscopic, so keep the vial tightly sealed.
- Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
- NAD+ solutions are most stable at neutral to slightly acidic pH and degrade faster in alkaline conditions.
- Keep reconstituted solutions refrigerated or frozen in aliquots, protected from light, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
Quality
Every batch of NAD+ we supply is independently tested for purity by Janoshik using HPLC before it is released for sale. Read more on our Quality & Testing page.
Related research compounds
Frequently asked questions
Is NAD+ a peptide?
No. NAD+ is a coenzyme made of two nucleotides. It is supplied alongside peptides because it is used in the same areas of research, such as mitochondrial function and ageing.
What is the difference between NAD+ and NADH?
NAD+ is the oxidised form that accepts electrons, and NADH is the reduced form that carries them. Cells constantly convert between the two during energy metabolism.
What is the difference between NAD+, NMN and NR?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors that cells convert into NAD+. Much of the published research on raising NAD+ levels uses these precursors.
Which enzymes use NAD+?
Besides its role in energy metabolism, NAD+ is consumed by sirtuins, PARPs and CD38, enzymes involved in gene regulation, DNA repair and cell signalling.
How should NAD+ be stored?
Lyophilised NAD+ should be stored at −20 °C, dry and tightly sealed. Solutions are most stable at neutral to slightly acidic pH and should be kept cold and protected from light.
References
- Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208–1213.
- Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in Cell Biology. 2014;24(8):464–471.
- Camacho-Pereira J, et al. CD38 dictates age-related NAD decline and mitochondrial dysfunction through an SIRT3-dependent mechanism. Cell Metabolism. 2016;23(6):1127–1139.
- Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic potential of NAD-boosting molecules: the in vivo evidence. Cell Metabolism. 2018;27(3):529–547.
- 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.
This page is for scientific information only. Sterling Peptides Ltd supplies NAD+ strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or animal use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Questions: [email protected]