What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is one of biology's most fundamental coenzymes, present in every living cell and essential for the redox chemistry that powers cellular metabolism. Its molecular formula is C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂ (MW: 663.43 g/mol). NAD+ exists in two interconvertible forms: the oxidised NAD+ and the reduced NADH, with the NAD⁺/NADH ratio serving as a critical sensor of cellular metabolic state.
NAD+ participates in over 500 enzymatic reactions across the metabolic network, most critically as the electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (glycolysis and the TCA cycle generate NADH from NAD+, which is then oxidised back to NAD+ at Complex I). Separately, NAD+ is consumed as a substrate — not merely a carrier — by three enzyme classes of particular research interest: sirtuins (class III histone deacetylases and metabolic regulators), PARPs (poly-ADP-ribose polymerases involved in DNA damage repair), and CD38/CD157 (cell signalling ectoenzymes).
ClaraScience supplies NAD+ at the highest purity in our range — ≥99.5% HPLC-verified — in 100mg vials, protected from light during storage and shipping. For laboratory research use only.
Enzymatic scope. Participates in 500+ enzymatic reactions — electron carrier in redox metabolism and consumed substrate for sirtuins and PARPs.
Age-related decline. Plasma and tissue NAD+ levels decline approximately 50% between ages 40–60 in human studies.
Purity. 99.2% HPLC-verified purity.
Research Background
The longevity research interest in NAD+ was significantly accelerated by work from Dr. Eric Verdin and colleagues, with a landmark review published in Science (2015;350:1208–1213) cataloguing NAD+'s roles in ageing biology including sirtuin regulation, mitochondrial function, and the interconnected web of metabolic and epigenetic processes that accompany cellular ageing.
Sirtuin biology has become a particularly active area of NAD+ research. Seven mammalian sirtuins (SIRT1-7) use NAD+ as a co-substrate — consuming it in the deacetylation reaction — to regulate histone acetylation, transcription factor activity, and mitochondrial biogenesis. SIRT1 and SIRT3 have been particularly studied in the context of metabolic homeostasis, with SIRT1 regulating PGC-1α (a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation).
The field of NAD+ precursor research (NMN, NR) has produced substantial preclinical and initial clinical data on the relationship between NAD+ availability and ageing phenotypes in rodent models and human subjects. Research directly using NAD+ as a substrate enables mechanistic investigation of its enzymatic roles without the variables of precursor conversion efficiency. ClaraScience also stocks MOTS-C and SS-31 for comprehensive mitochondrial research programmes.
Key citation Verdin E. "NAD⁺ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration." Science. 2015;350(6265):1208–1213.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) |
| Molecular Formula |
C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂ |
| Molecular Weight |
663.43 g/mol |
| Purity (HPLC) |
99.2% — independently verified |
| Vial Size |
100mg (high-concentration research format) |
| Storage |
2–8°C · Protect from light |
| Primary Reference |
Verdin E, Science 2015;350:1208–1213 |
Storage & Handling
NAD+ is sensitive to both light and moisture. ClaraScience ships NAD+ with light-protective packaging.
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C. Protect from light. Use desiccant storage if available.
- After reconstitution: Store at 2–8°C protected from light. Use within 14 days (shorter than other peptides due to hydrolytic sensitivity).
- Reconstitution: Use sterile water or appropriate buffer for your research protocol. Do not use acidic reconstitution media.
Full handling protocols: Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$59.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$54.95 AUD |
Save 8% |
| 10+ vials |
$49.95 AUD |
Save 17% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. 24-hour dispatch. Light-protected packaging. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for over 500 enzymatic reactions including cellular energy production, DNA repair (via PARP enzymes), and gene regulation (via sirtuin deacetylases). It is present in all living cells and is a subject of intensive ageing biology research. For laboratory research use only.
What is the difference between NAD+, NMN, and NR?
NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are NAD+ biosynthetic precursors that require intracellular conversion via distinct enzymatic pathways. NAD+ is the active coenzyme itself. Research using NAD+ directly eliminates the variables of precursor conversion efficiency for mechanistic enzymatic studies.
Does NAD+ decline with age?
Multiple human studies have documented a ~50% decline in plasma and tissue NAD+ levels between ages 40 and 60. This decline is associated with reduced mitochondrial efficiency, sirtuin activity, and DNA repair capacity in ageing research models. This pattern is a primary driver of NAD+ research interest in longevity biology.
Is NAD+ available in Australia for research?
ClaraScience stocks research-grade NAD+ (100mg, 99.2% purity) in our Australian warehouse. Dispatched within 24 hours with light-protected packaging. For laboratory research use only.
