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NAD+ Research Overview

An overview of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and its central role in cellular metabolism and ageing research.

Scientific background / literature overview only. Discussion of published research does not describe the intended use of Novex Peptide products.

Novex Peptide Research Team1 August 2026 8 min read

NAD+nicotinamide metabolism ageing sirtuins

Introduction

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a critical role in cellular metabolism, serving as an electron carrier in redox reactions and as a substrate for several enzyme families. NAD+ research has expanded significantly in recent years due to its potential roles in ageing, energy metabolism, and cellular repair.

Mechanism of Action

Redox Function

NAD+ functions as an electron carrier, shuttling electrons from metabolic reactions (glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation) to the electron transport chain. NAD+ is reduced to NADH during these reactions.

Sirtuin Activation

NAD+ serves as a required substrate for sirtuins, a family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases that regulate cellular processes including DNA repair, gene expression, and metabolism.

PARP Activity

NAD+ is consumed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), enzymes involved in DNA repair and genomic stability.

CD38 Activity

NAD+ is also consumed by CD38, an enzyme involved in calcium signalling and immune function.

Current Research

Ageing Research

Animal studies have shown that NAD+ levels decline with age in multiple tissues. Research has investigated whether restoring NAD+ levels affects markers of ageing in animal models.

Metabolic Research

Studies have explored NAD+'s role in glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis in animal models.

Neurodegeneration Research

Some research has investigated NAD+ in models of neurodegenerative conditions, including effects on neuronal survival and mitochondrial function.

Cardiovascular Research

Animal studies have explored NAD+'s effects on cardiac function, vascular health, and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.

Chemical Properties

**Chemical name:** Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

**Molecular formula:** C21H27N7O14P2

**Molecular weight:** 663.43 g/mol

**Classification:** Coenzyme / dinucleotide (not a peptide)

Storage Considerations

Store at -20°C in the dark.

NAD+ is hygroscopic — protect from moisture.

Reconstituted solutions should be aliquoted and stored at -20°C.

Testing Methods

NAD+ batches should be verified by:

RP-HPLC for purity

Mass spectrometry for identity confirmation

Quantitative UV spectrophotometry (NAD+ absorbs at 260 nm)

Research Limitations

NAD+ is supplied for in vitro laboratory research and animal model studies only. While NAD+ has been investigated in clinical trials, findings are experimental. No medical, therapeutic, or dosing claims are made. NAD+ is not approved for human therapeutic use by any regulatory authority.

References

1.Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and Sirtuins in Aging. Trends Cell Biol. 2014;24(8):464-471.
2.Verdin E. NAD+ in Aging, Metabolism, and Stress. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208-1213.
3.Fang EF, et al. NAD+ in Aging. Nat Metab. 2019;1(1):10-31.

Research use only. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute advice for any application involving human use. No medical claims are made.