Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
Updated: 2025-10-08
⚡ Overview
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is an innovative form of vitamin B3 that serves as an indirect precursor of NAD⁺, a crucial molecule for mitochondrial energy, cellular repair, and neural longevity.
Compared to NMN, NR is better studied in humans and produces a stable and measurable increase in NAD⁺ across tissues.
🟢 Proven Benefits
- Cellular energy & mitochondria: NR elevates NAD⁺, essential for cellular respiration and energy metabolism.
- Neuroprotection: Supports neuronal and glial health, helping reduce fatigue and mental fog.
- Cellular repair: Activates SIRT1/SIRT3, enzymes associated with longevity and oxidative stress resilience.
- Metabolic function: Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in some studies.
🟡 Still Under Study
- Long-term effects on human lifespan remain unproven.
- Efficacy vs NMN may vary based on absorption and hepatic metabolism.
- Cognitive benefits appear modest in healthy individuals.
- Limited data on sublingual vs oral bioavailability.
🔴 What It Does Not Do
- Does not directly slow aging.
- Does not replace sleep, exercise, or healthy habits.
- Not a short-term stimulant.
💊 Dosage & Usage
General guidance — not a medical prescription
- 250–500 mg/day, in the morning, with or without food.
- Most studied form: Niagen® (NRCl) — patented and purity-certified.
- Can be combined with:
- ALCAR → brain energy
- CoQ10 → mitochondrial support
- ALA / NMN → longevity & antioxidant synergy
- Storage: Keep dry and away from heat.
⚠️ Safety
- Well tolerated up to 1000 mg/day in clinical trials.
- Rare effects: flushing, mild nausea, or digestive discomfort.
- Long-term safety data (>2 years) are still limited.
⚠️ Risks & Interactions
- Consult a professional if you take liver, cholesterol, or diabetes medications.
- May interact with other NAD⁺ precursors or metabolic modulators.
✅ Quality Tips
- Choose certified Niagen® or TruNiagen® products for purity and traceability.
- Avoid non-standardized NR blends lacking Certificates of Analysis (COA).
- Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed after opening.
- Works synergistically with CoQ10, ALCAR, and Resveratrol.
📚 References
⚠️ Educational information. Always seek professional advice.