NAD+

NAD Plus Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide | Research Use Only

What it is

NAD plus, short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a naturally occurring coenzyme found in essentially all living cells. It is the oxidized form of the NAD redox pair and is central to cellular energy metabolism because it accepts and donates electrons during biochemical reactions. NAD plus is also used by several NAD dependent enzyme families involved in cellular regulation. (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Origins and scientific context

NAD was first described in the early 1900s as a factor that enhanced fermentation and was later recognized as a key carrier for hydrogen transfer in redox reactions. Modern reviews describe NAD plus as both a redox cofactor and a substrate for non redox enzymes such as sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38, which is why it appears in research spanning metabolism, stress responses, and DNA repair biology. (nature.com) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Molecular profile

PubChem lists nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with molecular formula C21H29N7O14P and molecular weight 665.4 g per mol. PubChem also lists a separate entry for the oxidized NAD plus form often called nadide, which is commonly referenced as beta NAD. (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Scientific overview

NAD plus functions as a core redox carrier across major metabolic pathways. In simplified terms, it receives reducing equivalents generated during glycolysis, the TCA cycle, and fatty acid oxidation to form NADH, and NADH then supports ATP production through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Beyond redox, NAD plus is an essential cofactor or substrate for enzymes that regulate transcription, DNA repair, calcium signaling, and immune and inflammatory pathways. (nature.com) (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What researchers study with NAD plus

Common research focus areas include
• Redox chemistry and energy metabolism flux models
• Enzyme systems that consume NAD plus, including sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38
• Cellular stress responses and DNA damage repair pathways linked to NAD dependent enzymes (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Regulatory and compliance notice

Research Use Only. Not for human or veterinary use. The FDA has specifically cautioned that ingredients sold as food grade are not suitable for compounding sterile injectable drugs and has noted awareness of compounders using food grade NAD plus from repackagers to make intravenous products, highlighting contamination and endotoxin risks for patients. This product description is provided for research context and must not be used to market unapproved human use. (fda.gov)

Citations and references

1. PubChem. Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide compound record, includes formula and molecular weight.
   (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

2. PubChem. Nadide record, commonly referenced as beta NAD, includes identifiers and molecular weight listing.
   (pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

3. Covarrubias AJ, et al. Review on NAD plus metabolism and roles as redox coenzyme and as cofactor for NAD dependent enzymes including sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38. (2020).
   (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

4. Xie N, et al. Review on NAD plus as essential redox carrier in glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation context. (2020).
   (nature.com)

5. Sigma Aldrich product information sheet for beta NAD, includes storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius and solution stability notes by pH and temperature.
   (sigmaaldrich.com)

6. FDA. Reminder to compounders to use ingredients suitable for sterile compounding, includes NAD plus example and contamination risk discussion. (Oct 30, 2024).
   (fda.gov)