How Much Nicotinamide Riboside Should I Take?

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 that has gained significant attention for its potential to boost cellular health and support longevity. As a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme in various metabolic processes, NR supplementation is increasingly popular.

This article explores the appropriate dosage of NR, its benefits, and safety considerations.

Understanding Nicotinamide Riboside

Nicotinamide Riboside is converted into NAD+ in the body, which plays a vital role in energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular resilience. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to decreased cellular function and increased susceptibility to age-related diseases.¹ Supplementing with NR can help replenish NAD+ levels, potentially improving overall health and longevity.

Factors Affecting NR Dosage

• Health Goals: Are you looking for general wellness support, targeting specific conditions like metabolic issues, or enhancing athletic performance? Different goals may require different dosages.
• Age: Younger individuals might require lower doses compared to those with naturally declining NAD+ levels due to aging.
• Overall Health: Underlying health conditions may necessitate consulting a doctor before taking NR and determining an appropriate dosage.
• Supplement Form: NR supplements come in various forms (capsules, powder) with different potencies. Always follow the recommended dosage based on the concentration of NR per serving.

Recommended Dosage of NR

Determining the optimal dosage of NR can vary based on individual health goals, age, and existing medical conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Standard Dosage: Most clinical studies on NR have used doses ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg per day. This dosage is generally considered safe and effective for boosting NAD+ levels.²
• Higher Dosages: Some studies have explored higher doses, up to 1,000 mg per day, without significant adverse effects. However, higher doses should be approached with caution and ideally under medical supervision.³

NR - Health Benefits

1. Enhanced Cellular Energy Production

By increasing NAD+ levels, NR supports mitochondrial function, enhancing cellular energy production. This can lead to improved physical performance and reduced fatigue.⁴

2. Improved Cognitive Function

NR supplementation has been linked to neuroprotection and improved cognitive function. NAD+ plays a crucial role in brain health by supporting neuronal survival and reducing oxidative stress.^5-6

1. Metabolic Health

NR can improve metabolic health by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing the risk of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. This is achieved through the regulation of key metabolic pathways.7

Safety and Potential Side Effects

Nicotinamide Riboside is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, particularly at higher doses:

• Digestive Issues: Some users report mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or bloating, especially when starting supplementation.
• Flushing: Although less common than with other forms of vitamin B3, some individuals might experience flushing or redness of the skin.

Final Words

Nicotinamide Riboside offers promising health benefits, particularly for boosting NAD+ levels and supporting cellular health. While a standard dosage of 250 mg to 500 mg per day is typically effective and safe, individual needs may vary.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health needs.

References:

1. Imai, S. I., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in Cell Biology, 24(8), 464-471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2014.04.002.
2. Trammell, S. A., Schmidt, M. S., Weidemann, B. J., Redpath, P., Jaksch, F., Dellinger, R. W., ... & Brenner, C. (2016). Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans. Nature Communications, 7(1), 12948. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms12948.
3. Martens, C. R., Denman, B. A., Mazzo, M. R., Armstrong, M. L., Reisdorph, N., McQueen, M. B., ... & Seals, D. R. (2018). Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7.Nature Communications, 9(1), 1286. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7.
4. Verdin, E. (2015). NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science, 350(6265), 1208-1213. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aac4854.
5. Huang, R., Tian, S., & Chen, Y. (2013). Nicotinamide riboside: The current state of research and therapeutic uses in human disorders. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(9), 17733-17745. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms140917733.
6. Gomes, A. P., Price, N. L., Ling, A. J., Moslehi, J. J., Montgomery, M. K., Rajman, L., ... & Sinclair, D. A. (2013). Declining NAD+ induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging. Cell, 155(7), 1624-1638. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.037.
7. Canto, C., Houtkooper, R. H., Pirinen, E., Youn, D. Y., Oosterveer, M. H., Cen, Y., ... & Auwerx, J. (2012). The NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside enhances oxidative metabolism and protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity. Cell Metabolism, 15(6), 838-847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2012.04.022.