Nicotinamide Riboside peptide profile image
Nicotinamide Riboside peptide profile image
Approved⏳Longevity

Nicotinamide Riboside

Also known as: NR, Niagen, Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride

MW

255.25 Da

Formula

C11H15N2O5

Routes

3 routes

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to NAD+. Once absorbed, NR is phosphorylated to NMN by NRK1/2 kinases inside cells, and then converted to NAD+ by NMNAT enzymes. NR was the first NAD+ precursor to receive FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status and has been extensively studied in human clinical trials. NR is taken orally as capsules (typically 300-1000 mg/day). It has good oral bioavailability and efficiently raises NAD+ levels. The commercial form Niagen is the most widely available NR supplement. NR is not a peptide but is commonly used in longevity and anti-aging protocols alongside peptide therapies.

Research Use Only— For educational and research purposes only
Last updated:

Research Applications

Aging and Longevity

  • Clinically proven to increase blood NAD+ levels by 40-90% at standard doses
  • Supports sirtuin activation and mitochondrial function — key aging pathways
  • FDA GRAS status confirms a strong safety profile for long-term supplementation

Metabolic Health

  • Improves mitochondrial function and cellular energy production
  • Supports insulin sensitivity and healthy glucose metabolism
  • Reduces inflammation markers associated with metabolic syndrome

Neurological Health

  • Supports brain NAD+ levels and neuronal energy metabolism
  • Preclinical evidence of neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s models
  • May support cognitive function preservation during aging

Cardiovascular Health

  • Improves endothelial function and vascular health
  • Reduces blood pressure in pre-hypertensive adults (clinical trial data)
  • Supports arterial flexibility and cardiac energy metabolism

Liver Health

  • Preclinical and early clinical data show hepatoprotective effects
  • Supports liver NAD+ levels and fatty acid oxidation
  • May benefit non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management

Mechanism of Action

NR enters cells directly via equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs). Inside the cell, NR is phosphorylated by NR kinase 1 and 2 (NRK1/2) to form NMN. NMN is then converted to NAD+ by nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT). This two-step conversion is part of the NAD+ salvage pathway. NR has the advantage of direct cellular uptake without requiring extracellular conversion, making it an efficient NAD+ precursor.

Dosage Information

Typical dosage ranges for research applications. Always verify with current literature.
Typical Dose
500 mg
Dose Range
300 - 1,000 mg
Frequency
Once or twice daily with food

Reconstitution Notes

Available as capsules (Niagen is the most common commercial form). Take with food for better absorption.

Typical Dose
250 mg
Dose Range
100 - 500 mg
Frequency
Place under tongue 1-2 times daily. Hold for 60-90 seconds before swallowing. Morning dosing recommended. Can split into AM and midday doses.

Reconstitution Notes

Available as sublingual tablets or dissolving strips. Partial direct absorption through sublingual mucosa bypasses digestive degradation. NR is converted to NMN by NRK1/2 kinases, then to NAD+. Sublingual route may provide slightly faster onset than capsules. Minimal clinical data comparing sublingual vs oral NR bioavailability directly — oral capsules remain better validated.

Typical Dose
300 mg
Dose Range
250 - 500 mg
Frequency
Once daily with food. Consistent daily intake needed for cumulative NAD+ elevation. Benefits accumulate over 2-4 weeks of regular use.

Reconstitution Notes

NR enclosed in phospholipid bilayer vesicles (liposomes) that shield the molecule from stomach acid and enzymatic breakdown. Enhances intestinal absorption and potentially improves cellular uptake. Expected bioavailability improvement of 2-3x over standard capsules based on liposomal enhancement data with similar compounds. NR (Niagen) is FDA GRAS-approved. Higher cost than standard capsules but may allow lower doses for equivalent NAD+ elevation.

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Calculation Results

Concentration
2.5 mg/ml
Dose Volume
0.1 ml0.100 ml
Insulin Syringe
10 units
Doses per Vial
2020 doses @ 250 mcg

Syringe Fill Level (100u syringe)

05010010.0uunits
0u10.0 / 100 units (10%)100u

Protocols

NAD+ Restoration Protocol
Beginner⏳Anti-AgingOngoing — NAD+ levels return to baseline within 2-4 weeks after discontinuation. Most users supplement continuously as part of a longevity regimen.

Protocol for restoring cellular NAD+ levels using one of three interchangeable approaches: direct NAD+ administration, NMN supplementation, or Nicotinamide Riboside (NR). Choose ONE approach based on your budget, preferred route, and goals. NAD+, NMN, and NR all raise NAD+ levels — they are alternatives, not a stack. NAD+ levels decline ~50% between ages 40-60, contributing to aging, cognitive decline, and metabolic dysfunction. Restoring NAD+ supports DNA repair, mitochondrial function, sirtuin activation, and cellular energy production.

Dosage
Option A (NMN oral — most popular): 250-500 mg daily in the morning. Option B (NR oral — best researched): 250-500 mg daily with food. Option C (NAD+ injection — most potent): 50-100 mg subcutaneous 1-2x/week. Option D (NAD+ IV — clinical setting): 250-500 mg infusion 1x/week.
Frequency
Daily for oral supplements (NMN/NR), 1-3x per week for injections (NAD+)
Cycle
No cycling required for oral NMN/NR. For NAD+ injections: some practitioners recommend 4 weeks on, 1 week off. Loading phase option: higher doses for 7-10 days initially, then maintenance.
Stacking Notes
Recommended additions: Resveratrol (500-1000 mg) — activates sirtuins that depend on NAD+. TMG / Trimethylglycine (500-1000 mg) — replenishes methyl donors depleted by NAD+ metabolism. Do NOT combine multiple NAD+ precursors (e.g. NMN + NR) — choose one. Can be combined with other longevity peptides (Epithalon, MOTS-c) in broader anti-aging protocols.

Warning: Consult a physician before starting, especially with cancer history (NAD+ may theoretically support cancer cell proliferation). Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding. NAD+ IV infusion may cause temporary flushing, nausea, or headache — slow infusion rate helps. Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance.

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Stability & Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. NR is sensitive to moisture and should be kept sealed. Refrigeration extends shelf life. Niagen (commercial NR) has a 2-year shelf life when stored properly.

Side Effects & Precautions

Generally well tolerated up to 2000 mg/day in clinical trials. Mild side effects may include nausea, fatigue, headache, and digestive discomfort. No serious adverse effects reported.

Research Use Only. This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not intended for medical advice or self-medication.

Regulatory Status

Approved

NR has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. Sold as a dietary supplement worldwide under brand names including Niagen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to NAD+. Once absorbed, NR is phosphorylated to NMN by NRK1/2 kinases inside cells, and then converted to NAD+ by NMNAT enzymes. NR was the first NAD+ precursor to receive FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status and has been extensively studied in human clinical trials. NR is taken orally as capsules (typically 300-1000 mg/day). It has good oral bioavailability and efficiently raises NAD+ levels. The commercial form Niagen is the most widely available NR supplement. NR is not a peptide but is commonly used in longevity and anti-aging protocols alongside peptide therapies.

NR enters cells directly via equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs). Inside the cell, NR is phosphorylated by NR kinase 1 and 2 (NRK1/2) to form NMN. NMN is then converted to NAD+ by nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT). This two-step conversion is part of the NAD+ salvage pathway. NR has the advantage of direct cellular uptake without requiring extracellular conversion, making it an efficient NAD+ precursor.

Aging and Longevity • Clinically proven to increase blood NAD+ levels by 40-90% at standard doses • Supports sirtuin activation and mitochondrial function — key aging pathways • FDA GRAS status confirms a strong safety profile for long-term supplementation Metabolic Health • Improves mitochondrial function and cellular energy production • Supports insulin sensitivity and healthy glucose metabolism • Reduces inflammation markers associated with metabolic syndrome Neurological Health • Supports brain NAD+ levels and neuronal energy metabolism • Preclinical evidence of neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s models • May support cognitive function preservation during aging Cardiovascular Health • Improves endothelial function and vascular health • Reduces blood pressure in pre-hypertensive adults (clinical trial data) • Supports arterial flexibility and cardiac energy metabolism Liver Health • Preclinical and early clinical data show hepatoprotective effects • Supports liver NAD+ levels and fatty acid oxidation • May benefit non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management

Generally well tolerated up to 2000 mg/day in clinical trials. Mild side effects may include nausea, fatigue, headache, and digestive discomfort. No serious adverse effects reported.

Store in a cool, dry place. NR is sensitive to moisture and should be kept sealed. Refrigeration extends shelf life. Niagen (commercial NR) has a 2-year shelf life when stored properly.

NR has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. Sold as a dietary supplement worldwide under brand names including Niagen.

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