Is NAD+ a Peptide? The Answer May Surprise You

You're scrolling through wellness reels and someone mentions "NAD peptides" for energy and brain fog, sending you down a rabbit hole. Ten tabs later, you're more confused than when you started. Half the internet calls it a peptide, half doesn't, and you still don't know what you're actually looking at.

So what is it? Is NAD+ a peptide?

No, NAD+ isn't actually a peptide. But hey before you click away disappointed—what it actually is might be exactly what you've been searching for.

If you've been researching ways to feel more energized, support healthy aging, or just cut through the wellness noise to find something that actually works, understanding what NAD+ is (and isn't) matters. 

Let's break down the NAD+ vs. peptide confusion, explain why everyone gets this mixed up, and cover what NAD+ can genuinely do for your cells, energy, and overall vitality. 

What Is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme (not a peptide) that exists in every single cell of your body. Think of it as your cells' energy currency—without it, nothing works. Not your brain, not your muscles, not even your ability to repair DNA damage from that sunburn you got last weekend.

Here's what NAD+ actually does:

• Powers your mitochondria (the parts of your cells that create energy)
• Supports DNA repair and cellular maintenance
• Helps regulate your circadian rhythm and metabolism
• Plays a role in over 500 enzymatic reactions throughout your body

NAD+ Decreases Over Time

Your NAD+ levels aren't static. By age 55, you might have up to an 83% decline in NAD+ levels compared to your peak. That decline is linked to a lot of what we associate with aging—fatigue, slower metabolism, reduced mental clarity, and decreased cellular repair.

Your body does make NAD+ naturally from nutrients like vitamin B3 (niacin), but as you age, production slows down while demand stays the same. That's where supplementation comes in, whether through oral supplements, IV therapy, or injectables, the goal is to restore NAD+ levels to support your cells in doing what they're supposed to do: keep you functioning optimally.

Coenzyme vs. Peptide: What's the Actual Difference?

Let's get clear on what we're actually talking about here, because the terms get thrown around interchangeably in wellness spaces, but they shouldn't.

Here's the simplest way to think about it:

• Peptides = messengers that tell your body what to do
• Coenzymes = tools that help your body actually do it

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins). Think of peptides as messengers—they signal your body to do specific things, like produce collagen, release growth hormones, or trigger certain cellular responses. Popular examples include sermorelin peptides for stimulating natural growth hormone production or collagen peptides for skin health.

A coenzyme is a completely different type of molecule that helps enzymes do their job. Enzymes are the workers in your cells that make reactions happen, and coenzymes are like the tools they need to work. Without coenzymes like NAD+, enzymes can't catalyze the reactions your body needs to produce energy, repair DNA, or maintain cellular function.

NAD+ isn't sending signals, it's directly involved in the fundamental energy production happening in every cell, every second. It's not optional or targeted like a peptide; it's essential infrastructure. Your cells literally cannot function without it.

So while NAD+ and peptides both show up in the same wellness conversations about longevity and vitality, they're working in completely different ways at the molecular level.

The "NAD Peptides" Mix-Up: Why Everyone Gets This Wrong

While NAD+ itself isn't a peptide, some NAD+ precursors actually are peptides. Compounds that help your body produce more NAD+ can come in peptide form, which is probably why the term "NAD peptides" gets thrown around. The science is nuanced, but the marketing? Not so much.

The truth is, most people searching "NAD peptides" aren't looking for a chemistry lesson—they're looking for something that works. They want more energy, better recovery, sharper focus, and to feel less like they're aging in dog years. Whether that comes from a peptide or a coenzyme matters less than whether it actually delivers.

And that's where understanding what NAD+ actually does becomes important.

NAD+ Injectables: Why They're Worth Considering

Peptide or not, NAD+ injections are worth considering. 

When it comes to actually getting NAD+ into your system, not all methods are created equal. Oral supplements have to survive your digestive system (where a lot gets broken down), and IV therapy works but requires sitting in a clinic for hours at a time. Injectable NAD+ hits a sweet spot: high bioavailability without the time commitment.

What some people report from NAD+ injectables:

• More natural, sustained energy without the crash
• Improved mental clarity and focus
• Enhanced cellular resilience and DNA repair
• Support for healthy aging and longevity at the cellular level
• Better overall vitality and metabolic function

The injection route means NAD+ gets absorbed directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive breakdown that limits oral supplements.  And unlike IV infusions that can take 2-4 hours, injectables are quick and can be done at home.

Because NAD+ plays a key role in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular resilience, it's become a cornerstone in longevity-focused wellness protocols. You're not just addressing how you feel today—you're supporting your cells' ability to maintain themselves over time.

The convenience factor matters too. Consistency is what drives results with NAD+ supplementation, and when something fits easily into your routine, you're more likely to stick with it long-term.

Combining NAD+ with Peptide Therapy

Speaking of peptides.. 

Some people combine NAD+ injectables with peptide therapies like sermorelin for complementary benefits. Remember, NAD+ works at the cellular energy level—it's the fuel your cells need to function. 

Peptides like sermorelin work as messengers, signaling your body to produce growth hormone naturally.

Used together, you're addressing both the infrastructure (NAD+ for cellular energy and repair) and the signaling (peptides for targeted hormonal support). 

So, it's not either-or—many people find that a combined approach supports their wellness goals more comprehensively than either option alone.

The Bottom Line: Is NAD+ a Peptide?

No, NAD+ is a coenzyme, not a peptide. While peptides act as messengers, NAD+ is the essential tool your cells need to produce energy, repair DNA, and function at a fundamental level.

The "NAD peptides" confusion makes sense, both are popular in longevity protocols and available as injectables. But NAD+ works deeper, powering over 500 enzymatic reactions in your body. As levels decline with age (potentially up to 83% by 55), supplementation through bioavailable injectables offers a practical way to support cellular energy, mental clarity, and long-term wellness.

Whether you choose NAD+ alone or combine it with peptide therapy like sermorelin, you're supporting how your body functions at the cellular level.

Ready to explore NAD+ therapy? 

Learn more about how NAD+ can support your energy, focus, and longevity goals. 

Strut Health offers physician-formulated NAD+ injectables designed for convenience and consistency. 

See if you qualify for treatment by taking a 5-minute medical assessment. If you're a good fit, your NAD+ injectable is delivered right to your door.