NAD+

Buy NAD+: the coenzyme behind redox balance and cellular energy

NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a small molecule with a big job: it takes part in countless metabolic reactions and connects energy production with cellular signalling. Its dual role is particularly fascinating. As an electron carrier, NAD+ is part of redox metabolism; at the same time, NAD-dependent enzymes use the coenzyme as a substrate.

The name refers to the oxidised form of the NAD+/NADH pair. In metabolic reactions, NAD+ accepts electrons and becomes NADH. The ratio of the two forms reflects a cell's redox state and shows how closely metabolism and energy flow are interlinked.

A redox pair that makes energy usable

In glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, nutrients are broken down step by step. NAD+ accepts electrons in the process and NADH is formed. In the respiratory chain, NADH passes the electrons on again; the proton gradient built up in this way drives ATP production. NAD+ is regenerated and is available for further reactions.

This constant interconversion makes the coenzyme a central hub of cellular metabolism. Without the regeneration of NAD+ from NADH, oxidative energy production could not run continuously.

NAD-dependent signalling pathways: sirtuins and CD38

NAD+ is more than a redox carrier. Sirtuins, a family of NAD+-dependent enzymes, require the coenzyme for their activity. In this way, cellular NAD status is linked to regulatory processes that respond to metabolic state and stress.

A second enzyme has come into focus in ageing research: CD38 consumes NAD+. In mouse genetic and cellular experiments, increased CD38 activity was linked to age-related NAD decline and mitochondrial dysfunction via a SIRT3-dependent mechanism (study on CD38 and SIRT3). The findings come from preclinical models and describe a mechanism, not a proven clinical benefit of NAD+ administration.

What measurements in the human brain show

NAD status can also be studied in humans. A non-invasive magnetic resonance study in healthy volunteers found age-related differences in NAD content and in the redox state of the brain (measurements in the human brain). This shows that NAD biology can be followed in the living organism.

The study describes a relationship between age and NAD status. It does not show that raising NAD+ levels reverses ageing processes or treats neurological disease.

What direct NAD+ infusion makes measurable

Direct NAD+ must be distinguished from precursors such as nicotinamide riboside or NMN. A human pilot study with intravenous infusion tracked the NAD+ metabolome in plasma and urine and documented time-delayed changes in circulating concentrations (pilot study on NAD+ infusion).

The investigation provides data on how NAD+ and related metabolites change over time in the body, not on clinical endpoints. Results with precursors therefore cannot be readily transferred to direct NAD+.

Choosing NAD+ for research

In a single molecule, NAD+ combines central redox biology with the regulation of NAD-dependent enzymes. It is precisely this combination that makes it interesting for questions that consider metabolism, mitochondria and signalling pathways together.

NAD+ is available in 100 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg per vial. Order NAD+ now and choose the variant that suits your research project.