NAD+ Dosage Chart: 100mg SubQ, 2-3x/Week Protocol

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every living cell, essential for mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation. NAD+ levels decline approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60 (Massudi et al., 2012), driving interest in direct supplementation to restore youthful concentrations.

Research-context information only. NAD+ is a research peptide. Protocols, doses, and reactions reported below come from published research and self-reported community sources. This article reports what has been documented, not what should be done. Consult a licensed physician for personal medical decisions.

NAD+ is not FDA-approved as an anti-aging therapy. The protocols below reflect published research, clinical practice patterns, and community experience. This is not medical advice.

Quick Reference: Standard Protocol

NAD+ Dosing by Route

NAD+ is unique among peptides in having five practical administration routes, each with different onset and bioavailability:

Cycling Details

NAD+ doesn't require strict cycling like most peptides. The "as needed" approach reflects that NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a receptor agonist — there's no desensitization concern in the same way.

Community protocols most commonly describe an 8-12 week injectable course (100-200 mg SC 2-3x/week), with oral NMN (500 mg daily) as a bridge during off periods before repeating.

Routes of Administration

Subcutaneous injection is the route community and clinical protocols most commonly use as the primary injectable route. Injection site stinging lasting 5-15 minutes is the most frequently reported side effect; community sources describe slow injection and site rotation as common approaches. Community sources most often describe morning timing, citing potential energizing effects.

IV infusion (250-500 mg over 2-4 hours) delivers the highest peak levels and is used in clinical settings. A single 3-hour infusion of 750 mg increased blood NAD+ approximately 398% above baseline (Grant et al., 2019). Loading protocols use 250-500 mg daily for 3-5 days.

Oral precursors (NMN/NR) are the most accessible route. NMN at 250 mg/day for 12 weeks significantly increased NAD+ metabolites and improved physical performance (Yoshino et al., 2021). NR at 1000 mg/day increased whole-blood NAD+ by ~60% over 6 weeks (Martens et al., 2018).

Reconstitution Quick Reference

Math (as described in community reconstitution protocols): 500 mg ÷ 5 mL = 100 mg/mL. For a 100 mg dose: 100 ÷ 100 = 1.0 mL = 100 units on an insulin syringe.

Protocols describe refrigerating after mixing and using within 28 days. NAD+ is less stable in solution than many peptides, so prompt refrigeration matters. For step-by-step instructions, see the full NAD+ Reconstitution Guide.

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Where These Numbers Come From

NAD+ replenishment targets several interconnected aging pathways, all driven by the age-related decline in NAD+ levels:

Sirtuin activation: NAD+ is required for SIRT1-7 function — deacetylases that regulate DNA repair, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and stress resistance. Age-related NAD+ decline impairs sirtuin function (Imai & Guarente, 2014).

Mitochondrial energy: NAD+ is a critical electron carrier in the electron transport chain. Declining levels directly impair oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production (Stein & Imai, 2012).

DNA repair: PARP enzymes consume NAD+ during DNA repair. As damage accumulates with age and NAD+ falls, repair capacity is compromised (Fang et al., 2017).

Cognitive function: NAD+ supports neuronal health through SIRT1-mediated neuroprotection and PARP-dependent DNA repair in neurons (Lautrup et al., 2019).

Exercise performance: NMN supplementation improved aerobic capacity in amateur runners (Liao et al., 2021).

Stacking Protocols

SS-31 optimizes mitochondrial machinery; NAD+ provides the fuel. MOTS-c enhances how cells use energy; NAD+ ensures there is energy to use.

Side Effects & Safety

• Injection site stinging/burning — very common, lasting 5-15 minutes (most frequently reported side effect)
• Mild flushing — occasional, less intense than IV route
• IV-specific: flushing, warmth, chest tightness, nausea — common and rate-dependent, managed by slowing infusion
• GI discomfort with oral precursors — mild and infrequent at standard doses
• Insomnia — occasional if taken late in the day (avoid evening dosing)
• No serious adverse events reported in published human trials for NR 1000 mg/day or NMN 250 mg/day

mg to Units Conversion

On a standard 100-unit insulin syringe, each "unit" equals 0.01 mL (so 100 units = 1 mL). Once NAD+ is reconstituted, the conversion from a target dose to syringe units depends on the chosen dilution.

The two reconstitution ratios most often described in community protocols are below.

Reconstitution A: 500 mg vial + 5 mL BAC water (100 mg/mL) — the standard dilution from the Quick Reference above.

Reconstitution B: 500 mg vial + 1 mL BAC water (500 mg/mL) — less BAC water for a lower total volume, so smaller draws and less fridge space.

These conversions reflect the dilutions documented in community reconstitution protocols. They report how the math is described, not a recommended dosing schedule.