Are Nicotinamide Riboside supplements your ticket to the fountain of youth?
Anti-aging and longevity celebrity scientist Dr. David Sinclair brought nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) into the limelight.
Here’s what you might not know…
Scientists discovered NAD in the early 20th century. Why is it making a comeback?
It’s the energetic currency keeping your body functioning at its peak. NAD deficiency dramatically speeds up how fast you age.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is among the most popular longevity products because it directly quenches low NAD levels.
Fix that deficiency, and maintain your youthfulness longer.
Today’s post will give you essential background on the best Nicotinamide Riboside supplements on the market, the benefits, and what makes each of these products stand out.
For quick reference…
Best Overall: Ultra Health 300C Bulk
Strongest: Ultra Health Liposomal Nicotinamide Riboside
Most Recommended: Tru Niagen
Highest Quality: Thorne ResveraCel NR
The Top NR Products Currently Available
The brands I trust most have either been directly used in clinical studies, or undergone strict third-party testing. Below is a list of some popular nicotinamide riboside products.
Best Overall: Ultra Health NR 300C Bulk
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 300 mg RiboGEN
- Count
- 300 capsules
- Serving
- 1 capsule
- Additives
- None listed
Best For
- Long-term NR users seeking the lowest cost per serving
Skip If
- You are new to NR or want the most extensively studied branded NR product
Pros
- Large bulk count
- 300 mg per capsule
- No excipients listed
Cons
- High upfront price
- Limited independent product-specific evidence
- Bulk size is excessive for first-time users
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Each capsule contains the same patented RiboGENTM as inside their best-selling product. Ribogen is the strongest NR on the market. If you can get over the sticker shock, the 30C line of Ultra Health NR comes out to under $0.90 per serving. A price that’s usually only available to vitamin shops, doctors, and clinics.
As with all their products, 30C is pure pharmaceutical-grade nicotinamide riboside, with zero excipients or additives. Recently, they upgraded this line to use a lipid polymer (enteric) coating. This helps it remain intact through abrasive stomach acid.
Resulting in better absorption in the small intestine, and outstanding bioavailability. Since this line is intended for resale by medical professionals, it comes in a sealed mylar pouch.
With Ultra Health 300C, you get the same quality NR used in medical research and clinical studies, but at the lowest price per dose.
Ultra Health Liposomal Nicotinamide Riboside
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 300 mg RiboGEN
- Count
- 60 capsules
- Serving
- 1 capsule
- Delivery
- Liposomal and enteric-coated
Best For
- Readers prioritizing an enhanced-delivery NR capsule
Skip If
- You want the most extensively studied branded NR ingredient
Pros
- 300 mg one-capsule serving
- Liposomal and enteric delivery design
- No excipients listed
Cons
- No published human trial on the exact delivery system
- Premium price
- Smaller evidence base than NIAGEN
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NC15 for 15% offUltra Health has a line of NR products ranging in strength and formula. Their best-selling product is NR60B, which includes the patented and ultra-potent RiboGENTM. Ultra Health is a rapidly growing newcomer to commercial NR, with its first products listed in 2019.
All of their products boast no excipients or additives, and they further protect potency with double-walled anti-UV safety canisters. Recently, they upgraded the formula to make it even better.
NR60B now uses proprietary lipid polymer-coated enteric capsules to bypass stomach acid and dramatically increase bioavailability. This company is dedicated to longevity, selling only NAD+ precursors and other synergistic ingredients.
Tru Niagen Nicotinamide Riboside
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 300 mg NIAGEN
- Serving
- 1 capsule
- Certification
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Evidence
- Multiple human trials on NIAGEN
Best For
- Readers prioritizing the strongest product-specific NR evidence
Skip If
- You want the cheapest NR or an all-in-one longevity formula
Pros
- Most extensively studied NR brand
- NSF Certified for Sport
- Simple one-capsule serving
Cons
- Premium brand pricing
- Single-ingredient formula
- Evidence supports NAD increases more consistently than clinical outcomes
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Tru Niagen Nicotinamide Riboside is the most heavily studied brand, the subject of 10 clinical studies in humans. It has consistently been the biggest name in NAD-boosting supplements. The company behind Tru Niagen, ChromaDex, has the backing of NR’s patent holder, Dr. Charles Brenner, on its advisory board.
They sell three products: 150mg NR capsules, NR 300mg NR capsules, and 300mg NR portable drink mixes. More recently, the company released another product called Tru Niagen Immune. Tru Niagen is the gold standard, proven to increase NAD+ levels by 40-50%.
Elysium Health Basis
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 250 mg
- Pterostilbene
- 50 mg
- Serving
- 2 capsules
- Testing
- Batch quality testing
Best For
- Readers wanting a studied NR and pterostilbene combination
Skip If
- You prefer single-ingredient NR or want a 300 mg one-capsule serving
Pros
- NR plus pterostilbene formula
- Human trial measured NAD increase
- Strong quality-testing program
Cons
- Lower NR dose than 300 mg products
- Pterostilbene may not suit everyone
- Two-capsule serving
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Elysium Health’s Basis product is their answer to an upgraded Nicotinamide Riboside product. Though the serving size is smaller than Tru Niagen (250mg), their formula includes 50mg of another unique anti-aging compound called Pterostilbene.
Developed by MIT’s Leonard Guarente, PhD, a clinical study has also shown that Basis increases NAD+ by 40%. Elysium is devoted to quality, putting each supplement batch through vigorous testing. All are publicly posted for wary consumers. It’s no wonder TIME Magazine featured Elysium Health.
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator Nicotinamide Riboside
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 300 mg NIAGEN
- Count
- 30 capsules
- Serving
- 1 capsule
- Dietary
- Vegetarian, non-GMO, gluten-free
Best For
- Readers wanting a straightforward NIAGEN NR capsule from an established brand
Skip If
- You want an all-in-one longevity formula or bulk value
Pros
- Uses branded NIAGEN NR
- Trusted established brand
- Simple one-capsule serving
Cons
- Smaller bottle
- No additional longevity cofactors
- Generic NR alternatives may cost less
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One of Life Extension’s best sellers, their NAD+ Cell Regenerator comes in the budget 100mg and more potent 300mg versions. Life Extension uses the same ChromaDex patented formula of Nicotinamide Riboside called NIAGEN®.
In their online store, 155 users have rated the product an average of 4.8 stars, leagues above most longevity supplements. Their webpage features the science behind the ingredients, Q&As, and ideal supplements to further optimize NAD.
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator with Resveratrol
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 300 mg NIAGEN
- Trans-resveratrol
- 100 mg
- Other actives
- Quercetin and fisetin
- Serving
- 1 capsule
Best For
- Readers wanting NR plus resveratrol and related polyphenols
Skip If
- You prefer single-ingredient NR or take medications that interact with polyphenols
Pros
- Combines NR with polyphenols
- Uses branded NIAGEN
- One-capsule serving
Cons
- Multi-ingredient formula limits dose flexibility
- No trial on the exact combination
- Resveratrol may interact with medications
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Those looking for a more advanced all-in-one formula will enjoy Life Extensions’ Cell Regenerator Plus Resveratrol option. Resveratrol is another well-studied and powerful antioxidant synergistic with NR.
In this product, you get the same high-quality patented and clinically validated NIAGEN form of NR (300mg), along with a more absorbable form of resveratrol called trans-resveratrol (100mg). Additionally, you get Bio-Quercetin, Fisetin, and the active ingredients in several fruits.
Thorne ResveraCel
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 300 mg
- Trans-resveratrol
- 150 mg
- Other actives
- Quercetin phytosome and betaine
- Serving
- 2 capsules
Best For
- Readers wanting a premium multi-ingredient NR formula from Thorne
Skip If
- You want a single-ingredient NR product or maximum dose flexibility
Pros
- Reputable quality controls
- Combines NR with complementary longevity ingredients
- Widely available
Cons
- Two-capsule serving
- No product-specific outcomes trial on the complete formula
- Higher cost than single-ingredient NR
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Thorne Research is another one of the most trusted names in dietary supplements. Between strict quality control, and cutting-edge formulations, their products always deliver. Thorne regularly tests among the cleanest supplements on the market and is a go-to choice for professional athletes.
ReservaCel is their blend of longevity ingredients including Nicotinamide Riboside, quercetin, betaine, and trans-resveratrol.
They’re the only ones to include betaine which further increases the effectiveness of NR. Thorne transparently discloses the exact ratio of all compounds inside. Including 50mg more resveratrol than Life Extensions’ formula. Choose ReservaCel for the largest (and pure) dose of anti-aging ingredients.
LiftMode Nicotinamide Riboside Powder
- Form
- Powder
- Serving
- 200 mg
- Net weight
- 10 g
- Additives
- None listed
- Dietary
- Vegan and gluten-free
Best For
- Experienced users who want flexible NR powder dosing
Skip If
- You prefer pre-measured capsules or do not own an accurate scale
Pros
- Flexible powder dosing
- Additive-free format
- Established testing-focused vendor
Cons
- Requires accurate weighing
- Less convenient than capsules
- Price fluctuates and can be high
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LiftMode is a company popular amongst nootropics and smart drug connoisseurs. They offered NR powders ranging in size from a one-gram tub up to ten grams. Their Nicotinamide Ribosides are on the more expensive side.
Occasionally I get an email about sales. I’d suggest waiting for one of these blowout sales to purchase.
DoNotAge Pure NR
- Form
- Capsules
- NR
- 700 mg per serving
- Count
- 366 capsules
- Serving
- 2 capsules
- Quality
- Vegan, GMP, and ISO 9001
Best For
- International buyers seeking a high-dose bulk NR capsule
Skip If
- You want the most clinically studied NR brand or a smaller trial bottle
Pros
- High-dose serving
- Large bottle
- International fulfillment and potency guarantee
Cons
- High upfront price
- Large supply is not ideal for first-time users
- Product-specific clinical evidence is limited
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Do Not Age (DNA) stands out in the world of anti-aging with its reputation for purity and quality. Specifically, they guarantee the purity and quality of their products all the way to your door. No matter where you live.
Founded on a commitment to longevity science, they’ve quickly become a go-to source for supplements designed to turn back the clock. Based in England, their global reach and remarkably quick shipping have garnered a fan base spanning from the US to Singapore.
Pure NR, is renowned for its high-purity nicotinamide riboside chloride (NR). Plus, quite responsive customer support.
Do Not Age takes safety seriously, adhering strictly to GMP and ISO9001 standards. There’s no guesswork involved; you’re getting what’s promised. Plus, Pure NR is vegan-friendly and optimized for bioavailability—it’s clear Do Not Age doesn’t cut corners.
For discerning international biohackers seeking pure NR and comprehensive customer service, Do Not Age Pure NR is a great pick.
What is Nicotinamide Riboside?
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 (also called niacin or nicotinic acid). Unlike the other forms, research shows that NR increases levels of NAD+, a key central metabolism regulator. Core functions of NAD include:
- Converting food to energy
- Repairing DNA
- Creating androgen hormones
- Building muscles
- Recovery
- Activating a group of seven essential longevity proteins called sirtuins
You’ll live with suboptimal NAD levels. But you’ll age faster and have difficulty performing at your peak.
Supplementing with nicotinamide riboside is an insurance policy against low cellular energy.
Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation
NR works primarily to increase the energy available to the body’s many organs and cellular processes. It slows down the aging of tissues throughout the body most susceptible to degenerative disease.
Using NR as a longevity compound is new and we need more studies to fully elucidate uses and effects. Much of the current understanding is based on animal models.
Powerful Nicotinamide Riboside benefits include:
- Improved muscle function
- Cellular energy generation
- Overcoming jet lag
- Boosts physical and mental energy
- Repairing DNA faster
- Restores exercise capacity
- Fighting diseases of the brain and body (like Alzheimer’s)
- Protecting the brain, liver, and mitochondria
- Reducing blood pressure
- Decreasing symptoms of diabetes
- Helping prevent hearing loss
- Increasing metabolism
- Enhances blood sugar control
- Improving weight loss
- Mitigating damage from oxidative stress
- Regulating your sleep/wake cycle, (known as the circadian rhythm)
- Extending lifespan
Research suggests that taking Nicotinamide Riboside to optimize NAD will restore systems affected by a cellular energy deficit. I always recommend boosting NAD levels naturally and with the precursors first.
Natural Ways to Boost NAD
You can increase your levels via two primary strategies:
- Adding boosting supplements
- Making your body more efficient with the current process (salvage pathway)
You’ll get better, longer-lasting results from the latter.
Natural ways to boost your NAD levels without NR or NMN include:
- Raw honey
- Fermented foods
- Sauna sessions
- Pau D’ Arco tea
- Fasting
Certain foods contain trace amounts of nicotinamide riboside:
Before you run to the grocery store and stock up: you won’t be able to chug enough milk to get appreciable amounts of NR.
I wrote a mega-guide to naturally boosting your NAD here.
Once you’ve optimized the salvage pathway and are looking for more, these are the best products.
Most NR Supplements Are Fake or Dangerous?
Heavy metals, impurities, and other banned ingredients regularly contaminate supplements. Third-party reports across brands and ingredients have found outright fraud: some products contain absolutely zero of the stated ingredient but rather another unrelated compound instead.
Since it’s new, supplement manufacturers and commercial sources have only begun appearing in the last few years. Suppliers cannot match the demand spike. The market and online stores have become littered with fake (and expensive) NAD boosters.
NR Questions & Answers
Each of the above products should boost your NAD levels. But here is some additional information to help you make the best-informed choice for your specific situation.
NR vs MNM: which is superior?
Nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside are both NAD+ precursors. NMN is more stable than NR and this stability confers additional health benefits. There’s less evidence behind NMN, and NR has been proven to extend lifespan in mice.
Is NR Safe?
Nicotinamide riboside is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 and thus has been Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Although some users report minor side effects from extremely high doses, there have not been any cases of overdose. Always consult with your doctor before starting new supplements.
What is the best NR dosage?
Research suggests that the ideal dose for nicotinamide riboside is anywhere between 100 to 2000mg per day. Although minimal, side effects do increase with higher doses. The more NR, the greater NAD+ levels. For longevity, 300mg is sufficient. A larger dose of around 1000mg is more effective for increasing energy.
What are the side effects of NR?
Current nicotinamide riboside research has discovered zero side effects in humans. However, some users report trouble sleeping because of the increased energy. A study done in mice found worsened physical performance by 35 percent. These findings have not been replicated in humans, but athletes should be cautious of taking NR.
The Best Nicotinamide Riboside Supplements on Earth: Final Verdict
Nicotinamide riboside is one of the best and most effective NAD boosters available (though longevity scientists like David Sinclair prefer NMN supplements).
Anti-aging biohackers have reported reversing their “biological age” and dramatic energy improvements from this new supplement.
Start with the free NAD+ boosters.
You can also check out my guide on all the best NAD+ supplements you can find on the market if you want an even deeper dive into the topic.
Depending on your genes and lifestyle (see my review of SelfDecode, the top DNA analytics software to easily understand your genes), you may benefit tremendously from taking either NR or NMN. SelfDecode will tell you if supplementation is a waste of money or crucial.
After signing up, check your results from these two genes:
Beware of the many fake and adulterated products that have flooded the NAD supplement market.
Using a contaminated product will do more harm than good. Choose one of the products above to slow aging, increase your energy, and feel your best.
Do you use nicotinamide riboside? Drop a comment below and let me know your experience!
Scientific References (19)
- physical and mental energy (sciencedirect.com)
- DNA faster (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- exercise capacity (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Alzheimer’s (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Protecting (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- brain (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- liver (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- mitochondria (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- blood pressure (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- symptoms (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- hearing loss (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- blood sugar control (nature.com)
- circadian rhythm (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- lifespan (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Cow’s milk (doi.org)
- Brewer’s yeast (doi.org)
- 100 to 2000mg per day (academic.oup.com)
- greater NAD+ levels (nature.com)
- physical performance by 35 percent (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Please add #18 to this article: nicotinamide riboside causes breast and brain cancer
Hi Kane,
I believe you are referring to this study which shows a correlation between the metastases of certain cancers and nicotinamide riboside supplementation. While I agree that it’s an important observation, I couldn’t find anything in this study that shows NR causes cancer. Any more than anabolic (and vital) factors like essential amino acids, mTOR activators, or even other NAD+ precursors. I have a feeling that if they replicated this study for anything that dramatically increases NAD+, molecule or lifestyle habits, they will find something similar.
It’s quite possible that I am missing something or perhaps you were referring to another study?
Nick