NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for redox reactions, cellular energy metabolism (glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation), and cellular maintenance processes such as DNA repair and mitochondrial biogenesis. Cellular NAD+ levels naturally decline with age and metabolic stress, which may contribute to reduced mitochondrial function and diminished cellular resilience.
Clinical research on NAD+ therapy has primarily focused on high-dose intravenous (IV) infusions (500–1000 mg) for applications such as addiction treatment and acute metabolic support. A pilot study demonstrated that a 750 mg IV infusion administered over 6 hours was well tolerated in humans, with rapid metabolic clearance and no evidence of acute toxicity. However, intravenous administration requires medical supervision and specialized equipment.
Lower-dose subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) injections are emerging as practical alternatives for maintenance therapy and wellness applications. Compounded NAD+ can be administered subcutaneously in small volumes, making self-administration more convenient for ongoing use. Conservative protocols typically begin with 50–100 mg per injection several times per week, while this protocol recommends daily subcutaneous administration with gradual dose titration to optimize individual tolerance and response.