What does NAD+ stand for?

NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (oxidised form). It is a coenzyme composed of two nucleotides joined by a diphosphate bridge, one carrying nicotinamide, the other adenine.

Is NAD+ the same as NADH?

No. NAD+ is the oxidised form and NADH is the reduced form of the same coenzyme. NAD+ accepts a hydride during redox reactions to become NADH; NADH donates a hydride to return to NAD+.

Why is NAD+ studied in ageing research?

Published preclinical research reports declines in tissue NAD+ availability across ageing and metabolic-stress models, alongside changes in sirtuin activity and PARP-driven consumption. These observations are experimental and should not be interpreted as established therapeutic effects in humans.

Why do researchers track the NAD+/NADH ratio?

The NAD+/NADH ratio serves as a redox-state indicator. It reflects the balance between oxidative flux (TCA cycle, β-oxidation) and reducing equivalents delivered to the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

What is the difference between PepDirect's NAD+ Raw Vial and Pen Kit?

The Raw Vial is supplied as a lyophilised powder and requires reconstitution before use. The Pen Kit is supplied in a pre-filled research format. Both are supplied by PepDirect exclusively for laboratory research use.

Is PepDirect's NAD+ sold for human use?

No. PepDirect supplies NAD+ in laboratory research formats only. It is not marketed as a medicine, food supplement, cosmetic or product for human or veterinary use.

↳ Research overview

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in all living cells and is central to cellular redox chemistry, energy metabolism, and multiple signalling pathways. Researchers study NAD+ because it participates in mitochondrial electron transfer, sirtuin activity, PARP-mediated DNA damage responses, and broader metabolic changes associated with ageing and cellular stress.

For laboratory research use only. PepDirect supplies NAD+ in research formats only.

§ The molecule

What NAD+ is

Full name: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Oxidised form: NAD⁺.
Reduced form: NADH.
Function: acts as an electron carrier / redox cofactor, cycling between its oxidised and reduced states as it participates in enzymatic redox reactions.
Distribution: present across essentially all living cells, from bacteria to mammals.

§ NAD+ vs NADH

NAD+ vs NADH, what's the difference?

NAD+ (oxidised)

The electron-accepting form. Accepts a hydride ion (H^-) during redox reactions and is reduced to NADH in the process.

NADH (reduced)

The electron-donating form. Delivers reducing equivalents to the mitochondrial electron transport chain, where they drive ATP synthesis and are regenerated to NAD+.

A high ratio reflects an oxidised, oxygen- rich state; a low ratio reflects a more reduced, hypoxic or highly glycolytic state.

§ Research themes

Why researchers study NAD+

Mitochondrial energy metabolism

NAD+ shuttles electrons between glycolytic and TCA-cycle intermediates and the mitochondrial electron transport chain, driving ATP synthesis.

Sirtuin-mediated deacetylation

The sirtuin family (SIRT1–SIRT7) is investigated as an NAD+-dependent deacetylase / ADP-ribosyltransferase superfamily influencing gene regulation and metabolic signalling.

PARP and DNA-damage response

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases consume NAD+ during the ADP-ribosylation of proteins involved in DNA repair and genomic stability.

CD38-mediated NAD+ consumption

CD38 and related ectoenzymes hydrolyse NAD+ to nicotinamide and second-messenger metabolites investigated in cellular signalling contexts.

Ageing-associated NAD+ availability

Published research reports shifts in tissue NAD+ pools across ageing and metabolic-stress models, alongside changes in sirtuin activity and NAD+-consuming enzymes.

Metabolic-state signalling

The NAD+/NADH ratio is tracked in research as a metabolic-state indicator alongside AMP/ATP and reduced/oxidised glutathione ratios.

These themes reflect mechanistic research directions rather than demonstrated outcomes in humans.

§ Formats in PepDirect's catalog

NAD+ in PepDirect's catalog

PepDirect currently supplies NAD+ in two research formats. Which format a laboratory chooses is a workflow decision, not a dosing recommendation.

Raw Vial

NAD+ Raw Vial

Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Requires reconstitution before use.

View NAD+ Raw Vial →

Pen Kit

NAD+ 500mg Pen Kit

Supplied in a pre-filled research format. No reconstitution step.

View NAD+ 500mg Pen Kit →

§ Reference identity

Key chemical identity

Compound name: NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
CAS Number: 53-84-9
Molecular formula: C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂
Molecular weight: 663.43 g/mol
PubChem CID: 5892

Lot-specific handling, purity and storage information for purchasable product formats remains governed by the individual product page and its lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.

§ FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does NAD+ stand for?: NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (oxidised form). It is a coenzyme composed of two nucleotides joined by a diphosphate bridge, one carrying nicotinamide, the other adenine.
Is NAD+ the same as NADH?: No. NAD+ is the oxidised form and NADH is the reduced form of the same coenzyme. NAD+ accepts a hydride during redox reactions to become NADH; NADH donates a hydride to return to NAD+.
Why is NAD+ studied in ageing research?: Published preclinical research reports declines in tissue NAD+ availability across ageing and metabolic-stress models, alongside changes in sirtuin activity and PARP-driven consumption. These observations are experimental and should not be interpreted as established therapeutic effects in humans.
Why do researchers track the NAD+/NADH ratio?: The NAD+/NADH ratio serves as a redox-state indicator. It reflects the balance between oxidative flux (TCA cycle, β-oxidation) and reducing equivalents delivered to the mitochondrial electron transport chain.
What is the difference between PepDirect's NAD+ Raw Vial and Pen Kit?: The Raw Vial is supplied as a lyophilised powder and requires reconstitution before use. The Pen Kit is supplied in a pre-filled research format. Both are supplied by PepDirect exclusively for laboratory research use.
Is PepDirect's NAD+ sold for human use?: No. PepDirect supplies NAD+ in laboratory research formats only. It is not marketed as a medicine, food supplement, cosmetic or product for human or veterinary use.

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