NAD+ Complete Course Guide

NAD+ — Complete Course Guide

Overview

  • Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide — a coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for energy metabolism
  • NAD+ levels naturally decline with age (~50% reduction by age 50), contributing to aging-related decline
  • Primary research applications: anti-aging, cellular energy, cognitive function, DNA repair, mitochondrial health, addiction recovery support
  • Mechanism: Powers the electron transport chain (ATP production), activates sirtuins (longevity genes), essential for PARP-mediated DNA repair
  • Subcutaneous injection provides superior bioavailability vs oral NAD+ supplements (which are mostly degraded in digestion)

Starter Course

  • Dose: 50mg per injection
  • Frequency: Daily for loading phase (14 days), then 2-3x/week maintenance
  • Duration: 2 weeks loading + ongoing maintenance
  • Reconstitution: 500mg vial + 5mL BAC water = 100mg/mL
  • Syringe: 1.0mL (100 unit) insulin syringe
  • Units to draw: 50mg ÷ 100mg/mL = 0.5mL = 50 units
  • Week-by-week:
    • Week 1: Increased energy noticeable within days. Improved mental clarity. Sleep quality may improve.
    • Week 2: Sustained energy levels. Cognitive benefits establishing. Loading phase complete.
    • Week 3-4 (maintenance): 2-3x/week dosing. Benefits maintained with less frequent injections.
  • Side effects: Injection site stinging/burning (NAD+ is known for this — inject slowly), mild nausea, flushing, headache
  • Doses per vial: 500mg ÷ 50mg = 10 doses
  • Cost per dose: £29.99 ÷ 10 = ~£3.00
  • Vials for loading: 2 vials (14 daily doses)

IMPORTANT NOTE about NAD+ injections: NAD+ SubQ injections can sting/burn more than other peptides. This is normal. Tips:

  • Inject SLOWLY (take 30+ seconds)
  • Let the solution reach room temperature before injecting
  • Use a fresh, sharp needle
  • Inject into area with more subcutaneous fat
  • The sting passes within minutes

Intermediate Course

  • Dose: 100mg per injection
  • Frequency: Daily loading (14 days), then 3x/week
  • Duration: 4 weeks loading + maintenance
  • Units to draw: 100mg ÷ 100mg/mL = 1.0mL = 100 units (full syringe)
  • Doses per vial: 500mg ÷ 100mg = 5 doses
  • Vials for 4-week course: 4 vials
  • Cost per dose: £29.99 ÷ 5 = ~£6.00

Advanced Course

  • Dose: 200mg per injection
  • Frequency: Daily loading (14 days), then 3-4x/week
  • Duration: 4 weeks loading + ongoing
  • Reconstitution: Consider 500mg + 2.5mL BAC = 200mg/mL for manageable injection volume
  • Units to draw (at 200mg/mL): 200mg ÷ 200mg/mL = 1.0mL = 100 units
  • Stacking: Pairs well with GHK-Cu (anti-aging stack), CJC-1295+Ipamorelin (GH + cellular repair)
  • Cycling: Many run NAD+ continuously as anti-aging protocol. Loading phase every 3-6 months, maintenance in between.
  • Monitoring: Energy levels, cognitive function, sleep quality. Some track with blood NAD+ levels.

Loading vs Maintenance

Phase Dose Frequency Duration Purpose
Loading 50-200mg Daily 14 days Rapidly restore NAD+ levels
Maintenance 50-100mg 2-3x/week Ongoing Maintain elevated levels
Re-loading Full dose Daily 7-14 days Periodic boost every 3-6 months

Reconstitution

  • Standard: 500mg + 5mL BAC water = 100mg/mL
  • Concentrated: 500mg + 2.5mL BAC = 200mg/mL (for higher doses, less volume)
  • NAD+ dissolves readily — swirl gently
  • Solution should be clear to slightly yellow
  • Refrigerate after reconstitution, use within 28 days
  • Note: NAD+ is more stable than many peptides

Dose Reference Table

Course Dose BAC Water Concentration Units (100u) Doses/Vial Vials/Month
Starter 50mg 5mL 100mg/mL 50 units 10 2 (loading)
Intermediate 100mg 5mL 100mg/mL 100 units 5 4
Advanced 200mg 2.5mL 200mg/mL 100 units 2.5 6+

Side Effects & Safety

Common

  • Injection site burning/stinging (the most common complaint — inject slowly)
  • Mild nausea (usually first few days only)
  • Flushing (warmth/redness, passes within 30 minutes)
  • Headache (first 1-3 days, related to cellular upregulation)

Less Common

  • Muscle cramping (supplement magnesium)
  • Insomnia if injected too late in the evening (stick to morning/afternoon dosing)
  • Dizziness

When to Stop

  • Persistent severe nausea
  • Allergic reaction
  • Severe headaches that don't resolve

Contraindications

  • Active cancer (NAD+ supports cellular energy — could theoretically fuel cancer cell metabolism)
  • Pregnancy/breastfeeding
  • Liver disease (NAD+ metabolism is hepatic)

Supplies Needed

  • Syringes: 1.0mL (100 unit) — doses are larger volume than typical peptides
  • BAC water: 10mL vial
  • Alcohol swabs, sharps bin
  • Vials: 2 (starter loading), 4/month (intermediate), 6+/month (advanced)

Week-by-Week Timeline

  • Day 1-3: Energy boost noticeable. Possible injection site discomfort. Mild flushing.
  • Week 1: Cognitive clarity improving. Sleep quality better. Loading phase.
  • Week 2: Loading complete. Sustained energy. Mental acuity sharper. Switch to maintenance.
  • Week 3-4: Maintenance dosing. Benefits stable. Skin quality may start improving.
  • Month 2-3: Long-term benefits accumulating. Hair/nail growth, skin elasticity, sustained energy.
  • Month 3+: Full anti-aging protocol established. Consider re-loading phase every 3-6 months.

NAD+ vs Oral NMN/NR Supplements

Factor NAD+ SubQ Injection Oral NMN/NR
Bioavailability High (direct to bloodstream) Low (~10-30%, degraded in gut)
Onset Hours Days to weeks
Dosing precision Exact Variable absorption
Cost-effectiveness Higher per dose but more effective Cheaper but less efficient
Convenience Injection required Oral capsule
Best for Serious anti-aging, rapid results General supplementation

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for research and educational purposes only. Peptide Shop UK sells peptides strictly for research use. This content does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any research protocol.