Nasal SprayFrom $166/mo
InjectionFrom $166/mo
Medically reviewed by Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G. —
Definition
NAD+, in plain English
NAD+ stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It's a coenzyme: a helper molecule that enzymes need to do their work. NIH's Office of Dietary Supplements notes that more than 400 enzymes require NAD to carry out reactions in the body.
The plus sign marks the oxidized form, which is ready to accept electrons. When NAD+ picks up electrons it becomes NADH; when NADH hands them off, it turns back into NAD+. That back-and-forth is how cells move energy from food toward ATP.
- Full name
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
- Type
- Coenzyme
- Made from
- Vitamin B3 forms and tryptophan
For your treatment
What NAD+ means for NAD+ therapy
NADMedics providers can prescribe compounded NAD+ as a nasal spray or a subcutaneous injection. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, compounded NAD+ isn't FDA-approved, and research in people is still early.
- Free online consultation with a licensed U.S. provider
- NAD+ nasal spray or injection, plans from $166 a month if prescribed
- NAD+ has no FDA-approved use; compounded NAD+ isn’t FDA-approved
Questions
NAD+: common questions
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is the oxidized form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in every living cell. It carries electrons for energy metabolism and is used by enzymes involved in DNA repair.
Is NAD+ a vitamin?
No. NAD+ is a coenzyme your body makes from forms of vitamin B3 (niacin) and from the amino acid tryptophan. Niacin is the vitamin; NAD+ is what the body builds from it.
Is NAD+ the same as NADH?
They're two forms of the same molecule. NAD+ is the oxidized form that accepts electrons, and NADH is the reduced form carrying them. Cells switch between the two constantly.
Does NADMedics NAD+ contain NADH or NADP?
No. NADMedics nasal spray and injections contain compounded NAD+. Your cells convert NAD+ into NADH and NADP as they need them.
Can a blood test measure my NAD+?
Research labs can measure NAD+ in blood, but it isn't part of routine care and there's no agreed normal range doctors use.
Why do NAD+ levels fall with age?
Research reviews point to more NAD+ being used by enzymes such as CD38 and PARPs and less being recycled. Most of that evidence comes from lab and animal studies.
Keep learning
Related NAD+ terms
Terms that connect to NAD+, each explained on its own page.
- MoleculesNADHNADH is the reduced form of NAD+. It carries high-energy electrons from the breakdown of food to the electron transport chain in mitochondria, where they help make ATP.
- MoleculesCoenzymeA coenzyme is a small, non-protein molecule that an enzyme needs in order to work. NAD+ is one of the body's most widely used coenzymes, and many coenzymes are made from B vitamins.
- Vitamins & precursorsNiacinNiacin is vitamin B3, an essential nutrient the body turns into NAD and NADP. It includes nicotinic acid and nicotinamide and comes from foods such as poultry, fish, nuts and grains.
- Enzymes & pathwaysSirtuinsSirtuins are a family of seven enzymes in people (SIRT1 to SIRT7) that need NAD+ to work. They remove chemical tags from proteins and help regulate metabolism, stress responses and DNA upkeep.
- Vitamins & precursorsNAD+ precursorAn NAD+ precursor is any molecule the body can turn into NAD+. The main ones are tryptophan, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
Guides that cover NAD+
- What Is NAD Injections? A Simple, Friendly Beginner's GuideNew to NAD+ injections? Learn what they are, how a shot under the skin works, what research shows, who should skip them and what they cost at NADMedics.NAD+ injections
- How Much NAD+ Should I Inject? Dosage Made Simple for YouHow much NAD+ should you inject? There's no FDA-approved dose, so your provider sets it. Learn what shapes that dose, what studies used and how to measure it.NAD+ injections
- Are NAD+ Injections Safe? The Real Risks and Benefits SharedAre NAD+ injections safe? See the common side effects, what FDA alerts found about contaminated NAD+, who should avoid it and how to lower your risk.NAD+ injections
Official sources
NAD+: sources and official resources
Official government and research sources behind this page, so you can check the facts yourself.
- NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsNiacin: Health Professional Fact Sheet
Explains how the body turns niacin (vitamin B3) into NAD, a coenzyme used by more than 400 enzymes.
- NIH PubMed CentralCovarrubias et al. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing (2021)
Review of how NAD+ works in cells and how levels change with age.
- NIH National Library of Medicine (StatPearls)Niacin (StatPearls, archived)
Clinical review: NAD and NADP as the active forms of niacin, and niacin's use as a cholesterol drug.
- U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCompounding and the FDA: Questions and Answers
What compounded medicines are and why they aren't FDA-approved.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G., on October 12, 2026. This glossary is general education, not medical advice. NAD+ has no FDA-approved use, and compounded NAD+ is not FDA-approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Talk with a licensed provider before starting any supplement or treatment.
Questions about NAD+? Ask a provider
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