What is nicotinamide riboside?

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 that converts into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which is crucial for mitochondrial and metabolic function. It is considered safe in humans at doses ranging from 100 mg to 1000 mg per day, and it has been shown to increase NAD levels in a dose-dependent manner. This can lead to benefits such as improved mitochondrial function and increased muscle mass and metabolism, as observed in several animal studies 1.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that oral supplementation of nicotinamide riboside can increase NAD levels in white blood cells, enhancing overall cellular health. Notably, a study involving 120 healthy adults aged 60-80 years showed that a daily dose of 250 mg of nicotinamide riboside increased whole blood NAD levels by 40% within four weeks. Moreover, participants who received a 500 mg dose saw a 90% increase. These changes were accompanied by potential benefits for blood pressure and liver health, though the results were not definitive 2.

While short-term studies indicate the safety of nicotinamide riboside, there's a need for further research to fully understand its long-term effects, particularly at high doses 3.