18+ · Research Use Only · Not for Human Consumption
Research answer
What does research show on NAD+ injections?
As of 23 September 2026, the human research on NAD+ given by injection or infusion is small. A single-centre randomised trial in ischaemic heart failure reported a modestly higher heart pumping fraction on NAD+, and short studies measured blood NAD levels. Infused NAD+ is cleared quickly, so how much reaches cells is unclear.
Primara Labs sells some of the compounds covered here. Every figure on this page links to its source and the date it was checked.
Updated 23 September 2026
01
What NAD+ is
NAD+ is a coenzyme central to cellular energy metabolism and redox balance, and a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA repair and metabolism. Its levels fall with age, which is the rationale researchers give for supplementation. When infused into people it is cleared from plasma quickly and broken down by NAD-consuming enzymes, so how much reaches cells intact is unclear.
02
Human studies
In a single-centre randomised trial of 180 adults with heart failure from ischaemic heart disease, with no phase stated, ejection fraction at one month was 45.44% on NAD+ against 42.44% on placebo; differences in clinical events were not statistically significant.
In a phase 0/1b randomised trial in healthy adults aged 45 to 75, an oral NAD+ formulation raised whole-blood NAD inside cells by 53% against placebo after five days; no clinical endpoint held up after correction for multiple testing.
03
Animal studies
In pigs with a 90-minute coronary artery blockage, NAD+ given before blood flow was restored reduced heart muscle death and improved recovery of heart function compared with saline. This was in pigs.
In mice with a temporary stroke, NAD+ reduced the size of the damaged area, brain swelling and neurological deficits. This was in mice.
04
Side effects reported
In the 180-person heart-failure trial, one of 90 on NAD+ reported minor dizziness.
In a retrospective review at a commercial clinic, all 6 people given intravenous NAD+ reported stomach cramping, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, a faster heart rate or chest pressure during the infusion.
Sources
Where every figure comes from
- Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2026 · checked 23 September 2026
- GeroScience 2026 · checked 23 September 2026
- Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2026 · checked 23 September 2026
- Front Aging 2026 · checked 23 September 2026
Last reviewed 23 September 2026