Origin & tradition
Not traditional: NR is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 identified as an NAD+ precursor in 2004.
Western tradition · NAD Precursor
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
The leading NMN alternative — a direct NAD+ precursor with multiple RCTs confirming it safely raises NAD+ levels in humans.
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Why longevity buyers care
Key active: Nicotinamide riboside — direct NAD+ precursor.
NR is phosphorylated by NRK kinases to NMN then to NAD+. Multiple Phase 1/2 RCTs confirm oral NR raises blood NAD+ 40–60% in older adults. Ongoing trials explore muscle, kidney, and metabolic aging.
Effect summary
Studied health outcomes
Editorial summary — This table is curated by hand from published research consensus, not automatically calculated from our trial database. Grades reflect our interpretation of the literature. Treat as a starting point, not a definitive verdict. See the Evidence panel below for the underlying trial and paper counts sourced directly from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed.
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAD+ blood levels | Increases | Strong | A |
| Mitochondrial function markers | Increases | Moderate | B |
| Muscle insulin sensitivity | Increases | Minor | C |
| Blood pressure | Decreases | Minor | C |
| Liver fat | Decreases | Minor | C |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
How Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is typically used
- Typical dose
- 250–500 mg/day
- Form
- capsule (NR as Niagen or equivalent)
- Timing
- morning, with or without food
NR and NMN have similar effects on NAD+ levels at comparable doses. Some researchers use both together at lower doses. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) achieves similar NAD+ elevation at much lower cost.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
What the research actually says
79Evidence confidence
Human RCT evidence30 randomized controlled trials · 6 meta-analyses / systematic reviews
Multiple human RCTs on NAD+ elevation; larger aging trials ongoing
NR is phosphorylated by NRK kinases to NMN then to NAD+. Multiple Phase 1/2 RCTs confirm oral NR raises blood NAD+ 40–60% in older adults. Ongoing trials explore muscle, kidney, and metabolic aging.
117registered clinical trials reference this intervention
3selected from 27+ PubMed papers (longevity / aging angle)
Key active: Nicotinamide riboside — direct NAD+ precursor.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-06-12. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) appears in
Compare the evidence
Related ingredients
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)β-烟酰胺单核苷酸
79The headline NAD+ booster of the longevity world — human trials show it raises blood NAD+ and may support physical function.
Nicotinamide (Niacinamide / B3)
76The simplest and cheapest NAD+ precursor — with extensive human trial data in skin aging and DNA repair.
Apigenin芹菜素
70A flavone from parsley and chamomile that inhibits CD38 (NADase) — preserving NAD+ through a complementary mechanism to NMN or NR.
Pterostilbene紫檀芪
68A more bioavailable cousin of resveratrol, often paired with NAD precursors in longevity formulas.
Compare the evidence
How Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) stacks up
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