Tru Niagen (Nicotinamide Riboside)

Tru Niagen contains Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) chloride as its sole active ingredient, typically dosed at 300 mg per capsule (standard recommended daily dose). NR is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) and a direct precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Molecular weight of NR chloride: ~290.7 g/mol. Each 300 mg dose provides approximately 255 mg of free nicotinamide riboside base. Unlike nicotinic acid (niacin), NR does not activate the GPR109A receptor, meaning it does not cause flushing. Bioavailability: Oral NR is efficiently absorbed in the gut and converted to NAD+ primarily via the nicotinamide riboside kinase (NRK1/NRK2) pathway. Human pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that 300 mg/day NR can increase whole blood NAD+ levels by approximately 40–90% within 2–4 weeks. NR is more bioavailable as an NAD+ precursor compared to nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinic acid (NA) due to its direct phosphorylation to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) bypassing rate-limiting steps in the salvage pathway. Contains no significant macronutrients (negligible calories, no protein, fat, carbohydrates, or fiber). Inactive ingredients typically include microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose (vegetarian capsule), and vegetable magnesium stearate. No vitamins or minerals beyond the B3-related activity of NR itself. The product is patented as NIAGEN® (ChromaDex's proprietary NR chloride), with identity and purity verified via third-party testing. Does not contain caffeine, stimulants, sugars, gluten, nuts, or artificial colors. Peak plasma NR metabolite levels occur approximately 1–3 hours post-ingestion. NR is water-soluble; excess is metabolized and excreted renally, primarily as methylated nicotinamide metabolites (e.g., N-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide and N-methyl-nicotinamide).