I.       Introduction

The search for a longer life and better health has led to much interest in supplements to increase cell energy and slow aging. One notable supplement is nicotinamide riboside (NR), which stands out when compared to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and other similar products like NAD+ and NADH. These substances are often claimed to raise levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is a key component in how cells operate, but their effectiveness can differ a lot. This study will look into whether NR is a more reliable option for supporting longevity. It will also discuss how marketing tactics can obscure the difference between real scientific proof and promotional claims, encouraging consumers to think critically when selecting supplements meant to improve their health and lifespan.

A.    Overview of Nicotinamide Riboside and its role in longevity

The study of nicotinamide riboside (NR) has received a lot of interest in the scientific world, especially because of its potential benefits for living longer. NR is a key part of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and it is important for how cells use energy and manage metabolism, which are essential for good health as people grow older. Studies show that boosting NAD+ levels through NR supplementation might help mitochondria work better and improve cells' ability to handle stress, possibly reducing the decline related to aging. Additionally, NR's effects on genes relate to new ideas about "Nutricures" aimed at preventing diseases tied to aging (Michael S Christodoulou et al., 2014, p. 1804-1820). This highlights the need for careful consideration of marketing claims about supplements like NAD+ and NADH, as they may not be as effective as nicotinamide riboside. In this fast-changing area, a better understanding of how NR works could change how we approach health and longevity.

This bar chart compares the perceived efficacy of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), NAD+, and NADH as longevity supplements. The values represent research-backed effectiveness ratings on a scale of 100, highlighting NR's superior potential for improving mitochondrial function and supporting healthy aging.

II.     Nictonamide Riboside vs. NMN

New studies point out the biological differences between Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), mainly about how well they work in supporting longevity and cell health. Both substances are precursors to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), but research indicates that NR might be better at being absorbed and increasing NAD+ levels in different body tissues. This difference matters since NAD+ is essential for how mitochondria work, which relates to aging and diseases that come with age, such as vascular cognitive impairment seen in cases like carotid artery stenosis (CASO) (Hattori Y et al., 2024, p. 1359330). Furthermore, the emphasis on mitochondrial health as a key factor for healthy aging highlights the need for careful selection of supplements, warning consumers to be wary of broad marketing claims that promote NAD+ and NADH without solid scientific support (Matsukawa S, p. 15-18). Thus, the choice of Nicotinamide Riboside over NMN is based on its possible ability to lead to better health results.

As you can see in the chart above at the same 1gm dose, NR boosts NAD 40% higher than NMN. (Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46120-z)

A.    Mechanisms of action and bioavailability differences

The ways nicotinamide riboside (NR) works and how much of it is available in the body are quite different from other NAD+ precursors like NMN. Both NR and NMN help make NAD+, but NR is more easily used by the body because it can be absorbed directly into cells without needing to change into NMN first. This quick absorption is important for keeping cellular processes healthy and fighting the age-related drop in NAD+ levels. Studies show that NR's better availability leads to stronger effects on gene expression and metabolic pathways tied to longevity, similar to how some plant compounds influence gene activity (Houghton CA, 2017). Furthermore, the different functions of NAD+ and its precursors in managing important enzymes, like sirtuins, highlight the complexity of their actions (Ciarlo E, 2016). Thus, people should consider NR as a more effective supplement for longevity.

III.   The Risks of NAD+ and NADH Supplementation.

As more people want NAD+ and NADH supplements, buyers need to be careful about the possible dangers of these products. Supporters say these supplements can boost energy and help cells work better, but not much research exists about their safety and effectiveness. For example, too much NAD+ might upset the balance of redox states in cells, which could result in oxidative stress or problems with metabolism. Also, using NADH supplements for a long time may increase the chance of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), which is a serious concern for the pharmaceutical industry because of drug withdrawals caused by liver harm (Sch Müller, 2020). Moreover, these supplements are often marketed without strong scientific support, making it hard for consumers to tell the difference between useful products and just marketing tricks (Khorungkul J, 2023). Therefore, people looking to use NAD+ and NADH supplements should be careful and ensure they understand the risks involved.

In brief:

·       Poor Bioavailability: NAD+ and NADH supplements break down in the digestive system, making them ineffective compared to precursors like NR or NMN.

·       Risk of Overdosing: Some brands market extreme dosages, which can disrupt the body’s natural NAD+ balance and cause side effects like fatigue, dizziness and liver stress.

·       Lack of Long-Term Safety Data: No strong human studies support the safety or efficacy of taking direct NAD+ or NADH in high doses.

·       Unregulated Quality: Many supplements lack third-party testing, meaning they could contain inaccurate dosages, impurities or contaminants.

·       Misleading Marketing Claims: Some brands exaggerate bioavailability and effectiveness, making direct NAD+ sound superior when it is actually less effective than well-researched precursors like NR.

·       Potential Cellular Imbalance: Overloading cells with NADH may disrupt the critical NAD+/NADH ratio, which is essential for healthy metabolism.

A.    Potential side effects and imporatance of quality assurance.

As interest in NAD+ boosting supplements grows, consumers should be aware of the differences in safety and regulation among various options. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) stands out as a well-researched and generally safe precursor to NAD+, especially compared to alternatives like NMN and more recently NAD+ or NADH, which may have more uncertainty regarding stability, absorption and long-term effects.

Despite NR’s safety profile, the supplement industry remains loosely regulated, with dietary supplements not subject to the rigorous pre-market evaluation required for pharmaceuticals by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This raises concerns about product purity, potency and labeling accuracy. To ensure quality and effectiveness, consumers should always choose manufacturers that provide independent third-party testing and verifiable proof of content.

Additionally, buyers should be cautious of exaggerated marketing claims, particularly those advertising extreme daily dosages of 1000 – 2000 mg. While higher dosages may seem like better value, they could pose potential health risks. It is essential for consumers to consult their healthcare professional to determine appropriate dosing before incorporating any NAD+ precursor into their regimen.

IV.  Conclusion

In summary, the quest for longer life through NAD+ supplements is growing, but it is important for buyers to be careful. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is seen as a better choice than nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), mainly because it works better in the body and has been shown to increase NAD+ levels more effectively. Many studies, as mentioned in this paper, suggest that methods to boost NAD+ production, especially using NR, could help improve metabolic health and might contribute to a longer lifespan (Henderson et al). However, mixed results about NMN's effectiveness and the complex ways NAD+ is controlled highlight the need for further studies to clarify its potential uses (Lakeland et al., 2023). Therefore, consumers should carefully examine supplement advertising and focus on choices backed by strong scientific evidence to make smart health and longevity choices.

A.    Summary of findings and recommendations for consumers.

In short, the study on nicotinamide riboside (NR) shows that it may offer benefits over other supplements like NMN and those that claim to be NAD+ or NADH. Results indicate that NR is absorbed better by the body and boosts NAD+ levels more effectively, which are important for how cells work and for longevity. Shoppers should be careful in the supplement market, especially with products that make big claims about NAD+ and NADH. It is important to critically assess the science behind these claims, since many supplements do not undergo strict testing and might have health risks. Consumers should choose products with clear labeling and reliable research to ensure their choices are based on sound scientific information instead of marketing strategies. By making informed choices, consumers can more effectively navigate the complicated world of longevity supplements for better health outcomes.

References:

·        Lakeland, Thomas. 2023. "Exploring the Physiological Effects of Altering NAD+ Biosynthesis in NMNAT Transgenic Mice". UNSW, Sydney. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/bitstreams/3525d059-39d8-427c-b298-68d5d722423e/download

·        Henderson, David J. 2025. "The interplay between NAD+, SIRT1 and circadian rhythms in cellular ageing and fibrosis". Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://core.ac.uk/download/483866021.pdf

·        Bogan-Brown K, Nkrumah Y‐Elie, Ishtiaq Y, Redpath P, Shao A. 2021. "Potential Efficacy of Nutrient Supplements for Treatment or Prevention of COVID-19". Journal of Dietary Supplements. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2021.1881686

·        Michael S Christodoulou, Thomas A, Stéphane Poulain, Vidakovi Mć, Lahtela M‐Kakkonen, Matulis D, Philìppe Bertrand, et al.. 2014. "Can we use the epigenetic bioactivity of caloric restriction and phytochemicals to promote healthy ageing?". MedChemComm. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4md00268g

·        Matsukawa S. 2025. "Boosting mitochondrial biogenesis for healthy ageing". Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://www.mgcpqq.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/NutraCos-Healthy-Ageing-May_June-2020.pdf

·        Hattori Y, Minami M, Omae K, Yoshimoto T, Abe S, Yamamoto H, Iida H, et al.. 2024. "REsveratrol for VAscular cognitive impairment investigating cerebral Metabolism and Perfusion (REVAMP trial): A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial". Vide Leaf. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://videleaf.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/REsveratrol-for-VAscular-cognitive-impairment-investigating-cerebral-Metabolism-and-Perfusion-REVAMP-trial-A-Study-Protocol-for-a-Randomized-Double-Blind-P.pdf

·        Houghton CA. 2017. "The Role of Phytochemicals in Modulating Intrinsic Human Cellular Defence Processes". The University of Queensland. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/156879559.pdf

·        Ciarlo E. 2016. "Impact of classical and NAD+-dependent (i.e. sirtuins) histone deacetylases (HDACs) on innate immune responses: lessons from the usage of HDAC inhibitors and sirtuin knockout mice". University of Lausanne. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. http://serval.unil.ch

·        Khorungkul J. 2023. "Development of Alcohol Biosensor with Porphyrin for Alcoholic Beverage". Thammasat University. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. http://ethesisarchive.library.tu.ac.th/thesis/2023/TU_2023_5909300419_17795_27928.pdf

·        Sch Müller. 2020. "A targeted proteomics approach for the investigation of drug-induced liver injury in hepatic organoids using nano liquid chromatography mass spectrometry". University of Oslo. Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. http://www.duo.uio.no/

·        Commission E. Committee S on Food, Europæiske Fødevaresikkerhedsautoritet, Authority EFS. Panel S on Products D, Nutrition and Allergies. 2006. "Tolerable upper intake levels for vitamins and minerals". Last modified 21 Feb, 2025. http://books.google.com/books?id=8nyMNwAACAAJ&dq=Nicotinamide+riboside+supplements+side+effects+regulatory+oversight+NMN+NAD%2B+NADH+consumer+caution&hl=&source=gbs_api