What is nicotinamide riboside (NR)?

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme involved in cellular energy production and many metabolic processes.

What does NR do in the body?

NR is converted into NAD+, which supports mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, and cellular maintenance pathways involved in healthy aging.

What are the potential benefits of NR supplements?

NR may support healthy aging, cellular repair, and metabolic health by raising NAD+ levels. Evidence varies by outcome, with stronger support for increasing NAD+ than for specific clinical benefits.

What is a typical dosage range for nicotinamide riboside?

Common supplemental amounts range from about 100 to 1,000 mg per day, depending on the product and individual goals. Follow label directions and consider medical advice for personalized dosing.

Is nicotinamide riboside safe for everyone?

NR is generally used as a dietary supplement, but safety can depend on dose, health status, and medications. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have medical conditions, or take prescription drugs should consult a clinician before use.

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Nicotinamide
Riboside

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a vitamin B3 derivative that acts as a precursor to NAD+, supporting cellular energy, metabolism, and healthy aging.

Longevity Anti-Aging Cognitive Enhancement Essential Nutrient Neuroprotective Weight Management

dose range

100–1000 mg

1–2 divided doses daily

Consumption

Take with or without food; morning or with first meal is common to align with metabolic demands.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Consistency may help maintain NAD+ levels. Higher doses should be assessed for tolerability.

Description

Nicotinamide riboside is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 found in trace amounts in foods and used as a supplement to elevate NAD+ levels, which play critical roles in cell function, aging, and metabolism.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Human trials consistently show NR increases NAD+ levels and is safe up to 1000 mg/day, but evidence for disease-related outcomes is promising yet preliminary.

Supports Healthy Aging and Cellular Repair

Moderate

Supplementing with NR elevates NAD+ levels, which may enhance DNA repair, improve mitochondrial function, and help counteract age-related cellular decline.

Particularly relevant for: adults · older adults

Promotes Metabolic Health and Energy Metabolism

Moderate

NR may improve metabolic function, insulin sensitivity, and mitochondrial health by boosting NAD+ status, with some human evidence for improved energy metabolism.

Particularly relevant for: adults · those interested in weight management or metabolic health

S1 · Elhassan, Y.S. et al. Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-inflammatory Signatures.S2 · Trammell, S.A.J., et al. Nicotinamide Riboside Opposes Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathy in Mice and Increases NAD+ Metabolites in Humans.S7 · Canto, C., Menzies, K.J., Auwerx, J. NAD+ Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus.

Potential Neuroprotection

Limited

Animal studies and early human trials suggest NR may support neuronal health and could help protect against age-related neurodegeneration.

Particularly relevant for: older adults · those at risk for neurodegenerative disease

S3 · Vaur, P. et al. NR supplementation results in neuroprotection in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and in healthy humans.

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally safe at studied doses, but caution is warranted in sensitive groups or with specific drug therapies.

warning notices

Most side effects are mild and include nausea, fatigue, or headache at higher doses.
There is little long-term safety data beyond 1 year; effects on pregnancy and severe liver/kidney conditions are unknown.
NR may influence the metabolism of certain medications and should be used with medical oversight in at-risk populations.
Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Use only with clinician supervision in individuals with liver disorders or severe kidney dysfunction.
Monitor for unusual fatigue or allergic reactions; discontinue if serious symptoms occur.

Known interactions with medications

chemotherapies targeting NAD+ metabolism

Contraindications / special precautions

pregnancy
breastfeeding
severe liver disease
advanced kidney disease

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Nicotinamide riboside has few known drug-nutrient interactions, but theoretical interactions with niacin, some cancer chemotherapies, and liver/metabolism-modulating drugs warrant medical oversight.

May interact with high-dose niacin or other NAD+ precursors.

nutrient · Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

CautionLimitedVitamin B3 (Niacin)

Why

Both compete for NAD+ biosynthetic pathways, though clinical significance at supplemental doses is unclear.

recommendation

Monitor for additive effects or adverse symptoms if combining high doses.

S6 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Niacin Fact Sheet

May alter efficacy of chemotherapy drugs targeting NAD+ metabolism.

drug · Certain chemotherapies

CautionLimited

Why

NR increases NAD+ levels, which could hypothetically interfere with drugs designed to deplete NAD+ in cancer therapy.

recommendation

Cancer patients should only use under oncologist supervision.

S5 · Conze, D. Nicotinamide Riboside: Potential Health Benefits and Safety in Humans, Nutrients 2016.

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Boosts NAD+ Synthesis

NR serves as a direct precursor to NAD+, rapidly elevating cellular NAD+ and supporting energy production, mitochondrial function, and DNA repair.

Promotes Mitochondrial Health and Cellular Resilience

By supporting NAD+ levels, NR may enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and reduce markers of cellular stress and inflammation.

S1 · Elhassan, Y.S. et al. Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-inflammatory Signatures.S7 · Canto, C., Menzies, K.J., Auwerx, J. NAD+ Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus.

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

7 sources

Elhassan, Y.S. et al. Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-inflammatory Signatures.

Human RCT on NAD+ concentration and safety.

Trammell, S.A.J., et al. Nicotinamide Riboside Opposes Type 2 Diabetes and Neuropathy in Mice and Increases NAD+ Metabolites in Humans.

Preclinical & pilot human data on metabolic and neuroprotection outcomes.

Vaur, P. et al. NR supplementation results in neuroprotection in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and in healthy humans.

Animal and preliminary human cognitive research.

WebMD Monograph: Nicotinamide Riboside

Summary of dosing and safety.

Conze, D. Nicotinamide Riboside: Potential Health Benefits and Safety in Humans, Nutrients 2016.

Review of clinical and preclinical safety data.

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Niacin Fact Sheet

Background on vitamin B3 and derivatives.

Canto, C., Menzies, K.J., Auwerx, J. NAD+ Metabolism and the Control of Energy Homeostasis: A Balancing Act between Mitochondria and the Nucleus.

Mechanistic insights on NAD+ and metabolic effects.

Laatst bijgewerkt: 7 februari 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

Alle voedingsstoffen

Nicotinamide
Riboside

Description

benefits

Supports Healthy Aging and Cellular Repair

Promotes Metabolic Health and Energy Metabolism

Potential Neuroprotection

Safety & Information

interactions

May interact with high-dose niacin or other NAD+ precursors.

May alter efficacy of chemotherapy drugs targeting NAD+ metabolism.

mechanisms of action

Boosts NAD+ Synthesis

Promotes Mitochondrial Health and Cellular Resilience

Sources & References

Vitamins & Vitaminoids

Andere categorieën

Safety & Information

interactions

May interact with high-dose niacin or other NAD+ precursors.

May alter efficacy of chemotherapy drugs targeting NAD+ metabolism.

mechanisms of action

Boosts NAD+ Synthesis

Promotes Mitochondrial Health and Cellular Resilience

Sources & References

NicotinamideRiboside

Description

benefits

Supports Healthy Aging and Cellular Repair

Promotes Metabolic Health and Energy Metabolism

Potential Neuroprotection

Safety & Information

interactions

May interact with high-dose niacin or other NAD+ precursors.

May alter efficacy of chemotherapy drugs targeting NAD+ metabolism.

mechanisms of action

Boosts NAD+ Synthesis

Promotes Mitochondrial Health and Cellular Resilience

Sources & References

Vitamins & Vitaminoids

Andere categorieën

Safety & Information

interactions

May interact with high-dose niacin or other NAD+ precursors.

May alter efficacy of chemotherapy drugs targeting NAD+ metabolism.

mechanisms of action

Boosts NAD+ Synthesis

Promotes Mitochondrial Health and Cellular Resilience

Sources & References

Nicotinamide
Riboside