NAD+ (1000 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
NAD+ is a critical coenzyme involved in mitochondrial energy production, sirtuin activation, and DNA repair. Cellular NAD+ levels decline with age — restoring them is an active longevity-research area. This page covers the 1000 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous (slow infusion sometimes) | Frequency: Daily during cycle | Half-life: Tissue NAD+ ~hours
Standard Approach (3 mL = 333.33 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 333.33 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (titration) | 50 mg | 15.0 units | 0.15 mL | 20 doses |
| Week 2 | 75 mg | 22.5 units | 0.23 mL | 13 doses |
| Weeks 3–16 (maintenance) | 100 mg | 30.0 units | 0.30 mL | 10 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 14 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 100 mg per dose, daily during cycle (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| NAD+ (1000 mg) vials | 6 vials | 9 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 2 × 10 mL | 3 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
NAD+ injection protocols vary widely. The most-cited research approaches are slow daily subcutaneous (8–14 days), or weekly IV infusions (45–60 min slow drip). Both raise tissue NAD+ levels rapidly compared to oral precursors (NMN, NR).
The injection-site burning sensation is the primary tolerability constraint — slow injection mitigates significantly.
Dosing Protocol
Daily titration (subcutaneous):
- Week 1 (titration): 50 mg/day.
- Week 2: 75 mg/day.
- Weeks 3–16 (maintenance): 100 mg/day. Most-cited research dose.
IV protocol: Some clinical protocols use 500–1000 mg slow IV (45–60 min), 1–2× weekly — clinical setting required. Do not attempt IV at home.
Cycle structure: 8–14 day intensive courses, then 2–4 week break. Some users run 5 days on / 2 days off continuously.
Burning sensation: Inject slowly (over 30+ seconds for sub-Q) to minimize. Splitting larger doses into two injections at different sites also helps.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 14 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a small-molecule coenzyme present in every living cell. It functions as the central electron carrier in cellular metabolism, alternating between oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms. Beyond its metabolic role, NAD+ is a substrate for sirtuins (longevity-related deacetylases) and PARPs (DNA-repair enzymes).
Cellular NAD+ levels decline ~50% between age 40 and 60, paralleling mitochondrial dysfunction and aging-related disease. Direct NAD+ administration bypasses synthesis pathways from precursors (NMN, NR) and rapidly raises tissue NAD+ levels.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Replenishes intracellular NAD+ pools that decline with age.
- Activates sirtuin-mediated longevity pathways.
- Supports mitochondrial function.
- Substrate for PARP-mediated DNA repair.
- Reported subjective improvements in energy and clarity.
Side Effect Profile
- Injection-site discomfort or burning sensation (most common tolerability issue).
- Flushing or warmth during/after dosing.
- Transient nausea at higher doses.
- Headache reported.
- Inject slowly to minimize burning.
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with regular aerobic exercise — exercise itself raises NAD+.
- Sleep adequacy is essential — NAD+ rhythm follows the circadian cycle.
- Limit alcohol — alcohol metabolism rapidly depletes NAD+.
- Many users prefer cycled dosing (5 days on / 2 off).
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous, abdomen or thigh — inject slowly to minimize discomfort.
- Some research-grade protocols use slow IV infusion (45–60 min).
- Splitting larger doses into two injections can reduce sting.