What Is NAD+? Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Basics

NAD+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme present in all living cells. Its oxidized form is NAD+ and its reduced form is NADH. The molecular formula is C21H27N7O14P2, the molecular weight about 663.4 Da, and the CAS number 53-84-9. It functions as an electron carrier in metabolic reactions and as a substrate for enzymes including sirtuins and poly-ADP-ribose polymerases [1].

Why does it appear in peptide catalogs?

NAD+ is not a peptide. It is a dinucleotide. It appears in peptide vendor catalogs because several peptide research suppliers also stock metabolic cofactors and small molecules. Its inclusion alongside peptides reflects market demand, not structural similarity.

What are the precursor molecules?

The best-known precursors are nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), both smaller molecules that cells can convert to NAD+. Research on these precursors and their relationship to cellular NAD+ levels was reviewed in 2018 [2].

What should a lab report show?

Identity by mass spectrometry at 663.4 Da and purity by HPLC with UV detection at 260 nm, where the adenine ring absorbs strongly. Because NAD+ is hygroscopic and can degrade to nicotinamide, moisture content and degradation products should be monitored on certificates of analysis.

Frequently asked questions

Is NAD+ a peptide?

No. NAD+ is a dinucleotide coenzyme. It contains no amino acid residues.

What is the difference between NAD+ and NADH?

NAD+ is the oxidized form; NADH is the reduced form carrying an additional hydrogen and two electrons.

Does FLASK list NAD+?

Yes, as NAD+ 500 mg, with molecular data on the product page.