NAD+ Research Guide
NAD+ complete guide: injection vs oral protocols, dosing schedules and mitochondrial-health outcomes.
Why NAD+ is dosed directly
NAD+ is a coenzyme central to mitochondrial energy production and sirtuin activity. Levels decline with age, and while precursors such as NR and NMN raise NAD+ indirectly, subcutaneous or IV NAD+ is used when a faster, larger shift is the goal.
Subcutaneous dosing
Subcutaneous protocols typically start at 50–100 mg and titrate toward 100–500 mg, given daily or several times weekly. Injection-site flushing and a warm, tight sensation are common and dose-dependent — slowing the injection reduces both.
IV versus subcutaneous
IV infusions deliver larger doses (250–750 mg) over one to several hours and are usually clinic-administered. Subcutaneous dosing trades peak level for convenience and is the format most self-managed protocols use.
Stacking
NAD+ is commonly combined with 5-Amino-1MQ, MOTS-c or an NMN precursor. Start one at a time and keep the first two weeks at the low end of the range while tolerance to the flush develops.
Frequently asked questions
Why does NAD+ injection burn?
The flushing and warmth are dose- and rate-dependent; injecting slowly and starting at a lower dose markedly reduces the sensation.
What is a typical subcutaneous NAD+ dose?
Protocols usually start at 50–100 mg and titrate upward toward 100–500 mg based on tolerance.
Is NAD+ better than NMN?
Direct NAD+ raises levels faster; precursors like NMN are oral and gentler. The choice is one of speed and convenience rather than a strict hierarchy.