Research
NAD+ Research: What the Studies Show
NAD+ is getting a lot of attention, especially when delivered subcutaneously (SC) or intramuscularly (IM). But how much research is there? Here’s a simple look at the studies so far.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
What Is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell. Your body uses it for:
- Energy production
- DNA repair
- Metabolism and healthy aging
How Much Research Exists?
Not much yet. As of 2026, researchers noted that SC and IM delivery of NAD+ remained largely unstudied, with few controlled trials. Most use so far has been based on clinical experience rather than research.
The Key Studies
1. 2026 Pilot Trials
Researchers released early safety results from two small pilot trials.
- Trial 1: 45 people compared NAD+, NR (nicotinamide riboside), and placebo given by SC, IM, or IV routes.
- Trial 2: People self-administered NR subcutaneously at home.
What they found:
- 46% reported discomfort lasting more than two minutes after administration.
- 43% reported muscle soreness or tightness.
Note: These results are a preprint and haven’t been peer-reviewed yet.
2. NAD+ vs NR Absorption Study
A registered trial is comparing how well NAD+ and NR are absorbed and tolerated when given by SC, IM, or IV push, with placebo groups for each route.
3. 100-Day Safety Study
Another registered trial is testing NR given by SC or IM routes over 100 days. It tracks safety labs, side effects, and blood NAD+ levels.
4. 1994 Parkinson’s Study
A small early study gave NADH (a related form of NAD) to 5 people with Parkinson’s disease, by IV and then IM. Compared with 4 people on placebo, there were no significant changes.
Studies at a Glance
| Study | Year | Compound | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot trials | 2026 | NAD+, NR | Safety by route |
| Absorption study | Registered | NAD+, NR | Absorption and tolerability |
| 100-day study | Registered | NR | Long-term safety |
| Parkinson’s study | 1994 | NADH | Clinical effect |
Reported Side Effects
- Discomfort at the administration site
- Muscle soreness or tightness
Long-term safety hasn’t been established.
What We Still Don’t Know
- Whether SC or IM NAD+ improves energy or aging
- How well it’s absorbed
- Its long-term safety
FAQ
- Is there research on subcutaneous NAD+? Yes, but it’s limited to a few small and early-stage studies.
- What side effects have been reported? Site discomfort and muscle soreness were the most common.
- Does SC or IM NAD+ work? There isn’t enough evidence yet. Current studies focus on safety and absorption.
Key Takeaways
- Research on SC and IM NAD+ is still very limited.
- 2026 pilot trials compared NAD+ and NR across routes.
- Site discomfort and muscle soreness were common.
- Larger, peer-reviewed studies are still needed.
Sources
- medRxiv – Preliminary Safety Analysis of Two Pilot Clinical Trials of Niagen (2026 preprint)
- ClinicalTrials.gov – Absorption and Tolerability of Niagen+ Compared to NAD+ (NCT06919328)
- ClinicalTrials.gov – Randomized, Open-Label Safety Study of Niagen Plus (NCT07251608)
- PubMed – Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease With NADH (1994)
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