The Complete Beginner's Guide to Peptides and NAD+: Science Made Simple

By Andrew Davenport, Co-Founder, Vitality Labz Peptides

Published: January 2025

When I first discovered peptides and NAD+ ten years ago, I was overwhelmed by the complex scientific jargon and conflicting information scattered across the internet. As someone who's always been passionate about optimizing human performance, I knew there had to be a better way to understand these remarkable molecules. That's why we founded Vitality Labz—to make cutting-edge wellness accessible, not confusing.

Key Insight: Modern life demands more from our bodies, but our natural production of these vital molecules declines with age. Understanding peptides and NAD+ is your first step toward reclaiming optimal health.

Today, I want to share everything I wish I had known when I started my optimization journey, broken down in the simplest terms possible. Whether you're an athlete, biohacker, or simply health-conscious, this guide will demystify these powerful compounds and show you how they might support your wellness goals.

What Exactly Are Peptides?

Think of peptides as your body's text messages. Just like you send specific messages to different people to get things done, your body uses peptides to send specific instructions to different cells and tissues.

The Building Block Hierarchy:

Amino Acids

Individual letters

Peptides

Words and short sentences

Proteins

Entire paragraphs

Peptides are short chains of amino acids—typically containing 2 to 50 amino acids linked together. Your body naturally produces over 7,000 different peptides, each with a specific job. They regulate everything from your sleep cycle and hunger signals to muscle growth and wound healing.

Understanding NAD+: Your Cellular Energy Currency

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is like your body's cellular battery. Every cell in your body depends on NAD+ to convert nutrients into energy and perform essential functions that may support healthy aging processes.

What NAD+ May Support:

• Cellular energy production

• DNA repair mechanisms

• Mitochondrial function

• Circadian rhythm regulation

• Metabolic processes

The NAD+ Decline:

• 50% decrease by age 40

• Accelerated by stress

• Reduced by poor sleep

• Impacted by processed foods

• Environmental toxins

Research suggests that declining NAD+ levels may be associated with various age-related changes. This has led scientists to investigate NAD+ precursors—compounds that the body can convert into NAD+—as potential research tools for understanding cellular metabolism and aging processes.

The Synergistic Approach: Peptides + NAD+

While peptides and NAD+ work through different mechanisms, research suggests they may complement each other in supporting cellular function and overall wellness goals when used in laboratory settings.

The Optimization Triangle

Energy Production

NAD+ supports cellular energy while certain peptides may influence metabolic processes

Recovery & Repair

Peptides may support tissue repair while NAD+ is involved in DNA repair mechanisms

Cellular Protection

Both may support cellular resilience through different pathways

Research Compounds You Should Know About

Popular Research Peptides:

BPC-157

A research peptide derived from a protective protein found in gastric juice.

Research Focus: Tissue repair mechanisms, inflammatory response, and gastric protection in laboratory studies.

TB-500

A synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a protein present in many cell types.

Research Focus: Cell migration, blood vessel formation, and tissue regeneration in laboratory models.

Understanding Research Applications

Important Research Context

The compounds discussed in this guide are primarily intended for research purposes. Current scientific studies investigate their potential mechanisms and applications in laboratory settings.

If you're interested in peptide or NAD+ research, it's essential to work with qualified researchers and follow proper laboratory protocols.

Research Considerations

• Understand the research literature

• Source from reputable research suppliers

• Verify third-party testing certificates

• Follow proper storage protocols

• Document research methodologies

Research Limitations

• Not approved for human consumption

• Individual results may vary in studies

• Long-term effects require more research

• Quality varies between suppliers

• Regulatory landscape continues evolving

Quality Standards in Research

When evaluating research-grade compounds, quality and purity are paramount. Not all suppliers maintain the same standards, which can significantly impact research outcomes.

Quality Assurance Checklist

Look For:

• Third-party purity testing (≥98%)

• HPLC and mass spectrometry reports

• Proper storage conditions

• Clear research documentation

• GMP manufacturing facilities

Red Flags:

• No third-party testing

• Unrealistic therapeutic claims

• Suspiciously low prices

• Lack of transparency

• No proper storage guidance

The Vitality Labz Research Standard

When we started Vitality Labz, we had one mission: provide researchers with the highest quality compounds while making the science accessible, not confusing.

99%+ Purity

Rigorous third-party testing ensures research-grade quality

Fresh Synthesis

Made-to-order compounds maintain maximum potency

Educational Support

Comprehensive research resources and documentation

We don't just supply research compounds—we provide the complete system for advancing scientific understanding. Every product undergoes extensive quality control, and we maintain detailed documentation to support research applications.

The Future of Peptide and NAD+ Research

The fields of peptide research and NAD+ biology are rapidly evolving. Emerging studies continue to explore new applications and mechanisms, potentially opening doors to novel research opportunities.

Emerging Research Areas

• • Combination therapy studies

• • Personalized research protocols

• • Novel delivery mechanisms

• • Biomarker development

• • Long-term safety studies

Innovation Opportunities

• • Enhanced bioavailability research

• • Synergistic compound studies

• • Age-specific research protocols

• • Cellular mechanism exploration

• • Advanced testing methodologies

Your Research Journey Begins

Understanding peptides and NAD+ represents more than just learning about individual compounds—it's about grasping the fundamental mechanisms that drive cellular function and potentially influence health outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Researchers

• Quality and purity are non-negotiable

• Proper protocols ensure reliable results

• Documentation supports reproducibility

• Regulatory compliance is essential

• Continued education drives innovation

• Collaboration advances the field

Whether you're just beginning to explore these fascinating compounds or looking to advance existing research, the key is starting with quality materials and proper understanding. The future of peptide and NAD+ research holds tremendous promise, and every quality study contributes to our growing knowledge base.

About Andrew Davenport

Andrew Davenport is the co-founder of Vitality Labz Peptides and has spent over a decade researching human optimization and longevity.

Connect with Andrew: [email protected]

For Research Inquiries

Visit vlabpeptides.com to explore our complete line of research-grade peptides and NAD+ precursors.

All products are third-party tested for purity and intended for research purposes only.

Important Legal and Safety Information

FDA Approval and Regulatory Status

The research compounds discussed in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Research peptides and NAD+ precursors are not approved by the FDA for human consumption, therapeutic use, or as dietary supplements. These compounds are intended for laboratory research purposes only.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content provided is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions.

Research Use Only

All peptides and NAD+ precursors mentioned are intended for research purposes only. They are not intended for human or animal consumption. Research should only be conducted by qualified personnel in appropriate laboratory settings following proper safety protocols.

Quality and Purity Statements

While Vitality Labz provides third-party testing for purity and quality assurance, individual results in research applications may vary. Proper storage, handling, and usage protocols must be followed to maintain compound integrity. We make no guarantees regarding research outcomes or applications.

Legal Considerations

Researchers should be aware of and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding the possession and use of research compounds. Regulatory landscapes may vary by jurisdiction and continue to evolve. It is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

Individual Results and Variability

Research results may vary significantly between studies and applications. Factors including storage conditions, purity levels, research protocols, and environmental variables can all influence outcomes. No specific results or benefits are guaranteed from research applications.

Professional Consultation

Before beginning any research involving peptides or NAD+ precursors, consult with qualified professionals including research supervisors, institutional review boards, and legal counsel as appropriate. Proper training and oversight are essential for safe and effective research practices.

By accessing this information, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these disclaimers and agree to use this information solely for educational and research purposes.