NAD at Home: Sprays, Vials and What Is Known

Two research products dominate searches for NAD at home: a multi-dose NAD+ vial listed at $60.00 (US dollars) and a 1000 mg NAD+ liquid spray at $120.00, both from the US vendor Real Peptides and both labelled research use only. Neither comes with a consultation, and neither is a licensed treatment you can take at home in the way you would take a prescribed medicine.

The reason for us to write this page is that “home” is where the gap between marketing and evidence is at maximum. At least, in the clinic, a clinician will be present. With the product delivered to your doorstep, all decisions will fall on you, and many of those decisions need to be made under the guidance of a physician.

What "NAD at home" actually covers

Usually, NAD at home refers to one of the three types: research-grade NAD vials, research-quality NAD sprays, and dietary supplements containing precursors like NMN or NR.

These are products: they create rules that are entirely different. Supplements with precursors can be categorized as food supplements. Research vials, as well as sprays, bear the sign of "uncertain human consumption". There are telehealth services that offer prescription compounded NAD+ injections and nasal sprays, but such a way requires a prescriber.

The difference is important since it lets you know about what kind of product the seller is offering. If it is a supplement, it is intended for taking. If it is a research product, it is supposed exclusively for scientific purposes, meaning the seller will not be held accountable for things that happen if the product is used by a consumer. When I see ads for “NAD at home kits” that feature appealing pictures and impressive energy claims, the contradiction strikes me immediately.

UK law looks at the same contradiction. Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 a product is classed by its intended use, so a research product marketed for energy or ageing can be treated as a medicine, with licensing requirements attached.

Research sprays and vials compared

The vial and the spray differ in format, price and handling, and both carry the same research-only status.

Our full NAD+ injections comparison covers both in more depth, including the vendor's 4.2 out of 5 Trustpilot score.

What is known about home use

NAD+ used at home is poorly understood research products, as they have yet to be investigated for their effectiveness in humans. The available evidence for positive effects of injectable NAD+ is also sparse overall, and most reliable results are derived from tests conducted on animals and cells.

No evidence is available yet about the efficiency of a spray in delivering NAD+ to comparable levels to those delivered by a drip in a clinic. In fact, it has also not been proven that any home remedy is affecting age or energy, as well as weight.

What is known is the side-effect picture from clinics: flushing, nausea, chest tightness and cramping, especially when NAD+ is given quickly. At home there is no clinician watching for those reactions. Our page on NAD injection side effects sets them out.

The risks that come with the home route

The primary risk in this situation is the fact that the product that the consumer orders may not be right for him. There is no inquiry into his medical history, current medication, and possible conditions which may complicate a reaction.

• No prescriber: research products are sold without any assessment.
• No dose guidance: there is no approved dose, and forum "protocols" are anecdotes. See our page on NAD injection dosage.
• Product quality: a COA covers a sample from a batch, not your specific vial, and liquid products have drawn complaints about leaking and under-filling.
• Legal status: research labels do not make a product legal to supply for human use in the UK.

Ordering from the UK

Real Peptides retains stocks in the US, and sells products in US dollars, but their shipping to the UK has to be confirmed. Please check whether the vendor ships its shipments to your location before making the purchase.

Make sure to account for the card or currency conversion fee in the price you see. It is possible that your imports may be stopped or that VAT and duty will be applied to your order, and the $250 free shipping threshold applies only in the U.S. If you are looking into NAD+ for health benefits, I would recommend that you first consult your GP or pharmacist.