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Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is known as a type of vitamin B3 that may help your body produce energy and keep your cells healthy. It converts into NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) coenzyme that’s essential for metabolism, DNA repair, and overall cell function.
As you age, your NAD+ levels could naturally decline, but taking NR supplements might help in maintaining its healthy levels. This may support healthy aging, boost your energy, improve brain function, promote heart and metabolic health, aid in exercise recovery, and could even protect your cells from damage.
While NR supplements are generally safe, you might experience mild side effects like nausea or fatigue if you don’t stick to the recommended dosage, so checking with your doctor could help you avoid any issues.
In this article, you’ll explore the seven best NR supplements, with their pros and cons, so you can find the one that may be right for you.
What Is NR Supplement?
NR, or nicotinamide riboside, is a type of vitamin B3 that helps your body increase NAD+ levels. NAD+ is a crucial molecule that is known to support energy production, repair cells, and keep your metabolism running smoothly. When you take an NR supplement, it gets converted into NAD+ naturally, giving your cells the energy they need to remain healthy and function efficiently.
Some studies show that taking 500–1000 mg of nicotinamide (NAM) daily for a long time is safe. However, when 6 g of NAM was taken on an empty stomach, mild side effects like headache, dizziness, and vomiting were reported.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, dealing with certain health conditions, or on specific medications, you should check with your doctor first to avoid any health complications.
7 Best NR Supplements
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Renue by Science Lipo NR
Renue by Science Lipo NR gives you 300 mg of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), which may help boost NAD+ levels in your body. It could help keep your cells healthy, support energy, and improve your overall vitality and longevity.
Renue by Science Lipo NR is said to use liposomal technology, which helps your body absorb the active ingredients more effectively. The makers state that their liposomal technology also helps about 90% of the green tea extract (EGCG) to reach your bloodstream.
Renue by Science Lipo NR is non-GMO and is free from preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners. It is said to be tested with high-quality standards, going through four rounds of testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness. It is also tested in certified labs to guarantee quality and potency.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It could help support your energy production and cellular health.
- Its liposomal technology can help absorb up to 90% of the active ingredients in your body.
- It’s non-GMO and free from preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
- It is said to undergo four rounds of rigorous pharmaceutical-grade testing, ensuring safety, potency, and purity.
- It may help promote vitality by enhancing your NAD+ levels.
- It’s tested in ISO-certified and cGMP-certified labs, guaranteeing your safety.
Cons
- It might be more expensive than other NR formulas.
- It is only available on its official website, limiting its accessibility.
- At 300 mg per serving, it might not be suitable if you prefer lower doses.
- You may experience mild digestive discomfort.
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Thorne NiaCel 400
Thorne’s NiaCel 400 may support your energy, athletic performance, and healthy aging. It is said to contain Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), which could boost NAD+ levels to improve energy, metabolism, and overall vitality.
The makers state that the NiaCel 400 from Thorne is NSF Certified for Sport, which could make it suitable if you are an athlete looking for extra support for NAD+.
According to the official website, taking Thorne NiaCel 400 daily could increase your NAD+ levels, improve exercise efficiency, and help you feel more energized. It might also support a healthy sleep-wake cycle, detox processes, and balanced brain chemicals.
Thorne NiaCel 400 might help with cellular repair, metabolism, and energy production. It could also promote weight management, protect your DNA, and help reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass in the long run.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It may help boost your NAD+ levels, supporting your cellular energy and overall vitality.
- It could increase your energy levels, support a healthy metabolism, and improve your exercise efficiency.
- If you’re an athlete, NiaCel 400 could enhance your physical performance and recovery by improving NAD+ levels and energy production.
- The betaine in NiaCel 400 may support a lean body by helping to reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass.
- It is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it’s tested for purity and safety.
- With 85 mg of TMG, it may support optimal methylation, and detox processes and help balance brain chemicals.
Cons
- You might experience mild digestive discomfort or headaches.
- Thorne products can be more expensive.
- To see the best results, you’ll need to take it consistently, which might be challenging if you forget to do so regularly.
- You might not notice immediate effects, as the formula may take time to show results.
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Perpetua.Life AEON
Perpetua.Life AEON combines Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) in a proprietary liposomal blend, delivering 500mg per serving. This combination aims to boost NAD+ levels, which are crucial for cellular energy and metabolic health.
Perpetua.Life AEON may help support healthy aging.
With 11 ingredients, including resveratrol, quercetin, fisetin, TMG, astragalus, L-theanine, EGCG, and spermidine, this formula could contribute to cellular repair, stress relief, and protection against age-related decline.
The makers added resveratrol in Perpetua.Life AEON, which may support your kidney health and reduce aging-related damage, while Quercetin could help decrease inflammation and protect your cells with its antioxidant properties.
Perpetua.Life AEON is made in the USA in a GMP-certified and FDA-registered facility. It is also non-GMO, and the capsules use natural coloring from red cabbage.
While generally safe, consulting a doctor before use could be beneficial, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing specific health conditions.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perpetua.Life AEON is said to combine NR, NMN, and 11 other anti-aging ingredients to boost NAD+ levels, which could enhance your cellular energy and metabolism.
- It might improve your body’s ability to absorb the ingredients.
- The liposomal delivery in Perpetua.Life AEON could help increase absorption, helping you feel the effects more quickly.
- It could support NAD+ production, promoting better energy metabolism in your body.
- AEON claims to be third-party tested for purity and metals such as lead and mercury, ensuring you’re getting a safe product.
- Perpetua.Life AEON also offers a 30-day return policy for a convenient purchasing experience.
Cons
- The 30-day return window might feel too short for you to evaluate the product’s effectiveness fully.
- Personal results could vary.
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Reus Research NR Supplement
Reus Research NR Supplement claims to support healthy aging and reduce fine and wrinkles. It is said to combine Liposomal Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), resveratrol, and quercetin to boost your NAD+ levels, which may help with cellular repair and support healthy DNA.
The makers used liposomal technology in the Reus Research NR supplement, which might help increase the absorption of its ingredients by up to 71%.
According to the official website, Resveratrol and Quercetin in Reus Research NR Supplement may offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping your skin look healthier and potentially slowing down aging.
The official website also highlights that Reus Research NR Supplement is third-party tested in the USA for purity and effectiveness. It’s also non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The combination of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), resveratrol, and quercetin may help enhance your NAD+ levels, supporting cellular repair and healthy aging.
- Liposomal technology might improve the absorption of the ingredients, potentially boosting bioavailability by up to 71%.
- It may help improve your skin health by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
- It’s non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free.
Cons
- The combination of premium ingredients and liposomal technology might make it more expensive.
- You might not see immediate results, as it could take time to show noticeable effects.
- There’s no mention of a satisfaction guarantee or refund policy, which could leave you uncertain about whether the product will work for you.
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WindBoss Liposomal NR Supplement
WindBoss Liposomal NR Supplement claims to help you with healthy aging, energy production, and boosting your immune system. It could help activate sirtuins by increasing your NAD+ levels, which could help slow down aging and support DNA repair.
The makers state that Windboss Liposomal could promote better brain function, helping you stay clear-headed and focused. The capsules are said to be free from GMOs, gluten, and dairy.
As per the official website, each Windboss Liposomal serving contains 500 mg of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), 250 mg of quercetin phytosome, and 100 mg of trans-resveratrol. With regular use, WindBoss Liposomal might help you stay energized and focused. It could also help enhance your skin health, making it more supple and glowing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It may support healthy aging by boosting NAD+ levels and activating sirtuins.
- It could enhance cognitive function and help improve focus and clarity.
- It is free from GMOs, gluten, and dairy, making it suitable for your dietary needs.
- It comes in capsule form with a reasonable serving size of 2 per day.
- It may promote immune system health.
Cons
- You might experience nausea or dizziness during the initial use of Windboss liposomal.
- Consuming Windboss liposomal might be uncomfortable if you have trouble swallowing capsules.
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Neurogan NR Pro
Neurogan NR Pro may provide you with 900 mg of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) with each serving, which may support your energy and focus. The makers state that Neurogan NR Pro may help improve cellular energy, support DNA health, and promote healthy aging. It could help your cells work more efficiently, giving you more energy throughout the day. It also provides you with a 30-day money-back guarantee, under which you could request a refund in case you change your mind or do not experience any specific changes as claimed by Neutrogan.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Each capsule gives you 900 mg of Nicotinamide Riboside, delivering a potent dose to boost your NAD+ levels effectively.
- You may notice improved cellular energy production, helping you maintain overall vitality.
- It could help support healthy aging by maintaining your NAD+ levels as they naturally decline over time.
- Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility, it ensures you are getting a high-quality formula.
Cons
- Compared to other NAD+ boosters, Neurogan NR Pro tends to be pricier, which can strain your budget if you plan for long-term use.
- You’ll need to be patient, as it could take weeks or months of consistent use to see noticeable effects.
- If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing certain health conditions, it could not be suitable for you.
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GenuinePurity Liposomal NR
GenuinePurity Liposomal NR could help boost your energy levels, support cellular health, and combat the effects of aging. This formula is said to use Liposomal technology to enhance nutrient absorption by delivering essential ingredients directly into your bloodstream for maximum effectiveness.
GenuinePurity Liposomal NR might aid in natural cellular detox and regeneration by increasing NAD levels, promoting mitochondrial function, and supporting DNA health. It is said to be made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and free from any artificial additives or preservatives. It contains 96% pure β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), and each dose contains 250mg, backed by clinical research. Manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities, it ensures high-quality standards.
The company also provides a certificate of authenticity to guarantee the purity of the NMN, so you can feel confident you’re getting the real thing. Available in several package options, such as 1, 3, or 6 bottles, GenuinePurity Liposomal NR may help with improved energy levels and high purity, and based on using cutting-edge technology. It also has a 97-day money-back guarantee. However, detailed information on potential side effects is not readily available.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Focuses on improving energy production at the cellular level by boosting mitochondrial health.
- Specifically designed to support cellular detox, helping recharge and rejuvenate your cells effectively.
- Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives.
Cons
- Overuse of GenuinePurity Liposomal NR could lead to side effects such as low blood pressure or interactions with certain medical conditions.
- It’s results could vary, taking more time to show noticeable effects.
How Does NR Supplement Work?
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) may work by boosting levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital molecule in your cells. NAD+ is known to support energy production, DNA repair, and keeping your cells functioning properly. As you age, your NAD+ levels naturally decline, which can affect your metabolism and energy.
When you take NR, your body converts it into NAD+. NR enters your cells and is changed into NAD+, which helps increase ATP production (the energy currency of your cells), supports mitochondrial function, and aids in DNA repair.
While NR is known to support your cell’s function, it’s essential to take some precautions. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications, consult with your healthcare professional before using NR products. Taking very high doses of NR may lead to severe complications, such as liver stress or toxicity.
How To Choose The Best NR Supplements?
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Brand Reputation And Quality Control
When choosing the best NR supplement, it’s important to check the reputation of the company in the market. Brands with good market value are more likely to provide high-quality formulas that are safe and effective. Look for brands that follow industry standards like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which ensures the product is made in a facility with strict quality control.
Make sure to check the brand’s official website to see if they provide clear information about where their ingredients come from and how they’re made. Check if the brand products have undergone testing by independent labs to confirm the correct dosage, the absence of contaminants, and the addition of the right amount of active ingredients.
You can also check customer reviews, the company’s history, and any certifications (like GMP or NSF) to see if a brand is trustworthy. A reliable brand will also provide customer service to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
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Formulation And Dosage
The typical NR dosage ranges from 100mg to 2000 mg per day, with some brands offering higher doses for more specific health benefits. When choosing an NR supplement, it’s important to follow the advised dosage provided by the manufacturer, as taking too much may not necessarily result in better benefits and could potentially cause side effects.
Make sure to check the label to see if the NR is combined with other ingredients that may enhance its effectiveness, such as antioxidants, vitamins, or bioavailability enhancers like piperine (from black pepper), which may improve its absorption.
You can choose NR, which claims to offer sustained-release or extended-release formulations, which may help you maintain stable ranges of the compound in the bloodstream over a longer period.
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Purity And Ingredients
Look for NR products that contain as few added ingredients as possible, and the primary active ingredient should be Nicotinamide Riboside, with minimal fillers or binders like magnesium stearate or silica. These additives are often used to help with the manufacturing process but should not be present in large amounts.
Choose products that are free from common allergens, such as gluten, dairy, soy, or artificial sweeteners, which can be crucial if you have food sensitivities or follow a specific diet. If you’re aiming for a clean formula, opt for the ones that advertise themselves as non-GMO (genetically modified organisms), vegan, or free from artificial dyes and preservatives.
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Customer Reviews And Testimonials
Many online retailers and product websites allow customers to leave reviews about their experiences with the product. Reading these feedbacks can provide insight into the product’s performance, any side effects experienced, and whether the NR formula has delivered on its promises.
Look for reviews from verified buyers, as these are usually more reliable. Examining the positive and negative reviews can provide you with a balanced view, but be cautious of reviews that seem overly biased or promotional. If you see mentioned benefits like more energy, better metabolism, or improved focus, the NR product might be worth trying.
If you have specific concerns, like being sensitive to certain ingredients or having allergies, try to find reviews from others with similar issues. Some brands even share testimonials from doctors or researchers who recommend their products, which you can check to make an informed decision.
Are NR Supplements Safe?
NR supplements are generally safe for you when taken as advised. However, while NR is usually well-tolerated, you might experience digestive discomfort, headaches, or nausea. These are typically temporary and go away once you stop taking the supplement. However, very high doses could cause more serious side effects, such as liver stress.
If you have underlying health conditions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before starting NR. Make sure to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid any risks.
Research suggests that NAD+ precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), NR with pterostilbene, and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) may help increase NAD+ levels in the body, which is important for overall health. These compounds might improve heart health, metabolism, and physical function, especially in people with chronic health issues. However, the research is limited, and most studies are small. More large studies are needed to find the right doses, duration, and the groups of people who would benefit the most.
Potential Side Effects Of NR Supplements
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Nausea
You might experience nausea when taking NR, especially if you take them on an empty stomach. This could be your body reacting to the increased NAD+ levels, which can sometimes cause mild digestive discomfort. Symptoms might include a queasy feeling or an urge to vomit.
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Fatigue
While NR could help boost your energy, you might feel tired initially. This could be due to your body adjusting to higher NAD+ levels. You might feel sluggish or low on energy at first, but this typically passes once your cells start adjusting to the new energy production.
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Flushing Or Warmth In The Skin
After taking NR products, you might notice a warm or flushed feeling in your skin. This is likely because the increased NAD+ levels can cause blood vessels to expand, contributing to redness or a warm sensation in your face or neck.
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Headaches
When you first start taking NR, you might experience headaches. This can occur as your body adjusts to changes in your energy production. Headaches can vary from mild to moderate in intensity and may feel like a dull ache or throbbing pain, often affecting the temples or the front of your head.
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Dizziness
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded after taking NR supplements, it might be due to changes in blood pressure or circulation caused by increased NAD+ levels. You may notice this more when you stand up quickly or take higher doses.
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Insomnia Or Sleep Disturbances
You might experience trouble sleeping after starting NR products because of the increased energy levels or changes in your circadian rhythm. You might have trouble falling asleep or experience disrupted sleep during the initial use of NR.
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Allergic Reactions
While rare, you could have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in NR products. Symptoms might include itching, rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Make sure to check the product label to rule out any ingredient that may cause reactions.
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Potential Interaction With Medications
NR supplements may interact with medications that affect heart health, blood pressure, or other cardiovascular treatments. For instance, if you’re taking medications like blood pressure regulators, blood thinners, or heart medications, the increase in NAD+ levels from NR could change how your body responds to these drugs, potentially leading to side effects such as dizziness, abnormal heart rate, or blood pressure fluctuations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can NR Supplements Interact With Medications Or Other Supplements?
If you’re taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or cancer treatment, NR could interact with them, either enhancing or reducing their effects. Combining NR with other supplements that also affect cellular health, like vitamin B3 (niacin), could alter the balance of NAD+ in your body. - Are There Any Dietary Sources Of Nicotinamide Riboside?
You can find nicotinamide riboside (NR) in small amounts in foods like milk, yeast (in bread and beer), turkey, and chicken. However, the amounts are usually low, which is why you might choose to take NR to get a higher dose and support your cellular health and energy levels. - Is NR Supplementation Suitable For Vegans?
NR supplements can be suitable for you if you’re vegan, but it depends on the source. Many NR formulas are plant-based, but some might contain animal-derived ingredients like dairy. Make sure to check the product label or contact the manufacturer to confirm the source. - Can NR Help With Sleep Quality Or Insomnia?
NR supplements may help improve sleep quality indirectly by supporting energy production and regulating circadian rhythms. However, NR is not specifically designed for sleep issues or insomnia, and results can vary. If you’re experiencing sleep problems, you should consult your doctor to choose a better solution.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Nicotinamide Riboside product can significantly support your energy levels and metabolism.
To help you make an informed decision, we have listed 7 best NR Supplements that may help you achieve your desired results. They could help you with enhanced cellular health and healthy aging.
Before using NR supplements, it’s important to consult your doctor if you have chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure or if you have liver or kidney problems, as NR may affect metabolism or strain these organs. Always follow the suggested dosage and notice any side effects, like mild digestive discomfort or headaches.
While NR supplements are an easy way to boost your NAD+ levels, you can also get NR naturally from foods like milk, yeast, turkey, chicken, and fish. You can support your NR intake by adding these to your diet, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- The information in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
- It is not recommended to disregard/delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of what you read or accessed through this guide.
- The results may vary from individual to individual.
- Consult your doctor for any underlying medical conditions or if you are on any prescribed medicines before trying any product.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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