NAD+ vs Glutathione
The two dominant redox cofactors in cell biology, routinely confused because both are described as antioxidants — only one of them actually is.
Longevity
NAD+
Essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research.
Longevity
Glutathione
Endogenous thiol tripeptide and the principal intracellular antioxidant, central to redox buffering research.
Side by side
| Dimension | NAD+ | Glutathione |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 2.2× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 663.43 g/mol | 307.32 g/mol |
| Size class | short peptide | small molecule / short peptide |
| CAS number | 53-84-9 | 70-18-8 |
| Research area | longevity | longevity |
| Sequence | Not published as a linear sequence | γ-Glu-Cys-Gly |
| Available sizes | 500mg, 1000mg | 750mg, 1500mg |
| Entry price | $59 | $39 |
| Cost per mg | $0.11 | $0.05 |
Mechanism
NAD+
NAD+ is a dinucleotide coenzyme present in all living cells, functioning both as an electron carrier in redox reactions and as a consumed substrate for sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38. It is not a peptide. Research interest in the longevity context follows from the observation that tissue NAD+ concentration declines with age, and from the dependence of sirtuin activity on NAD+ availability.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a tripeptide with an unusual γ-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine, which confers resistance to standard peptidase cleavage. Its free thiol group makes it the dominant intracellular redox buffer, and the GSH/GSSG ratio is a standard readout of cellular oxidative state. It is also an obligate cofactor for glutathione peroxidases and S-transferases.
Research applications
NAD+
- Sirtuin activity and deacetylation assays
- PARP-mediated DNA repair studies
- Mitochondrial respiration and redox state measurement
- CD38 and NAD+ consumption pathway research
Glutathione
- GSH/GSSG ratio measurement as an oxidative stress readout
- Glutathione peroxidase and S-transferase activity assays
- Xenobiotic conjugation and detoxification pathway studies
- Ferroptosis research (GPX4 dependence on GSH)
Common questions
What is the difference between NAD+ and Glutathione?
NAD+ is essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research. Glutathione is endogenous thiol tripeptide and the principal intracellular antioxidant, central to redox buffering research. They differ in molecular weight (663.43 vs 307.32 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, NAD+ or Glutathione?
Glutathione is lower at approximately $0.05 per milligram at its best tier, against $0.11 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can NAD+ and Glutathione be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should NAD+ and Glutathione be stored?
Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light and moisture. NAD+ is hygroscopic and degrades in solution faster than most peptides — prepare fresh where the assay permits. For Glutathione: Store lyophilized at -20°C protected from light. The free thiol oxidizes readily — minimize air exposure and prepare solutions fresh.
All products are intended strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
Comparison generated from NuVida Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.