Research Education
PerformanceLabsUK supplies independently tested research reference materials for in vitro laboratory and scientific research use only, not for human or veterinary use.
Mitochondrial Research
NAD+, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in every living cell that is central to converting nutrients into energy inside the mitochondria. It has become one of the most researched molecules in cellular biology, and this article records what the published literature has examined.
NAD+ is a coenzyme present in every living cell that acts as an electron carrier in cellular metabolism, particularly in the mitochondrial conversion of nutrients into energy.
Beyond energy production, NAD+ is involved in DNA repair processes, cellular stress responses and the regulation of proteins called sirtuins, which have been studied extensively in the context of cellular ageing.
Published NAD+ research spans cellular energy metabolism, sirtuin regulation, the decline in NAD+ levels observed in ageing preclinical models, and the consumption of NAD+ by PARP enzymes during DNA repair.
Research published in journals such as Cell Metabolism, Nature, Cell and Science has explored these mechanisms extensively in preclinical settings.
The preclinical literature on NAD+ is extensive, but human clinical trial data is at an earlier stage. Several trials of NAD+ precursors such as NMN and NR have been conducted or are ongoing, and it would be premature to draw firm clinical conclusions.
The science is developing rapidly, and this remains an active and evolving area of research.
NAD+ is the active coenzyme itself, while NMN and NR are precursor molecules that cells convert into NAD+ through the salvage pathway. Research uses them to probe different points in the same pathway.
| Molecule | Role in the pathway | What published research has examined |
|---|---|---|
| NAD+ | Active coenzyme and electron carrier | Mitochondrial electron transport, sirtuin activity, DNA repair in vitro |
| NMN | Direct precursor, one step from NAD+ | Salvage pathway kinetics in preclinical models |
| NR | Precursor upstream of NMN | Cellular uptake and conversion in preclinical models |
| Nicotinamide | Salvage pathway substrate | PARP and sirtuin interaction in laboratory studies |
NAD+ is supplied as a research reference material for laboratory and scientific investigation. PerformanceLabsUK supplies NAD+ 1000mg as an independently tested material with batch specific COA documentation.
Researchers should ensure appropriate handling, storage and documentation protocols are in place, and that all work aligns with the UK MHRA framework for research compounds. Batch documents are in the COA library.
Research use only means the material is supplied for in vitro laboratory and scientific research, and not for human or veterinary consumption, or for therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative or cosmetic use.
A Certificate of Analysis is a batch specific laboratory document that records the identity and purity testing results for one production lot of a material. Batch documents are available in the PerformanceLabsUK COA library.
Research reference materials can be supplied in the UK for laboratory research use. Supplying or promoting them for human use engages the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, which is why PerformanceLabsUK supplies strictly for research. More detail is in UK rules for research compounds.
Lyophilised peptides are generally held cold and protected from light, with the storage conditions for each material stated on its batch documentation.
See what are peptides for the structural background, and UK rules for research compounds for the regulatory position.
Research content only. PerformanceLabsUK Ltd, company number SC883220, registered in Scotland.
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