NAD+

NAD+ is a co-enzyme that transfers electrons in the metabolic process. It plays a key role in the conversion of nutrients into usable energy (ATP) in the mitochondria.

Mechanism of action under investigation

The co-enzyme is essential for the function of enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs, which are involved in DNA maintenance and the regulation of cellular processes. Within cells, it exists in a dynamic equilibrium with its reduced form, NADH; this NAD+/NADH ratio is used in research as an indicator of a cell’s metabolic state. Research suggests that its levels in cells decline with age, making it of interest for longevity studies.

These findings are based on laboratory and animal studies and do not constitute evidence of health effects in humans.

As the co-enzyme plays a role in many reactions simultaneously, a pure starting material is crucial to ensuring the accuracy of the measurements.

In research, the balance between the production, reutilisation and consumption of the co-enzyme is closely monitored, as even small shifts can affect the measured metabolic state of a cell.

NAD+ metabolism is a broad field of research within biogerontology. Research into sirtuins and the co-enzyme is associated, amongst other things, with the work of laboratories led by David Sinclair (Harvard) and others, with a focus on cellular ageing.

• Research focus: mitochondrial energy production.
• Research focus: sirtuin activity and DNA maintenance.
• Research focus: age-related decline in blood levels.

Status of human research

NAD+ has not been approved as a medicinal product. Human research focuses primarily on precursors such as NR and NMN in early-stage clinical trials, with no established anti-ageing effects. For researchers, the distinction between the co-enzyme and its precursors is important, as different precursors follow different pathways within the cell. A well-characterised, pure starting material helps to study these pathways reliably.

NAD+ versus its precursors

In practice, researchers often work with precursors because these follow different transport pathways within the cell than the co-enzyme itself. Anyone studying the molecule directly benefits from a pure, well-characterised starting material, so that any observed effects can be attributed to the molecule itself rather than to impurities or degradation products.

NAD+ is supplied as a lyophilised powder and reconstituted in the laboratory using bacteriostatic water. The steps below describe the laboratory procedure.

1. 1Allow the vial and the bacteriostatic water to reach room temperature.
2. 2Wipe the stopper of both vials with an alcohol wipe.
3. 3Add the bacteriostatic water slowly, running it down the side of the vial.
4. 4Gently swirl until the powder has completely dissolved; do not shake.
5. 5Label with the date and batch number, and store in a cool place straight away.

The co-enzyme is sensitive to heat; work quickly and store the solution in a cool place straight away. You can find the necessary equipment under ‘Lab & Accessories’. This is a laboratory instruction, not dosage advice.

Working with a sensitive molecule

Minimise exposure to room temperature during reconstitution and store the solution in a cool place immediately. Make a note of the preparation time so that you can compare stability between experiments.

Store NAD+ in a cool, dark place; the molecule is relatively sensitive to heat and moisture.

Practical storage tips

• Powder form: store in the freezer (-20 °C) to ensure long-term stability.
• After reconstitution: store in a cool place (2–8 °C) and use as soon as possible.
• Protect from light, heat and moisture; seal the vial tightly.
• Write the reconstitution date on the label.

Cool, dry storage is essential to maintain purity.

Stable, cold storage directly contributes to reliable, reproducible measurement results.