NAD+ vs SS-31
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two anti-aging & longevity peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
NAD+
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential to cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. Levels decline with age. Research focuses on restoring NAD+ through precursors (NMN, NR) or direct IV/subcutaneous administration to support longevity and energy metabolism.
Full profileSS-31
SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, protecting cardiolipin and restoring mitochondrial function. It is being studied for heart failure, aging, and metabolic disease. One of the most exciting longevity-adjacent peptides in current research.
Full profile| NAD+ | SS-31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Anti-Aging & Longevity |
| Also known as | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD, NAD+ precursor | Elamipretide, MTP-131, Bendavia, Szeto-Schiller peptide 31 |
| Evidence | Preclinical only | Investigational (in trials) |
| Dosing range | 250mg–1000mg mg, daily (oral precursors) or weekly/monthly (IV/SubQ) | 1mg–10mg mg, daily or every other day |
| Administration | Oral (precursors: NMN or NR), Intravenous infusion, Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal | Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical trials) |
| Key side effects | Flushing (especially IV), Chest tightness during rapid IV infusion, Nausea, Fatigue (transient, day of infusion) | Injection site reactions, Nausea (rare), Generally well-tolerated in clinical trial populations |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 2 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: NAD+ is preclinical only, while SS-31 is investigational (in trials).
- Administration: NAD+ — Oral (precursors: NMN or NR), Intravenous infusion, Subcutaneous injection, Intranasal; SS-31 — Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous (clinical trials).
- Frequency: NAD+ is typically daily (oral precursors) or weekly/monthly (IV/SubQ); SS-31 is daily or every other day.
Can you stack NAD+ and SS-31?
synergistic: Strong mitochondrial / anti-aging combination
NAD+ supports mitochondrial energy metabolism via sirtuin and PARP pathways; SS-31 protects mitochondrial membrane integrity. These target different but complementary aspects of mitochondrial health and are a common anti-aging research combination.
See the full compatibility matrixHow each works
NAD+
NAD+ is required for over 500 enzymatic reactions including those catalyzed by sirtuins (longevity-associated proteins) and PARPs (DNA repair enzymes). Rodent studies consistently show that restoring NAD+ levels reverses aspects of metabolic aging. Human trials with NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) show improved muscle function, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial capacity in older adults.
SS-31
SS-31 selectively accumulates in mitochondria and binds cardiolipin — a phospholipid critical for the electron transport chain. By stabilizing cardiolipin, SS-31 restores ATP production, reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and prevents mitochondrial permeability transition. Animal studies show dramatic reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction in aged tissues.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.