Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is an effective precursor of NAD+ , meaning that this nutrient is converted to NAD+ in the body. As an active coenzyme, NAD+ is essential for all living organisms and responsible for a multitude of biochemical reactions, most notably energy production in our cells.

In addition, NR is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) , which plays a central role in our energy metabolism, nerves, skin and psyche.

Below you will learn what nicotinamide riboside is, how it works, which benefits have been scientifically studied, and for whom this ingredient may be relevant.

Nicotinamide riboside is an active ingredient known from longevity research and a bioactive form of vitamin B3, which is one of the most direct precursors of NAD+.

NAD+ itself cannot be adequately absorbed due to its instability and poor bioavailability, which is why NAD+ precursors are used.

Nicotinamide riboside as a dietary supplement has gained importance in recent years, as only two conversion steps are needed to be metabolized to NAD+ in the body.

Furthermore, NR not only has high bioavailability , but numerous studies have also been able to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the active ingredient on the body's own NAD+ levels.

You've probably noticed that there are different molecules and active ingredients, all marketed as NAD+ boosters. Below, we'll give an overview of the most common molecules:

• NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide): An essential coenzyme for cellular energy production (ATP), cellular respiration, DNA repair, and activation of sirtuins (longevity enzymes). However, due to its molecular size and instability, NAD+ itself cannot be effectively absorbed by the body.

• NR (Nicotinamide Riboside): Highly bioavailable form of vitamin B3 and direct precursor of NAD+, which is efficiently absorbed orally, enters cells directly, and has been clinically proven to increase NAD+ levels.

• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide):
Unlike NR, NMN contains an additional phosphate group that must be removed before it can enter the cell and be converted to NAD+. Research regarding its safety and efficacy is less conclusive than for NR, which is why NMN is currently not approved in the EU.

• NAM (Nicotinamide / Niacinamide): A vitamin B3 variant that is less efficiently converted to NAD+ and potentially inhibits sirtuins at higher doses. Therefore, it is less ideal for NAD+ boosting.

• Niacin (nicotinic acid): The classic form of vitamin B3, which leads to NAD+, but is converted via a more complex process and, at higher doses, often triggers an unpleasant "flush" accompanied by skin reddening and a sensation of heat. It is primarily used therapeutically to influence cholesterol levels.

The differences between NR, NMN, niacin, NAM, and other precursors are relevant to the question of how effectively the body can synthesize NAD+. Current studies show that bioavailability and stability vary considerably, which has direct implications for energy production, cell health, and aging processes.

For this reason, NR is now considered the most clinically researched and regulatory safest option to reliably increase NAD+ levels.

NAD+ is involved in over 500 cellular reactions , including:

• Mitochondrial energy metabolism
• ATP production
• DNA repair
• Cell protection mechanisms
• Activation of sirtuins (key enzymes in longevity research)
• Antioxidant processes
• Regeneration after exertion

The more NAD+ is available to our cells, the more efficiently they can provide energy and carry out repair mechanisms.

However, NAD+ levels decline continuously with age. Middle-aged people therefore have only about half the NAD+ levels of those in their early twenties.

The effects of a lower NAD+ level can be noticeable:

• less energy
• slowed regeneration
• declining concentration
• reduced performance
• increased oxidative stress

This is exactly where NR comes in: It provides the body with a bioactive precursor that quickly and efficiently replenishes NAD+.

If you would like to learn more about NAD+, you can read our detailed article here: What is NAD+?

1. Absorption in the body

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is absorbed in the small intestine after ingestion and enters the bloodstream, reaching various tissues. There, cells can directly absorb NR and use it for NAD+ synthesis.

2. Conversion via the Salvage Pathway

NR is part of the natural NAD+ recycling system (Salvage Pathway).

The process is clearly defined:

NR → NMN → NAD+

This method is considered particularly efficient because:

• Significantly fewer metabolic steps are required than with classic niacin or nicotinamide

• NR does not cause the flush that many people experience with high doses of niacin

• NR does not inhibit enzymes that can be impaired by too much nicotinamide.

This makes NR a modern and well-tolerated form of vitamin B3.

3. Increase in NAD+ levels

Several controlled human studies have shown that daily intake of NR reliably increases the NAD+ concentration in blood plasma - often within just a few days to weeks.

The magnitude of the increase depends on the dose, duration, and baseline level, but the effect has been consistently demonstrated.

4. Activation of cellular protection and repair mechanisms

Higher NAD+ levels in the body can improve the function of key bodily mechanisms:

- Mitochondrial energy production
NAD+ is essential for energy metabolism. Higher NAD+ levels allow mitochondria to work more efficiently and produce more energy in the form of ATP.

- Sirtuins activity
Sirtuins - a family of NAD+-dependent enzymes, often called longevity enzymes - play a role in DNA repair, metabolic regulation and cellular stress response.

- Reduction of oxidative damage
Oxidative damage is better absorbed and neutralized.

- Cellular repair & renewal
NAD+ is an important cofactor for enzymes that detect and repair DNA damage (e.g. PARPs).

The effect is not a short-term energy boost - but an improvement in fundamental energy production and cell health.

NR is one of the best-researched longevity nutrients. Studies from Harvard, the University of Washington, EPFL Lausanne, and numerous international research teams present a consistent picture:

Increased energy production & mitochondrial health

NR supports the mitochondria – the “powerhouses of the cells” . Studies show, among other things:

• increased NAD+ levels
• improved ATP production
• more efficient energy generation
• optimized mitochondrial function

Many people report experiencing increased energy and clearer focus as a result.

Supporting cognitive function

The brain is one of the most energy-intensive organs. NAD+ plays a central role here.

Studies indicate the following effects:

• Increased cellular energy in the brain
• Protection against oxidative stress
• Support for neuronal regeneration
• Activation of NAD-dependent repair mechanisms

Early research also suggests that NR may contribute to cognitive health in the long term.

Healthy Aging & Metabolism

Sirtuins require NAD+ to be active. Their activity can be enhanced by taking NR.

Potential benefits:

• Supporting a healthy metabolism
• optimized cell repair
• Reduction of metabolic stress
• improved stress resistance of the cells

Cell protection & DNA repair

NAD+ is required for PARP enzyme repair processes. The more NAD+ is available, the better cells can respond to damage.

NR can provide support here:

• Protection against oxidative stress
• DNA stability
• Maintaining cell integrity

Heart, muscle & performance

NAD+ plays a particularly important role in physically active people.

Studies show:

• improved muscle function
• faster recovery
• Higher energy availability under load

The conversion of NR to NAD+ is an energy-efficient process, but it requires so-called methyl groups – small functional groups that the body uses for numerous metabolic reactions. These include, among others:

• DNA methylation (gene regulation)
• Detoxification mechanisms (Phase II detox)
• Neurotransmitter synthesis
• Homocysteine ​​degradation
• Cell membrane structure

When NAD+ metabolism is intensely activated, the need for methyl groups also increases. This is precisely where betaine (also often referred to as TMG/trimethylglycine ) comes into play:
Betaine is a potent methyl group donor that stabilizes the methylation cycle , regulates homocysteine ​​levels , and ensures the availability of methyl groups while the body processes NR to NAD+.

By combining an NAD+ booster (NR) with a methyl group donor such as betaine (TMG), the metabolism is optimally supported - an approach that is increasingly used in modern longevity formulations.

Conclusion: Nicotinamide riboside for more cellular energy and healthy aging

Nicotinamide riboside is now considered one of the most exciting and best-researched nutrients in modern longevity research.

As a stable, highly bioavailable and regulatory approved precursor of NAD+, NR supports those cellular processes that are crucial for energy, regeneration, stress resistance and healthy aging.

By efficiently improving NAD+ metabolism while simultaneously activating key protective and repair mechanisms, NR offers an exciting approach to naturally promoting cell health.

In combination with synergistic nutrients such as betaine (TMG), a sound, holistic concept is created that supports the body on several levels – for more vitality, clear energy and long-term cell function.