NAD+, Glutathione and MOTS-c: Research Compounds Compared

On 23 July 2026 the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted 8-6, with one abstention, to recommend adding MOTS-c to the list of substances US compounding pharmacies may use. The vote was non-binding and nothing has been added yet, but it put one of the longevity peptides UK readers keep asking about on an official agenda for the first time.

This article elaborates on three research substances commonly categorized in the group of longevity supplements: NAD+, Glutathione, and MOTS-c. All three of them are different molecules that perform different functions and, as of today, none of them has received a license as a medicine in Scotland. The term longevity peptides UK often obscures the distinctions mentioned above, therefore, I have decided to distinguish these substances from each other in this article.

Three compounds, three different jobs

NAD+ acts as a coenzyme, glutathione works as an antioxidant, and MOTS-c is a signalling peptide that should not be seen as interchangeable. In essence, MOTS-c and glutathione are peptides and NAD+ is a coenzyme sold along with them.

NAD+: the best known of the three

The compound, NAD+, is the one being offered the most through drips and injections operated by clinics in the UK, whereas this is due to its well-known biological application. Its function in metabolizing food into energy is textbook biochemistry.

The clinical picture is weaker than the rationale. Human evidence for benefits from injectable NAD+ is limited, and weight-loss claims are not supported by controlled human trials. Infusions are commonly reported to cause flushing, nausea, chest tightness or cramping if given fast. Our NAD+ injections comparison covers the research vial and spray.

Glutathione and MOTS-c

Glutathione is often the more familiar of the two pertaining to UK clinics, where it their clients administer the substance through IV drip or injection together with the treatment of NAD+.

MOTS-c is relatively new and less understood. It is a peptide coded in mitochondria and it has been examined in metabolism and exercise studies, predominantly in animals. The US committee recommendation in July 2026 is not paramount as the FDA must make a decision and do rule-making with the public. The UK remains unchanged either way.

Neither compound has verified human trial evidence proving that it delays aging. We label both of these compounds simply as research compounds with interesting preliminary data.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that using all three substances will yield a three-in-one benefit. To our knowledge, no clinical trial has examined the effects of NAD+, glutathione and MOTS-c administered together. Therefore, the combination of all three is purely a marketing concept and not a scientifically proven therapy.

The research products and their prices

All four listed products are offered by Real Peptides, a US-based company with prices stated in US dollars. All products mentioned are for research purposes only and have a certificate of analysis from an independent laboratory.

Real Peptides holds a 4.2 out of 5 Trustpilot score from 85 reviews in the last 12 months (checked November 2026). Its free-delivery threshold of $250 is a US term. We have not verified UK delivery: confirm on the vendor's site that it ships to the UK, expect currency fees, and note that imports can be held by Border Force or attract VAT and duty.

UK rules for longevity peptides

None of these compounds is a licensed medicine in the UK, and none of the injectable forms is an FDA-approved drug. Under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, a product promoted to treat a condition can be treated as a medicine, whatever its label says.

In April 2026 the Guardian reported that the MHRA was investigating UK peptide clinics making medicinal claims about unregulated peptides. That is the context for any clinic selling longevity peptides in the UK. Our guide to NAD injections in the UK explains the checks to make, and our page on NAD injection dosage explains why no approved dose exists for any of them. For anything about your own health, speak to your GP or pharmacist.