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.
Cellular
NAD+
Essential redox coenzyme and substrate for sirtuins and PARPs — central to metabolic and DNA repair research.
Cellular
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.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
NAD+
Evidence base: enormous for NAD+ biology, much smaller for exogenous NAD+ administration. Most interventional human data concerns precursors, not NAD+ itself, and membrane permeability is the reason. Read precursor results as precursor results.
Full research reference →Glutathione
Evidence base: vast for endogenous glutathione biology, thin for exogenous administration. The two should not be conflated. Bioavailability of the intact tripeptide is the open question, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is the reason it is open.
Full research reference →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.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
NAD+ — Evidence base: enormous for NAD+ biology, much smaller for exogenous NAD+ administration. Most interventional human data concerns precursors, not NAD+ itself, and membrane permeability is the reason. Read precursor results as precursor results. Glutathione — Evidence base: vast for endogenous glutathione biology, thin for exogenous administration. The two should not be conflated. Bioavailability of the intact tripeptide is the open question, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is the reason it is open.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.