NAD+ vs Glutathione
vs Epithalon
Three foundational longevity compounds, three non-overlapping mechanisms — cellular energy, redox balance, and telomere biology. This comparison covers what each one does, the evidence behind it, and how they fit together in longevity research protocols.
NAD+
Coenzyme required for mitochondrial ATP production and sirtuin/PARP enzyme activity. Declines significantly with age.
Shop NAD+ →Glutathione
The body's primary intracellular thiol antioxidant. Neutralises ROS, recycles vitamins C/E, supports hepatic detoxification.
Shop Glutathione →Epithalon
Synthetic tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activation. Animal models show up to 24% lifespan extension.
Shop Epithalon →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | NAD+ | Glutathione | Epithalon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | Coenzyme (dinucleotide) | Tripeptide antioxidant | Synthetic tetrapeptide |
| Primary mechanism | Electron carrier, sirtuin/PARP substrate | ROS neutralisation, detox conjugation | Telomerase activation research |
| Molecular weight | 663.43 Da | 307.32 Da | 390.35 Da |
| Key research finding | Mitochondrial biogenesis, DNA repair support | Hepatic detox, immune NK cell activity | Up to 24% lifespan extension (animal models) |
| Vial size | 100 / 500 / 1000 mg | 1500 mg | 10 / 50 mg |
| Typical protocol | Ongoing / cyclical dosing | Ongoing / cyclical dosing | Short 10–20 day cycles |
| Best for | Mitochondrial and metabolic research | Oxidative stress and detoxification research | Telomere and lifespan-extension research |
Mechanism Deep Dive
NAD+ — Cellular Energy Coenzyme
NAD+ is a required substrate for sirtuins (SIRT1–7) and PARP enzymes governing DNA repair and metabolic regulation. Subcutaneous or IV delivery bypasses hepatic first-pass metabolism, enabling research into direct cellular NAD+ elevation beyond what oral precursors (NMN, NR) achieve.
Shop NAD+ →Glutathione — Master Antioxidant
Glutathione neutralises reactive oxygen species directly and regenerates vitamins C and E within the antioxidant network. It also drives hepatic phase II detoxification through glutathione-S-transferase conjugation. Injectable delivery bypasses the poor oral bioavailability that limits supplementation.
Shop Glutathione →Epithalon — Telomerase Activator
Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is studied for telomerase activation and telomere elongation, alongside melatonin production support and circadian regulation. It is the most-studied telomere-targeting peptide, with a research history dating to the 1990s at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
Shop Epithalon →Which Peptide Wins For Each Goal?
Mitochondrial energy metabolism research
NAD+
Direct substrate for the electron transport chain and sirtuin-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis pathways.
Oxidative stress / detoxification research
Glutathione
The body's central antioxidant, responsible for neutralising ROS and conjugating toxins for hepatic clearance.
Telomere / lifespan-extension research
Epithalon
The most-studied telomerase-activating peptide, with animal longevity data spanning three decades.
Comprehensive longevity stack research
All three together
Non-overlapping mechanisms (energy, redox, telomere biology) make these compounds complementary rather than competing research targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NAD+, Glutathione, and Epithalon?
NAD+ is a coenzyme that powers cellular energy metabolism and fuels sirtuin/PARP enzymes. Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant, neutralising reactive oxygen species and supporting detoxification. Epithalon is a tetrapeptide studied for telomerase activation and telomere elongation. All three decline with age but act through entirely different mechanisms.
Can NAD+, Glutathione, and Epithalon be researched together?
Yes. Because they act on non-overlapping pathways — energy metabolism (NAD+), redox balance (Glutathione), and telomere biology (Epithalon) — they are frequently studied as complementary components of a broader longevity research protocol rather than substitutes for one another.
Which peptide has the strongest longevity research data?
Epithalon has the longest track record specifically for lifespan extension, with animal studies from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology showing up to 24% lifespan extension. NAD+ and Glutathione have broader mechanistic support across metabolism and redox biology but less direct lifespan-extension data.
Research use only. All products sold by JA Performance are strictly for laboratory and in vitro research purposes. Not for human consumption, medical use, or veterinary use.