Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide — a coenzyme (not a peptide) · longevity research
Longevity · cellular coenzymeEvidence: preclinical / emerging humanNot a peptide · not an approved drug
First, a correction the space gets wrong: NAD+ is a coenzyme (a dinucleotide), not a peptide. It's grouped with peptides in wellness marketing, but it's a different class of molecule. This is educational only, not medical advice.
What it is
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every cell, central to energy metabolism — it carries electrons in the reactions that make ATP. It is also a substrate consumed by repair and signaling enzymes.
Mechanism / why the interest
Redox metabolism: NAD+/NADH cycling powers the electron-transport chain.
Sirtuins & PARPs: NAD+ is the fuel for sirtuins (longevity-associated enzymes) and DNA-repair PARPs; cellular NAD+ declines with age, which drives the "restore NAD+" hypothesis.1
Honest framing: the biology is real and important; whether supplementing NAD+ (or precursors like NR/NMN) meaningfully slows human aging is not established — human trials are early and mixed.
Evidence & status
Preclinical: extensive; NAD+ decline and repletion are heavily studied in animals.
Human: early trials of precursors (NR, NMN); clinical benefit on aging outcomes remains unproven.
Not an FDA-approved drug; precursors are sold as supplements (regulatory status has shifted).
For educational and research purposes only. This content is not medical advice. Compounds referenced are research use only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Free Peptide University does not sell compounds.