Mitochondrial Protocol
NAD+Complete Dosing & Administration Guide
Your cells' master energy currency and anti-aging powerhouse—NAD+ keeps your mitochondria humming, activates longevity genes called sirtuins, and helps repair DNA damage that accumulates as you get older.
Dose Range
250-500mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Oral (NR or NMN precursors)
Cycle Length
Ongoing/indefinite
Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
250-300 mg NR or NMN daily
Start with a lower dose to see how your body responds. Most people begin with oral precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Take in the morning with or without food.
Standard Dose
500-1000 mg NR or NMN daily
This is the most commonly used range in research studies. Some people split the dose (morning and early afternoon) for more consistent levels. Clinical trials have safely used up to 2000 mg daily.
Advanced Dose
250-500 mg IV NAD+ infusion
IV infusions deliver NAD+ directly into your bloodstream, bypassing digestion. Sessions typically take 2-4 hours (slower = less flushing). Often used in clinical settings for intensive protocols or specific conditions.
Timing
Best time to take
Morning is generally recommended for oral NAD+ precursors since they can boost energy and alertness. Some people find afternoon doses interfere with sleep. IV infusions can be done anytime but plan for 2-4 hours.
With food?
NAD+ precursors can be taken with or without food. Some people find taking with food reduces any digestive upset. Fat-soluble companions like resveratrol absorb better with a meal containing healthy fats.
If stacking
NAD+ precursors pair beautifully with sirtuin activators like resveratrol and quercetin—they work synergistically. CoQ10 and PQQ support the same mitochondrial health pathways. Space supplements 30 minutes apart if taking multiple.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've used the starting dose for 4+ weeks with good tolerance
- +You want more noticeable energy or cognitive benefits
- +Research suggests higher doses for your specific goals
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent flushing or skin reactions
- -Digestive upset doesn't resolve after the first week
- -You feel overly stimulated or have trouble sleeping
- -Any side effect concerns you
Signs of right dose
- ✓Sustained energy throughout the day without crashes
- ✓Mental clarity and focus feel improved
- ✓Better exercise recovery
- ✓Improved sleep quality (despite daytime energy)
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
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Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •NAD+ powder vial (for injectable forms)
- •Sterile saline or bacteriostatic water
- •Sterile syringes and needles
- •Alcohol swabs
- •Sterile vial for mixing
Injection
Route
Intravenous (IV) infusion is most common for direct NAD+; subcutaneous or intramuscular injections are less common but sometimes used
Best sites
- •IV: Arm veins (administered by healthcare professional)
- •IM: Deltoid (upper arm) or gluteus (buttock)
- •SubQ: Abdominal area (if applicable)
Technique
- 1.IV NAD+ should only be administered by qualified healthcare professionals
- 2.The infusion rate is crucial—too fast causes intense flushing and discomfort
- 3.Typical infusions run over 2-4 hours for 250-500mg doses
- 4.Slower rates (4+ hours) are better tolerated but require more time
- 5.Monitor for flushing, nausea, or chest tightness during infusion
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
NAD+ precursors like NR and NMN have demonstrated excellent safety profiles in human trials, with doses up to 2000-3000 mg daily being well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild flushing (similar to niacin) and temporary digestive upset. IV NAD+ is more intense but also appears safe when administered properly by healthcare professionals.
Multiple human clinical trials have evaluated NAD+ precursor safety in various populations including healthy adults, older adults, and patients with conditions like Parkinson's disease and heart failure. Most trials report the supplements are well-tolerated with no serious adverse events. Long-term safety data (5+ years) is still limited.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Flushing and warmth
A warm, red feeling on your skin—especially face, neck, and chest. This is similar to niacin flush and happens because NAD+ affects blood vessel dilation. More common with IV infusions.
Management: Start with lower doses and increase gradually. For IV, slower infusion rates dramatically reduce flushing. Taking with food may help. An antihistamine beforehand can reduce intensity.
Digestive upset
Mild nausea, stomach discomfort, or loose stools when first starting NAD+ supplements. Your gut is adjusting to the new compound.
Management: Take with food to buffer your stomach. Start with a lower dose and work up over 1-2 weeks. Most people find this resolves within the first week.
Mild headache
Some people experience headaches when starting NAD+ supplementation. This may relate to changes in cellular metabolism or blood flow.
Management: Stay well-hydrated—dehydration worsens headaches. Usually resolves within the first few days. If persistent, try reducing your dose.
Less Common
- •Increased energy or restlessness
- •Vivid dreams
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—difficulty breathing, severe rash, swelling
- ×Persistent digestive problems that don't improve after 2 weeks
- ×Severe or persistent headaches
- ×Heart palpitations or significant changes in heart rhythm
- ×If you develop any condition where NAD+ is contraindicated (like cancer diagnosis)
- ×Side effects that concern you or affect quality of life
NAD+ supplements and infusions are not FDA-approved for treating any medical condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Complementary pairing—Epithalon works on telomeres while NAD+ supports cellular energy and sirtuin activation. Different but synergistic anti-aging mechanisms.
- ✓Generally safe to combine. BPC-157 supports healing while NAD+ provides cellular energy for repair processes.
- ✓Safe combination for comprehensive anti-aging. GHK-Cu focuses on tissue repair and skin health.
- ✓Can be used together for immune and cellular health support. No known negative interactions.
With medications
- !Chemotherapy drugs - Theoretical concern that boosting cellular energy could benefit cancer cells. Always consult your oncologist before using NAD+ during cancer treatment.
- ✓Blood pressure medications - NAD+ can affect blood vessel function. Monitor blood pressure and work with your doctor if you're on antihypertensives.
- ✓Diabetes medications - NAD+ may affect glucose metabolism. Monitor blood sugar more closely and adjust medications as needed with your doctor.
- ✓Blood thinners - High-dose NAD+ precursors may have mild blood-thinning effects. Inform your doctor if you're on anticoagulants.
With supplements
- ✓Resveratrol - Excellent pairing! Resveratrol activates sirtuins, which need NAD+ to function. They work synergistically for longevity benefits.
- ✓Quercetin - Good combination. Quercetin may help stabilize NAD+ precursors and provides additional antioxidant benefits.
- ✓CoQ10 - Complementary mitochondrial support. Both support energy production through different pathways.
- ✓High-dose niacin - Use caution—combining NAD+ precursors with high-dose niacin may cause excessive flushing. One or the other is usually sufficient.
Want the Full Picture?
View the complete NAD+ research profile including mechanism of action, clinical studies, effectiveness timeline, and FAQ.
View Full NAD+ Profile