NAD+: what is it and what is being studied?

NAD+ is a coenzyme: a helper molecule that enzymes need to carry out their reaction. It consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups; one carries the base adenine, the other nicotinamide.

NAD+ is not a peptide, although it is often sold alongside research peptides. BrabantLabs supplies NAD+ as a freeze-dried powder in 100 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg vials.

• Substance class: coenzyme (dinucleotide).
• Molecular mass: 663.4 g/mol.

NAD+ and NADH are two forms of the same molecule. NAD+ is the oxidised form, which can accept electrons; NADH is the reduced form, which passes them on. That way the molecule acts as an electron carrier in redox reactions, including glycolysis and the citric acid cycle. NADH delivers its electrons to the respiratory chain in the mitochondria.

The literature on NAD+ focuses on, among other things:

• Cellular energy metabolism: the role of NAD+ and NADH in the cell's redox reactions.
• Mitochondrial function: the respiratory chain and the NAD+/NADH ratio in the mitochondria.
• Enzymes that consume NAD+, such as sirtuins, PARPs and CD38, which use NAD+ as a substrate.

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside) are precursors: cells make NAD+ from them. Nicotinamide, nicotinic acid and the amino acid tryptophan are precursors too. NAD+ itself is the end product of those pathways. In research you therefore choose deliberately whether to work with NAD+ itself or with a precursor.

• As powder: cool, dry and dark; briefly in the fridge (2–8 °C), longer in the freezer (−20 °C or colder).
• Keep the vial closed and let it reach room temperature before opening it: the powder attracts moisture.
• In solution NAD+ is most stable at a neutral to slightly acidic pH; in a basic solution it breaks down quickly.
• Dissolve it following the steps in Dissolving peptides; work out the concentration with the peptide calculator.

How to read such a certificate is explained in Reading a lab report. BrabantLabs certificates are on Lab results.

• A certificate of analysis per lot, with purity measured by HPLC.
• An identity test that matches a molecular mass of 663.4 g/mol.
• A lot number on the vial that matches the lot on the certificate.
• The net amount per vial in mg.

Is NAD+ a peptide?

No. NAD+ is a coenzyme built from two nucleotides. It is often sold alongside research peptides.

What is the difference between NAD+ and NADH?

NAD+ is the oxidised form, which accepts electrons; NADH is the reduced form, which passes them on. Together they form an electron carrier in redox reactions.

How do you store NAD+?

As powder, cool, dry and dark: briefly in the fridge, longer in the freezer. Keep the vial closed until you need it, because the powder attracts moisture.

In which amounts is NAD+ available?

BrabantLabs supplies NAD+ in 100 mg, 500 mg and 1000 mg vials, shipped from the Netherlands.

• View NAD+ in the shop