NAD+ vs SS-31
Two mitochondrial-research approaches compared: replenishing cellular NAD+ vs the mitochondria-targeted peptide studied to protect energy production directly. Here's a neutral, sourced side-by-side — no hype, every claim links to its evidence.
NAD+
ApprovedAlso: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, NAD
NAD+ is a tiny molecule that every living thing needs to stay alive. It is not really a peptide, but it is sold in powder form alongside peptides for lab studies.
SS-31
ApprovedSS-31 is a small lab-made protein fragment, also called a peptide. It is sold as a white powder in small glass bottles for lab research.
At a Glance
| NAD+ | SS-31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Research status | Approved | Approved |
| Highest-tier evidence | Peer-reviewed study | Peer-reviewed study |
| Research citations | 30 | 3 |
| Dosing routes | — | SubQ |
| Receptor targets | — | — |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Known side effects | 1 | 4 |
Research Areas
Top preclinical research areas — cited studies for each.
NAD+
- Restoring NAD+ levels ameliorates age-associated functional defects
- Sirtuin activation and NAD+ intermediate supplementation may be an effective antiaging intervention
- NAD+ supplementation counteracts diseases of aging, including neurodegenerative diseases
- Enhances intracellular NAD+ anabolism reducing oxidative cell damage
- Restoring NAD+ levels can slow down and even reverse ageing-associated diseases
SS-31
- Treatment of Primary Mitochondrial Myopathy
- Improves physiological function in aging muscle
- Rescues muscle force
- Improves heart systolic function
- Increases ATP production
The Evidence
Key studies — click through to verify each on PubMed.
NAD+
30 sourced studies
- Source
NAD+ metabolism in health and disease.
2007 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The simultaneous measurement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and related compounds by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
2006 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Nutrient-sensitive mitochondrial NAD+ levels dictate cell survival
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Nutrient-sensitive mitochondrial NAD+ levels dictate cell survival.
2007 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
SS-31
3 sourced studies
- Source
Mitochondria-targeted peptide SS-31 attenuates renal injury via an antioxidant effect in diabetic nephropathy.
2016 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The mitochondrial-targeted peptide, SS-31, improves glomerular architecture in mice of advanced age.
2017 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Elamipretide (SS-31) treatment attenuates age-associated post-translational modifications of heart proteins.
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Decision Guide
How to Choose
Neither is a “winner” — they suit different goals. Compare the documented benefits and evidence above against what you’re actually trying to achieve, note the research status (approved vs research-stage), and read each full guide before deciding. Many people also stack peptides rather than pick one.
Source NAD+
Shop NAD+Source SS-31