GDF-11 vs NAD+
A side-by-side research comparison of GDF-11 and NAD+ across mechanism, dosing, half-life, benefits, side effects and research status.
Comparison table
| Attribute | GDF-11 | NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Growth Differentiation Factor 11 | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+ / NMN / NR) |
| Category | Anti-Aging | Anti-Aging |
| Status | Research compound | Research compound |
| Mechanism | Signals through activin type II receptors and SMAD2/3 to restore stem cell function, promote neurogenesis, and improve vascular remodeling in the context of aging. | 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 | 12,500 Da | 663.4 Da |
| Half-life | 6-8 hours | 1-4 hours (IV), 4-8h (oral precursors) |
| Bioavailability | Moderate (SubQ/IV) | 100% (IV), variable (oral 5-30%) |
| Typical dose | 0.1-0.5 mg/kg (research) | 250-500mg IV or 500-1000mg NMN oral |
| Frequency | Daily (animal studies) | Weekly (IV) or Daily (oral) |
| Route | Subcutaneous | IV infusion or Oral (precursors) |
GDF-11 reported benefits
- Potential tissue rejuvenation
- Neurogenesis stimulation
- Cardiac hypertrophy reversal
- Muscle stem cell activation
- Vascular remodeling
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.