NR (nicotinamide riboside)
NAD+ precursor with multiple RCTs confirming raised whole-blood NAD+, clinical outcome trials emerging but preliminary.
Why
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a vitamin B3 precursor that raises whole-blood and tissue NAD+ levels in humans more efficiently than nicotinic acid or nicotinamide at equimolar doses. Multiple RCTs (Trammell, Martens, Conze, Dollerup) confirm sustained NAD+ elevation at 300–1,000 mg/day. Clinical outcome trials are emerging, small RCTs report modest blood-pressure reduction in elevated-BP adults, lower aortic stiffness, and improved metabolic markers, but disease-endpoint outcome trials are not yet available.
How it works
Converted via the salvage pathway (NRK1/NRK2 kinases) to nicotinamide mononucleotide and then to NAD+. NAD+ is the central cofactor for sirtuins, PARPs, and mitochondrial electron transport. Bypasses the rate-limiting NAMPT step that constrains nicotinamide-to-NAD+ conversion.
Expected onset · NAD+ elevation within days; clinical endpoints assessed over months
How to take
Dosage
100–500 mg/day single dose. Some trials use up to 1,000 mg/day without obvious added benefit beyond plasma NAD+ saturation.
Timing
Once daily, with or without food
On the label
Niagen (ChromaDex) is the trademarked NR ingredient used in the published trials. Stated mg per serving.
Ideal for
Adults exploring NAD+ supplementation as a longevity-focused intervention; older adults with measured NAD+ decline; people with high metabolic demand.
Safety
Evidence
Martens 2018 Nat Commun RCT (n=24 older adults): NR 1,000 mg/day for 6 weeks raised whole-blood NAD+ by ~60% and lowered systolic BP by ~10 mmHg in elevated-BP subgroup. Trammell 2016 confirmed oral bioavailability in humans. Clinical outcome trials remain small; long-term outcome evidence is the gap. NAD+ raising is established; clinical translation is provisional.
- Martens et al., Nat Commun 2018. Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults (RCT)
- Trammell et al., Nat Commun 2016, nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans
- Dollerup et al., J Physiol 2020, nicotinamide riboside does not alter mitochondrial respiration, content or morphology in skeletal muscle from obese and insulin-resistant men (RCT, null)
Where to get it
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