There are many ways in which NR supplementation may improve health. But how well does it really work? Let’s explore in more detail.
Many of NR’s potential benefits are based on the theory that it can increase NAD+ levels in the body. A 2024 study published in Magnetic Resonance in Medicine explored this theory.
● Ten healthy volunteers took part in the study.
● Participants received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans twice: after fasting overnight and four hours after taking 900 mg of NR.
● They also had two further scans without taking NR.
● There was a consistent increase in NAD+ concentration after NR supplementation in all participants, which ranged from 7% to 40%.
● On average, cerebral NAD+ levels were 16% higher after NR supplementation.
● The scans without NR showed no significant changes in NAD+ levels.
This study suggests NR effectively raises levels of NAD+ in the brain. However, the small study size means further research is needed to confirm this.
A 2019 study published in Cell Reports explored the use of NR supplements for older adults. Subjects included 12 men aged 70–80 who were marginally overweight but otherwise healthy.
They received 1 g per day of NR for 21 days, and the study was placebo-controlled. Researchers found that the protocol:
● Boosted levels and activity of all molecules related to NAD+
● Did not change how mitochondria in skeletal muscle produced and used energy
● Reduced proinflammatory molecules in the blood
This suggests that by improving NAD+ availability in the body, NR may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and decrease inflammation, improving health. However, this sample size was very small, so further research is needed to prove this theory.
