The best NAD+ supplementation protocol depends on your goal and tolerance for clinical oversight. For injectable NAD+, the most common documented protocol is 100mg subcutaneously, 2 to 3 times per week, with dosing as needed rather than on a strict cycle. For oral precursors (NMN or NR), the typical effective range is 250mg to 1,000mg per day, taken in the morning, with most longevity-focused users settling around 600mg to 900mg daily. There is no single best protocol. The right one depends on whether you are optimizing for energy, cognition, recovery, or long-term cellular health, and how much cost and clinical involvement you are willing to take on.
For context on what NAD+ therapy costs at each delivery tier, see the NAD+ therapy benefits and cost guide. For a head-to-head comparison of IV versus oral bioavailability, see NAD+ IV vs Oral Supplements.
Injectable Protocol (Subcutaneous)
The standard documented subcutaneous protocol is 100mg in the morning, 2 to 3 times per week. A common reconstitution is a 500mg vial mixed with 5mL of bacteriostatic water, yielding 100mg per mL, with 100 units drawn per dose. NAD+ is generally dosed as needed rather than cycled strictly, though some users run 8 to 12 week injectable courses with oral precursor bridges during off periods.
Reconstitution reference: 500mg vial + 5mL bacteriostatic water = 100mg per mL. Draw 100 units (1mL) per 100mg dose. Store reconstituted vials refrigerated and use within 30 days.
Subcutaneous injection avoids the long IV chair time and the clinical overhead that comes with it, while still bypassing the absorption limitations of oral delivery. Onset is typically 30 to 60 minutes after injection. Most users inject into the abdomen or upper thigh with a 29g to 31g insulin syringe.
Oral Precursor Protocol (NMN/NR)
Oral NMN and NR are typically dosed at 250mg to 1,000mg per day, taken in the morning. Most longevity-focused users and the specialists referenced across major 2026 supplement guides commonly land in the 600mg to 900mg daily range for noticeable effects, while 250mg is a reasonable starting point for those easing in. NMN may offer a more direct cellular pathway than NR, though both have similar effective dosing ranges in current research.
Sublingual NMN formulations may improve absorption by bypassing first-pass gut metabolism, though the quality of evidence for this advantage varies by product. Liposomal oral NAD+ is a newer option with claimed bioavailability advantages over standard capsules, but published human data is limited as of 2026.
How to Choose Between Injectable and Oral
Injectable NAD+ bypasses absorption limitations entirely and is the faster-acting option, but requires reconstitution, sterile technique, and more cost. Oral precursors are simpler, cheaper, and lower commitment, but have lower bioavailability and take longer to show effects. If your goal is rapid energy and cognitive support and you are comfortable with self-injection, the subcutaneous protocol is the more direct route. If you want a low-maintenance daily habit to support long-term NAD+ levels, an oral precursor protocol is the more sustainable choice.
| Factor | SubQ Injectable | Oral NMN/NR |
|---|---|---|
| Bioavailability | High (bypasses gut) | Lower (first-pass metabolism) |
| Onset | 30 to 60 minutes | Days to weeks (cumulative) |
| Typical dose | 100mg per injection | 250mg to 1,000mg daily |
| Frequency | 2 to 3 times per week | Daily |
| Cost | $15 to $40 per session | $30 to $150 per month |
| Clinical involvement | Telehealth Rx required | OTC, no Rx needed |
| Best for | Rapid effect, acute goals | Long-term daily maintenance |
For a full pricing breakdown of clinic IV sessions, at-home kits, and SubQ, see the NAD+ IV therapy pricing guide.
Stacking with Other Compounds
NAD+ is commonly stacked with other longevity-focused peptides such as SS-31 for mitochondrial support or Epitalon for telomerase activation, since these target different aging pathways and complement NAD+ replenishment rather than duplicate it. The logic is complementary mechanisms: NAD+ addresses cellular energy currency and sirtuin activation, while SS-31 targets mitochondrial membrane integrity and Epitalon targets telomere extension.
When stacking NAD+ with peptides, the key consideration is timing: NAD+ (SubQ or oral) is typically dosed in the morning to align with natural energy demand peaks. Most peptide additions are dosed separately by their own timing requirements and do not interfere with NAD+ absorption or metabolism. Interactions between NAD+ precursors and other compounds are not a documented concern in the current literature.
My Protocol
I run NAD+ alongside BPC-157, TB-500, and Sermorelin as part of my own stack, and I track dose, frequency, and how I actually feel against my other compounds in one place. That tracking gap, not having a single source of truth across an entire protocol, is the reason I built BioStackIQ.
If you want to build a protocol that includes NAD+ alongside peptides or other compounds, the Protocol Builder will walk you through it. If you already have a stack, the Rate My Stack tool will score it across six categories including interactions, timing, and goal alignment.