NAD+ Injection Dosing Guide: Protocols & How to Use (2026)

NAD+ Dosing Protocols

NAD+ injection protocols vary based on your health goals, experience level, and provider recommendations. Always follow your prescribing physician's specific protocol.

Most Common

Beginner Protocol

Starting Dose: 50mg (0.5mL)

Frequency: 1x per week

Duration: 4 weeks

Then: Increase to 100mg (1mL) if well-tolerated

Best for those new to peptide therapy who want to assess tolerance before increasing dose.

Conservative Ramp Protocol

Week 1: 20mg (0.2mL) 3x weekly

Week 2: 30mg (0.3mL) 3x weekly

Week 3: 40mg (0.4mL) 3x weekly

Week 4+: 50mg (0.5mL) 3x weekly

Gradual increase minimizes side effects while building up to therapeutic dose.

Advanced

Loading Protocol

Days 1-10: 100-200mg daily

Then: 100mg twice weekly for maintenance

Rapidly saturates depleted cellular NAD+ reserves. Recommended for experienced users under medical supervision.

Standard Maintenance

Dose: 50-100mg

Frequency: 1-3x per week

Ongoing

Once optimal levels achieved, most users maintain with weekly or bi-weekly injections.

⚠️ Important Dosing Limits

Do not exceed 300mg per week without medical evaluation
Never exceed 1,000mg daily (can overwhelm liver processing)
Always start with the lowest effective dose and titrate up
If side effects occur, reduce dose or frequency

How to Administer NAD+ Subcutaneously

Subcutaneous (SubQ) injection means injecting into the fatty tissue layer between skin and muscle. It's simple, relatively painless, and can be done at home.

1

Gather Your Supplies

NAD+ vial (refrigerated)
Insulin syringe (typically 0.5mL or 1mL with 27-31 gauge needle)
Alcohol prep pads
Sharps container for disposal
Cotton ball or gauze (optional)

2

Prepare the Injection

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
Remove NAD+ vial from refrigerator, let sit 5-10 minutes if cold-sensitive
Clean vial top with alcohol prep pad
Draw prescribed dose into syringe (check for air bubbles, tap to remove)

3

Choose Injection Site

Common sites with adequate fatty tissue:

Abdomen: 2 inches away from belly button (most common)
Thigh: Front or outer thigh, midway between hip and knee
Upper arm: Back of upper arm (may need assistance)

Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation.

4

Clean the Injection Site

Wipe chosen area with alcohol prep pad
Let air dry completely (prevents stinging)
Do not touch the cleaned area

5

Inject

Pinch a fold of skin between thumb and forefinger
Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle in one quick motion
Release pinched skin
Slowly push plunger to inject medication (over 5-10 seconds)
Withdraw needle quickly at same angle

6

Post-Injection

Apply gentle pressure with cotton ball if needed (do not rub)
Immediately dispose of needle in sharps container
Apply bandage if any bleeding (uncommon)
Return NAD+ vial to refrigerator

💡 Pro Tips for Easier Injections

Use smaller needles: 29-31 gauge are thinner and less painful
Inject slowly: Rapid injection can cause discomfort
Relax muscles: Tension makes injection more painful
Ice first: Some people numb the area with ice for 30-60 seconds
Don't reuse needles: Dulled needles hurt more and increase infection risk

Storage & Handling Guidelines

❄️

Refrigeration Required

Store NAD+ vials at 36-46°F (2-8°C). Do not freeze. Keep away from light in original packaging when possible.

📅

Shelf Life

Unopened vials typically stable for 6-12 months refrigerated. Once opened, use within 28-30 days or as directed by your provider.

🧊

Travel Considerations

Use insulated cooler with ice packs for transport. Most peptides tolerate brief temperature variations but minimize heat exposure.

Signs NAD+ Has Degraded

Change in color (should be clear to slightly yellow)
Cloudiness or particles in solution
Vial has been frozen
Past expiration date

If you notice any of these, do not use. Contact your provider for replacement.

What to Expect: Timeline & Results

Days 1-3

Initial Response

Some users report subtle energy improvements within the first few days. Others notice no immediate changes—both are normal. NAD+ levels begin rising in blood within 24 hours.

Week 1-2

Early Benefits

Many users report more sustained energy, better sleep quality, and improved mental clarity. Physical recovery from exercise may feel faster.

Week 4-8

Optimal Effects

Full benefits typically emerge after 4-8 weeks of consistent use. Users commonly report stable energy throughout day, enhanced focus, better workout performance, and overall sense of vitality.

Month 3+

Long-Term Maintenance

Benefits plateau and stabilize. Many users continue indefinitely with maintenance dosing. Long-term effects on aging markers require more research.

Potential Side Effects & Safety

Common Side Effects (Generally Mild)

Injection site reactions: Redness, minor swelling, or tenderness (usually resolves quickly)
Flushing: Temporary warmth or redness in face/skin
Nausea: Mild and typically with higher doses
Headache: Occasional, often resolves with hydration
Fatigue: Paradoxical tiredness in first few days (rare)

How to Minimize Side Effects

Start with lower doses and gradually increase
Inject slowly over 5-10 seconds
Stay well-hydrated before and after injection
Rotate injection sites
Avoid injecting on empty stomach if nausea-prone

When to Contact Your Provider

Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, severe swelling)
Signs of infection at injection site (increasing pain, warmth, pus)
Persistent side effects that don't improve
Any concerning symptoms you're unsure about

Who Should Avoid NAD+?

Consult your healthcare provider before using NAD+ if you have:

History of cancer (NAD+ may fuel cell growth—both healthy and cancerous)
Severe liver or kidney disease
Are pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
Have known allergies to NAD+ or ingredients

Optimizing Your NAD+ Results

Lifestyle Factors That Support NAD+

🥗 Diet

Eat NAD+ precursor-rich foods (fish, mushrooms, green vegetables)
Maintain adequate B3 (niacin) intake
Consider time-restricted eating (may boost NAD+)

🏋️ Exercise

Regular exercise naturally boosts NAD+ production
Both cardio and resistance training beneficial
NAD+ may enhance exercise recovery and performance

😴 Sleep

NAD+ follows circadian rhythms
Consistent 7-9 hours supports optimal levels
Many users report improved sleep quality on NAD+

🌡️ Cold/Heat Exposure

Sauna use may boost NAD+ (via heat stress)
Cold plunges activate brown fat and mitochondria
Both create "hormetic stress" that supports longevity pathways

Supplements That May Synergize

Some users combine NAD+ with complementary supplements (always discuss with your provider):

Resveratrol or Pterostilbene: May enhance sirtuin activation
TMG (Trimethylglycine): Supports methylation pathways that can be affected by NAD+ metabolism
Magnesium: Cofactor for NAD+-dependent enzymes
CoQ10: Supports mitochondrial function alongside NAD+

NAD+ Injection Dosing Guide