Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a precursor to NAD+, a vital coenzyme for cellular energy and repair that declines with age. Supplementing with NR effectively increases NAD+ levels in humans. The central hypothesis is that restoring NAD+ can counteract age-related cellular dysfunction by improving mitochondrial function and enhancing DNA repair, thereby promoting healthspan.
Verdict
Promising mechanism, but tangible healthspan benefits in humans are not yet proven.
HEALTHSPAN IMPACT
Experimental
RISK LEVEL
Low
EVIDENCE GRADE
B
MONTHLY COST
$30 - $100
Protocol
- Typical daily doses range from 300 mg to 1000 mg, taken orally.
Flags
- Some preclinical data suggests high NAD+ levels could potentially promote growth of existing cancers.
- Long-term effects of chronic NAD+ elevation in healthy humans are unknown.