NAD+ + Glutathione (Longevity Stack): Dosage
Proper dosing of the NAD+ and glutathione longevity stack depends on your administration route, body weight, age, health goals, and individual tolerance. Subcutaneous NAD+ doses typically range from 50 to 200 mg per session, while subcutaneous glutathione ranges from 200 to 400 mg, with frequency adjusted across loading, optimization, and maintenance phases.
NAD+ Dosage by Administration Route
Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous NAD+ is the most common at-home administration method. It offers good bioavailability and precise dose control.
- Starting dose: 50 mg per injection
- Standard therapeutic dose: 100-200 mg per injection
- Frequency (loading): Daily for 1-2 weeks
- Frequency (maintenance): 2-5 times per week
Intravenous (IV) Infusion
IV NAD+ delivers the highest bioavailability but requires clinical administration. Infusion rates must be carefully controlled to minimize side effects.
- Standard dose: 250-500 mg per session
- High dose (acute recovery): 500-1000 mg per session
- Infusion rate: Typically administered over 2-4 hours; faster rates increase flushing and nausea
- Frequency: 1-2 times per week during loading; monthly for maintenance
Intramuscular (IM) Injection
Some providers offer IM NAD+ as an alternative to subcutaneous. Absorption may be slightly faster but the experience can be more uncomfortable due to NAD+'s stinging properties.
- Standard dose: 50-100 mg per injection
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Oral Precursors (NMN, NR)
Oral NAD+ precursors do not deliver NAD+ directly but provide the building blocks for endogenous NAD+ synthesis. They are commonly used as maintenance supplements alongside injectable protocols.
- NMN: 250-1000 mg daily
- NR (nicotinamide riboside): 300-600 mg daily
- Best taken: In the morning, with or without food
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Glutathione Dosage by Administration Route
Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous glutathione is well-tolerated and effective for maintaining elevated GSH levels between IV sessions or as a standalone maintenance approach.
- Standard dose: 200-400 mg per injection
- Frequency (loading): Daily for 1-2 weeks
- Frequency (maintenance): 2-5 times per week
Intravenous (IV) Push
IV glutathione is typically administered as a slow push over 10-15 minutes, often following an IV NAD+ infusion.
- Standard dose: 600-1200 mg per session
- High dose (detoxification support): 1200-2000 mg per session
- Frequency: 1-2 times per week during loading; biweekly to monthly for maintenance
Oral (Liposomal)
Standard oral glutathione has poor bioavailability because it is broken down in the digestive tract. Liposomal formulations use lipid encapsulation to protect glutathione through digestion, significantly improving absorption.
- Liposomal glutathione: 500-1000 mg daily
- Standard oral glutathione: Generally not recommended as a primary delivery method due to poor absorption
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): 600-1200 mg daily as a glutathione precursor alternative
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Combined Stack Dosing Schedule
Conservative Protocol (Beginners)
| Phase | NAD+ (SubQ) | Glutathione (SubQ) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 50 mg daily | 200 mg daily | 2 weeks |
| Optimization | 100 mg, 3x/week | 200 mg, 3x/week | 10 weeks |
| Maintenance | 50-100 mg, 2x/week | 200 mg, 2x/week | Ongoing |
Standard Protocol (Most Users)
| Phase | NAD+ (SubQ) | Glutathione (SubQ) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 100-200 mg daily | 400 mg daily | 2 weeks |
| Optimization | 100 mg, 5x/week | 200-400 mg, 5x/week | 10 weeks |
| Maintenance | 100 mg, 3x/week | 200 mg, 3x/week | Ongoing |
Intensive Protocol (Accelerated Recovery or Severe Depletion)
| Phase | NAD+ (IV + SubQ) | Glutathione (IV + SubQ) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 500 mg IV 2x/week + 200 mg SubQ daily | 1200 mg IV 2x/week + 400 mg SubQ daily | 2 weeks |
| Optimization | 200 mg SubQ, 5x/week | 400 mg SubQ, 5x/week | 10 weeks |
| Maintenance | 100 mg SubQ, 3x/week + monthly IV | 200 mg SubQ, 3x/week + monthly IV | Ongoing |
Body Weight Considerations
While most clinical protocols use fixed doses rather than weight-based dosing, body weight can influence response:
- Under 150 lbs: Start at the lower end of dose ranges
- 150-200 lbs: Standard dose ranges are typically appropriate
- Over 200 lbs: May benefit from doses at the higher end of ranges, especially during loading
Dose adjustments should always be guided by lab results and clinical response rather than weight alone.
Titration: Starting Low and Building Up
NAD+ in particular should be titrated gradually, as higher initial doses can cause uncomfortable flushing, nausea, and chest tightness. A sensible titration approach:
- Days 1-3: Start at 25-50 mg NAD+ subcutaneously to assess tolerance
- Days 4-7: Increase to 100 mg if initial doses are well-tolerated
- Week 2: Move to target dose (100-200 mg) based on response
Glutathione is generally well-tolerated from the start and does not typically require gradual titration.
Timing Relative to Each Other
NAD+ and glutathione can be administered at the same time. Many users inject both in a single session for convenience. If using separate injections, no specific timing gap is required between them.
NAD+ is best given in the morning or early afternoon due to its activating effects on cellular metabolism and potential impact on circadian NAD+ cycling. Avoid evening NAD+ dosing if it interferes with sleep.
When to Adjust Your Dose
Signs You May Need a Higher Dose
- IGF-1, NAD+, or glutathione lab values remain below target after 6-8 weeks
- Minimal subjective improvement in energy, sleep, or recovery
- Good tolerance with no side effects at current dose
Signs You May Need a Lower Dose
- Persistent nausea, flushing, or discomfort with NAD+ injections
- Overstimulation, anxiety, or sleep disruption
- Lab values exceeding target ranges
Cost Implications of Different Dose Levels
Higher doses and more frequent administration increase monthly costs. A conservative maintenance protocol may cost $100-200 per month, while an intensive protocol with periodic IV sessions can run $500-1000+ per month. Contact provider for current pricing Contact provider for current pricing Discuss cost-effective options with your provider, as some compounding pharmacies offer multi-dose vials that reduce per-dose cost. peptide therapy cost guide
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best starting dose for NAD+ injections?
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Most providers recommend starting at 50 mg subcutaneously to assess tolerance, then increasing to 100-200 mg over the first 1-2 weeks. NAD+ can cause flushing and nausea at higher doses, so gradual titration is important for comfort and safety.
- Can I take too much glutathione?
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Glutathione has a wide safety margin, and toxicity from supplemental glutathione is extremely rare. However, very high doses are unnecessary and represent wasted expense rather than a safety concern. Staying within the recommended therapeutic range (200-400 mg subcutaneous or 600-1200 mg IV) is both effective and cost-efficient.
- Should I take NAD+ and glutathione every day?
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Daily dosing is common during the loading phase (first 1-2 weeks) to rapidly restore depleted levels. During maintenance, 2-3 times per week is typically sufficient to sustain optimal levels. Some individuals maintain benefits with even less frequent dosing. Your provider can help determine the minimum effective frequency for your needs. NAD+ glutathione protocol
- Is oral NMN as effective as injectable NAD+?
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Oral NMN provides meaningful NAD+ support but has lower bioavailability compared to injectable NAD+. Many protocols use injectable NAD+ for loading and optimization phases, then transition to oral NMN for cost-effective maintenance. The two approaches are complementary rather than interchangeable.
- How do I know my dose is working?
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Subjective indicators include improved energy, better sleep, clearer thinking, and enhanced recovery. Objective confirmation comes from lab work: intracellular NAD+ levels (via specialized testing) and glutathione levels (GSH/GSSG ratio) should show measurable improvement from baseline. Follow-up labs at 6-8 weeks are standard practice.