Extract & Compound · Vitamin

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR / Niagen)

Provisional Strong Scorecompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a vitamin B3 derivative that converts to NAD+ in cells, supporting cellular energy metabolism and healthy aging. Clinical studies demonstrate NR supplementation increases blood NAD+ levels by 60% and may enhance mitochondrial function.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryExtract & Compound

GroupVitamin

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordnicotinamide riboside benefits

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR / Niagen) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Enhances cellular energy production by boosting NAD+ levels, vital for energy metabolism and reducing fatigue. NR increases NAD+ by 60% in human trials. - Supports brain health and cognitive function by promoting neuronal repair and reducing oxidative stress. - Promotes healthy aging by activating sirtuins, which protect against cellular damage and extend lifespan. - Improves cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness and improving endothelial function. - Enhances muscle recovery and endurance by supporting mitochondrial health and reducing exercise-induced fatigue. - Supports healthy metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. - Boosts immune function by enhancing cellular repair mechanisms and reducing inflammation.

Origin & History

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR / Niagen) — origin

Natural habitat

Nicotinamide Riboside is a form of vitamin B3 found in trace amounts in milk and yeast. It is often synthesized in laboratories for supplements. The production involves chemical synthesis or extraction from natural sources like yeast cultures.

“Nicotinamide Riboside was discovered relatively recently, with increasing interest in its potential to mimic caloric restriction benefits. It is not traditionally used but has gained popularity in modern wellness circles.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown NR's effectiveness in increasing NAD+ levels. Meta-analyses suggest potential benefits in metabolic and age-related conditions. In vitro studies support its role in cellular health.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of Vitamin B3 (niacin precursor) with molecular weight of 255.25 g/mol. As a supplement, NR is typically supplied as NR chloride salt (Niagen). Standard doses range from 250–500mg per serving. It contains no macronutrients, fiber, or minerals in its isolated supplemental form. The primary bioactive compound is the nicotinamide riboside molecule itself, which serves as a direct NAD+ precursor. Bioavailability is notably high compared to other NAD+ precursors — oral NR is absorbed intact in the small intestine via nucleoside transporters and raises blood NAD+ levels by approximately 60% at 300mg/day doses in clinical trials. NR bypasses the rate-limiting enzyme NAMPT in the NAD+ salvage pathway, making it more efficient than niacinamide at equivalent doses. Contains no calories, fat, or protein. As a B3 derivative, it contributes to overall B-vitamin sufficiency but does not provide folate, B12, or other B-complex vitamins.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Nicotinamide riboside enters cells and is phosphorylated by nicotinamide riboside kinases (NRK1 and NRK2) to form nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). NMN is then converted to NAD+ by nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferases (NMNATs). Elevated NAD+ activates sirtuins (SIRT1-7) and supports poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), promoting DNA repair and cellular stress resistance.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Human trials with 250-1000mg daily NR supplementation show consistent 60% increases in blood NAD+ levels within 2-8 weeks. A randomized controlled trial in 140 healthy adults found 300mg twice daily improved muscle mitochondrial biogenesis markers. Small studies suggest potential cognitive and cardiovascular benefits, but larger long-term trials are needed. Most evidence comes from animal studies and short-term human biomarker studies.

Also Known As

1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)nicotinamideNRNiagenNAD+ precursorVitamin B3 ribosideNicotinamide ribonucleoside3-carbamoyl-1-β-D-ribofuranosylpyridinium

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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