Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) vs NAD+
A side-by-side research comparison of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) and NAD+ across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) | NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | R-Alpha-Lipoic Acid Injectable | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ / NMN / NR) |
| Category | Anti-Aging | Anti-Aging |
| Status | Supplement / Compounded injectable | Research compound |
| Mechanism | Regenerates glutathione, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Chelates heavy metals. Acts as cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme complexes. Activates Nrf2 pathway for endogenous antioxidant production. | NAD+ serves as cofactor for sirtuins (SIRT1-7), PARPs (DNA repair), and CD38. Declining NAD+ impairs mitochondrial function and epigenetic maintenance. Restoration reactivates longevity pathways. |
| Molecular weight | 206.33 Da | 663.4 Da |
| Half-life | ~30 minutes (oral); longer IM | 1-4 hours (IV), 4-8h (oral precursors) |
| Bioavailability | ~30% oral; ~100% injectable | 100% (IV), variable (oral 5-30%) |
| Typical dose | 200-600 mg | 250-500mg IV or 500-1000mg NMN oral |
| Frequency | 1-3x per week (injectable) | Weekly (IV) or Daily (oral) |
| Route | IV/IM injection or oral capsule | IV infusion or Oral (precursors) |
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) reported benefits
- Universal antioxidant
- Neuropathy relief
- Heavy metal chelation
- Blood sugar regulation
- Glutathione recycling
- Liver protection
NAD+ reported benefits
- Restored cellular energy
- Enhanced DNA repair
- Sirtuin activation
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Cognitive clarity
- Anti-aging
Related comparisons
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.