Which should you choose? Here's what you need to know.
Both target cellular energy through mitochondria, but differently. NAD+ fuels the metabolic reactions inside mitochondria. SS-31 physically protects the mitochondrial membrane structure.
NAD+ is the essential coenzyme for hundreds of metabolic reactions including those in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Levels decline with age and can be restored with oral precursors.
Choose NAD+ if:
You want broad metabolic energy support through an accessible, oral supplement with GRAS status.
SS-31 (elamipretide) is an FDA-approved peptide that binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing the structure that houses energy production machinery.
Choose SS-31 if:
You want targeted mitochondrial membrane protection, especially for conditions involving mitochondrial dysfunction.
NAD+ and SS-31 are complementary — NAD+ fuels the metabolic reactions inside mitochondria while SS-31 protects the membrane structure those reactions depend on.
Once you've decided which peptide fits your needs, here's how they compare on price and vendor options.
Our top-rated vendor for each, based on trust scores, purity testing, and price.
We re-check vendor prices continuously and score vendors on Finnrick blind-test results — samples bought anonymously and sent to a lab, not vendor claims. No vendor can pay to rank higher. See our full methodology.