What is Nicotinamide Riboside?
Nicotinamide riboside – or niagen – is an alternative form of vitamin B3, also called niacin. Like other forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside is converted by the human body into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme or “helper molecule.” Here’s what’s important to know about NAD+: It acts as a fuel for many key biological processes such as converting food into energy, repairing damaged DNA, fortifying cells’ defense systems and setting the body’s internal clock or “circadian rhythm.” (x) (xx)
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at topics surrounding nicotinamide riboside, including nicotinamide riboside supplement products (and nicotinamide riboside powder), nicotinamide riboside benefits, nicotinamide riboside side effects and nicotinamide riboside vs. niacin (which we touched on above).
Nicotinamide Riboside Benefits
Because most research on nicotinamide riboside and NAD+ is sourced from animal studies, it has become something of a challenge to find clear-cut conclusions about its effectiveness in humans; however, there are some potential health benefits that we can definitely discuss.
- It’s Easily Converted Into NAD+ – Research shows that NAD+ levels continue to fall with age, but one way to raise these levels is to consume NAD+ precursors (the building blocks of DNA) such as nicotinamide riboside. Animal studies show that it raises blood NAD+ levels by up 2.7 times; further, it is more readily used by the human body than other NAD+ precursors. (x)
- It Activates Enzymes That May Promote Healthy Aging – Nicotinamide riboside helps increase NAD+ levels in the body, and in response, NAD+ activates certain enzymes that may promote healthy aging. One group is sirtuins, which appear to improve lifespan and overall health in animals. Studies indicate that sirtuins may repair damaged DNA, boost stress resistance, reduce inflammation and offer other benefits that promote healthy aging (x) (xx) (xxx). Another group is Poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerases (PARPs), which repair damaged DNA; studies link higher PARP activity to less DNA damage and a longer lifespan (x) (xx).
- It May Help Protect Brain Cells – Within brain cells, NAD+ helps control the production of PGC-1-alpha, a protein that appears to help protect cells against oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function (x). Researchers believe both oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial function are linked to age-related brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (x) (xx) (xxx). Still, we must mention that it’s still not clear how helpful it is to raise NAD+ levels in people with age-related brain disorders, and that more human studies need to be conducted.
Other potential benefits include:
- May lower heart disease risk
- May aid in weight-loss
- May lower cancer risk
- May help treat jet-lag
- May promote healthy muscle aging
Nicotinamide Riboside Side Effects
Nicotinamide riboside is likely safe with few, if any, side effects. In human studies, taking 1000 to 2000 milligrams per day had no harmful effects (according to this research). However, most human studies are notoriously short in duration and have very few participants; when it comes to the question, “Is nicotinamide riboside safe?” it is Bulk Supplements’ opinion that for a more accurate idea of it’s safety, additional robust human studies are needed.
Some people have reported mild-to-moderate side effects including nausea, fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and indigestion (x). Unlike vitamin B3 (niacin) supplements, it should not cause facial flushing (x).
Nicotinamide Riboside vs. Niacin
A lot of people associate vitamin B3 with niacin, but nicotinic acid isn’t actually the form natural vitamin B takes within the human body. Whether it’s under the guise of niacin, nicotinamide or nicotinamide amide, our bodies inevitably convert the vitamin B we consume in supplements (we’ll get to this in a bit) into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). The way that our bodies convert dietary vitamin B into NAD makes all the difference here.
Okay, so let’s recap some elements that we touched on in various areas; nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, is an amide of nicotinic acid, which is commonly referred to as niacin. Nicotinamide riboside, on the other hand – and, more to the point of this section of the article, to address the nicotinamide riboside vs. niacin query – is a chemically-altered form of nicotinamide that boasts unique attributes. NR has limited applications, however, so most vitamin B3 supplements contain either nicotinamide or niacin.
In summary:
- Niacin is an oxidated form of nicotine that the body can convert into NAD
- Nicotinamide is an amide of niacin that is more similar to NAD and boasts fewer side effects
- Nicotinamide riboside is a synthetic form of nicotinamide that exhibits different characteristics
Nicotinamide Riboside Supplement Products
Nicotinamide riboside, in supplemental form, is commonly made available in a tablet or capsule and is usually sold as niagen. Niagen supplements typically contain just nicotinamide riboside, but some manufacturers combine it with other ingredients like Pterostilbene, which is a polyphenol – an antioxidant that is chemically similar to resveratrol (x).
Nicotinamide riboside powder, also known as NR and SRT647, is a pyridine-nucleoside form of vitamin B3 that functions as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (or the aforementioned NAD+).
Most supplements of this type are recommended in 250 to 300 milligram doses per day, the equivalent of one to two capsules daily depending on the brand.
Where to Buy Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
You can purchase niacinamide at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying niacinamide? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Information about the product we offer and correct dosages can be found here.
Bottom Line
Nicotinamide riboside – or niagen – is an alternative form of vitamin B3, also called niacin. Like other forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide riboside is converted by the human body into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme or “helper molecule.” Here’s what’s important to know about NAD+: It acts as a fuel for many key biological processes such as converting food into energy, repairing damaged DNA, fortifying cells’ defense systems and setting the body’s internal clock or “circadian rhythm.”
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.