Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 that serves as a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an essential molecule found in every living cell that supports cellular energy production and metabolism. Clinical studies show NR supplementation can effectively increase blood NAD+ levels, though benefits may be most apparent in clinical populations with specific health conditions rather than healthy individuals. Dietary supplements are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
Key Takeaways
- NR effectively increases NAD+ levels in the blood within 5 weeks, with clinical studies showing it's well-tolerated at doses of 250-500mg daily
- Benefits may be most apparent in people with specific health conditions (like peripheral artery disease or long-COVID) rather than healthy individuals
- NR is approved as safe for use in food supplements by the EU and has positive regulatory status in Australia
- Most side effects are mild (fatigue, nausea, headaches, stomach discomfort) and NR has a strong safety profile in clinical trials
- Unlike some other NAD+ precursors, NR has fewer reported drug interactions and is considered as safe as regular vitamin B3
How to Take
Typical Dosage
250-500mg daily based on clinical research, though some studies have safely used up to 1,000mg daily. Most commercial products recommend 250-300mg daily (1-2 capsules).
When to Take
Can be taken with or without food. For optimal tolerance, consider taking with meals if experiencing mild gastrointestinal effects.
Why It Matters for Ages 50+
NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, potentially contributing to reduced cellular energy production and metabolic function. Adults over 50 may have greater potential to benefit from NR supplementation compared to younger individuals with naturally robust NAD+ levels. However, current evidence suggests benefits may be most apparent in those with existing health conditions rather than healthy aging adults.
What to Look For
- Look for nicotinamide riboside chloride form, which has regulatory approval and clinical study backing
- Choose products with third-party testing for purity and potency verification
- Ensure proper packaging that protects from light and moisture to maintain stability
- Verify the product contains 250-300mg per capsule, matching clinically studied doses
- Select brands that provide clear labeling of the NR form and avoid proprietary blends with undisclosed amounts
Potential Interactions
Be aware of these potential interactions:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin, Eliquis, Xarelto): Limited data on interactions - consult your pharmacist as NR may theoretically affect blood clotting pathways
- Carbamazepine and primidone: Related nicotinamide compounds may reduce clearance of these medications - monitor with your doctor
- Diabetes medications (metformin, insulin): May affect glucose metabolism - monitor blood sugar levels closely
- Blood pressure medications: Theoretical potential to affect cardiovascular parameters - monitor blood pressure
- Liver-metabolized medications: As NR affects cellular metabolism, consult your pharmacist about potential interactions with drugs processed by the liver
Who Should Avoid This Supplement
- Individuals with chronic liver failure or severe liver disease, as NR affects cellular metabolism and liver function
- People with active cancer unless approved by their oncologist, due to potential effects on cellular energy pathways
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety data is insufficient for these populations
- Those with known sensitivity to vitamin B3 compounds or history of severe reactions to niacin supplements
Recommended by Experts
“Uses NR as alternative NAD+ precursor option”
“Takes 500mg daily”
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical studies support 250-500mg daily, typically taken as 1-2 capsules. NR can be taken with or without food, and there's no specific timing requirement for effectiveness.
Studies show blood NAD+ levels increase within 5 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, functional benefits may take longer to appear and vary by individual health status.
While NR is found in small amounts in milk and some foods, dietary sources provide insufficient quantities to meaningfully increase NAD+ levels. Supplements are necessary to achieve clinically relevant doses.
Most people tolerate NR well, but mild side effects can include fatigue, nausea, headaches, or stomach discomfort. These are typically temporary and resolve as your body adjusts.
Both NR and NMN effectively increase NAD+ levels, but NR has more extensive human safety data and regulatory approval. NR also appears to have fewer reported interactions with medications.
Current evidence suggests NR benefits may be most apparent in people with specific health conditions rather than healthy individuals. Consult your doctor to determine if supplementation is appropriate for your situation.