NAD+: A Research Reference Guide to the Cellular Coenzyme
By Lemon Labs Research Desk · Updated June 29, 2026
In short
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells, essential to redox reactions in energy metabolism and a substrate for enzymes such as sirtuins and PARPs. In research it is a major focus of metabolism and aging-biology studies. It is supplied as a research-use-only reference compound.
What is NAD+?
NAD+ is a dinucleotide coenzyme present in every cell. Its defining role is in redox chemistry: it cycles between oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms to shuttle electrons through central energy-producing pathways such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation.
Beyond energy metabolism, NAD+ is consumed as a substrate by enzyme families including sirtuins (linked to gene regulation) and PARPs (linked to DNA-repair signaling), which is why it sits at the center of so much current research.
Why NAD+ is a major research focus
Cellular NAD+ levels are reported to decline with age in research models, and a large body of work studies the consequences of that decline and the effects of restoring NAD+ through precursors. This has made NAD+ and its biosynthetic pathway one of the most actively studied topics in metabolic and aging research.
Handling and quality
Supplied lyophilized; store cold, sealed, and protected from light. NAD+ is sensitive to moisture and heat, so careful storage matters for assay reliability. Verify identity and ≥99% purity on the lot COA.
Research-use-only statement
This compound is supplied strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use. It is not a drug, supplement, food, or cosmetic, has not been evaluated by the FDA, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is not for human or veterinary use. All information here summarizes published scientific literature for educational purposes for qualified researchers — it is not medical advice and does not describe human administration.
Reference compounds mentioned
Frequently asked
What does NAD+ do in the cell?
NAD+ is a coenzyme central to redox reactions in energy metabolism, cycling between NAD+ and NADH. It is also a substrate for sirtuin and PARP enzymes involved in gene regulation and DNA-repair signaling.
Why is NAD+ studied in aging research?
Research models report that cellular NAD+ levels decline with age, so a large body of work studies that decline and the effects of restoring NAD+ via precursors.
Is NAD+ for human use?
No. Material sold here is a research-use-only reference compound for laboratory work, not for human or veterinary use.