Metabolic
NAD+
Not approved as an injectionSmall human studiesNADNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
A coenzyme every cell uses to make energy, and levels fall with age. Injected or IV NAD+ is marketed for energy and anti-aging, but there's little evidence it raises cellular NAD+ in a lasting way or improves outcomes. Most human research is on oral precursors (NR, NMN), with modest results.
- Canada
- Injectable not authorized; named in Health Canada's 2026 warning. Oral precursors (NR, NMN) are sold as supplements
- United States
- Not approved as a drug; offered by IV clinics
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Not medical advice — talk to your doctor before making medical decisions.
At a glance
- Class
- Metabolic coenzyme
- Mechanism
- Used in energy production and DNA repair
- Evidence
- Small human studies (mostly oral precursors)
- Canada
- Injectable not authorized
- Us
- Not approved
- Half Life
- Short in blood
- Routes
- SubQ, IM, IV
- Common Side Effects
- Flushing, nausea, chest tightness, cramps, especially if given fast
- Key Cautions
- Little evidence of benefit; uncomfortable to inject
What the research says
Does it boost energy or slow aging?
Not shown in good trials. Oral NR and NMN raise blood NAD+ levels, but trials show small or no clinical benefits so far.
Why does it feel bad going in?
Fast IV or large injections commonly cause flushing, nausea, chest tightness and cramping. Clinics slow the drip for this reason.
Get medical care if
- Redness, heat, swelling or pus at a site that spreads or comes with fever
- Hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing (call 911)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath that doesn't settle within minutes
Buying and quality
- Not authorized by Health Canada. Products sold online as "research use only" are illegal to sell for human use in Canada, and the label doesn't change that.
- Health Canada warns these products may contain too much, too little or none of the peptide, plus contaminants like endotoxins, solvents, heavy metals or bacteria.
- A certificate of analysis (COA) from the seller isn't independent proof. A 98% purity result still leaves 2% unidentified.
- If you use it anyway: one clean needle per injection, sterile technique, label and date every vial, and stop if a site gets hot, red and spreading.
Dose calculator
Doses are set with your prescriber. This converts a dose you already have into what to draw; it doesn't recommend one. Check every number against your syringe and your vial's label.
Doses left in the vial
A blend vial
Not medical advice — talk to your doctor before making medical decisions.
Sources
Researched 2026-10-27. Trial results and approval status change.
General education, not medical advice. Nothing here is a dose recommendation. Doses, schedules and changes are set with a prescriber.