Clinical Overview
Nicotinamide riboside as NAD+ precursor therapy
Niagen NR represents a clinically researched approach to addressing age-related NAD+ depletion and supporting cellular bioenergetics in your patients.
Key Clinical Considerations:
- Evidence-based NAD+ precursor with 35+ published clinical studies
- Superior bioavailability compared to alternative precursors
- Established safety profile across diverse patient populations
- Regulatory recognition including FDA GRAS status
NAD+
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) functions as an essential coenzyme in cellular energy bioenergetics, facilitating the conversion of nutrients to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation. NAD+ availability directly impacts cellular energy capacity and metabolic efficiency.
Metabolic Pathway Regulation
NAD+ serves as a critical coenzyme in:
- Glycolysis
- Krebs cycle
- Fatty acid β-oxidation
- Electron transport chain function (as NADH)
Cellular Maintenance Systems
NAD+ activates sirtuin proteins (SIRT1-7), which regulate:
- DNA repair mechanisms
- Autophagy and cellular quality control
- Circadian rhythm maintenance
- Inflammatory response modulation
- Stress response pathways
Pathophysiology of NAD+ Decline
Clinical evidence demonstrates progressive NAD+ depletion with advancing age, attributed to:
Primary Mechanisms:
- Decreased de novo NAD+ biosynthesis capacity
- Increased NAD+ consumption by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs)
- Elevated CD38 NAD+ glycohydrolase activity
- Chronic inflammatory burden (inflammaging)
Research demonstrates NAD+ decline results from three interconnected mechanisms:
- Decreased cellular NAD+ synthesis
- Increased cellular NAD+ consumption
- Consistent exposure to metabolic stressors
Demands
High-energy demand tissues demonstrate the most significant clinical manifestations:
- Neurological: Cognitive performance, neurodegeneration risk
- Heart Health: Endothelial integrity, metabolic flexibility
- Musculoskeletal: Muscle performance, exercise capacity
Pharmacokinetic Advantages
Unlike direct NAD+ supplementation, nicotinamide riboside (NR) demonstrates:
- Efficient cellular uptake via equilibrative nucleoside transporters
- Streamlined conversion to NAD+ through the salvage pathway
- Bypasses rate-limiting enzymatic steps of alternative precursors
- Superior bioavailability
Mechanism of Action
NR utilizes nicotinamide riboside kinases (NRK1/NRK2) for efficient intracellular conversion:
NR → NMN → NAD+
This pathway offers therapeutic advantages over:
- Oral NMN: Requires conversion to NR for cellular uptake
- Direct NAD+: Poor cellular permeability, degradation issues
Nicotinamide riboside: A scientifically researched NAD+ precursor
The Niagen Discovery
In 2004, Dr. Charles Brenner’s research identified nicotinamide riboside as an effective precursor to NAD+, revealing new pathways for cellular NAD+ biosynthesis. His groundbreaking findings showed that this naturally occurring compound effectively crosses cellular membranes and converts to bioavailable NAD+, offering advantages over direct NAD+ supplementation.
“...The ability of [Niagen] NR to restore balance in the face of metabolic stress continues to amaze me."
Charles Brenner, Ph.D., Niagen Bioscience’s Chief Scientific Advisor | Alfred E Mann Family Foundation Chair in Diabetes and Cancer Metabolism at City of Hope
The scientist who discovered nicotinamide riboside's utility as a micronutrient
Backed by 25 years of research & innovation
We've led the way in healthy aging science, pioneering discoveries in NAD+ with Niagen®.
Regulatory recognition and third-party testing confirms safety and quality
Niagen® has received approval from leading regulatory agencies worldwide, such as Brazil's ANVISA, the European Commission, Australia's TGA, and Health Canada as a Natural Health Product. Niagen is the only NR product that has been notified to the FDA as GRAS and a New Dietary Ingredient.
Clinical research provides the scientific foundation
More than 40+ clinical studies support Niagen®'s safety and efficacy, with over 65% of registered nicotinamide riboside trials utilizing this patented ingredient. These peer-reviewed, published studies form the evidence base supporting every Tru Niagen capsule.
Award-winning, clinically proven NAD+ boosters
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