Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD<sup>+</sup> in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
Martens CR, Denman BA, Mazzo MR, Armstrong ML, Reisdorph N, McQueen MBet al.
Nature Communications · 2018; 9(1):1286
This study evaluates Nicotinamide riboside (NR) 500 mg twice daily (1000 mg total per day) for 6 weeks versus matching placebo in a crossover design in relation to Safety, tolerability, and blood NAD+ levels.
Evidence-Based Research: Nad Precursors Aging Biorxiv
Key facts at a glance
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41467-018-03421-7
- PMID
- 29599478
- PMC
- PMC5876407
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Year
- 2018
- Volume
- 9
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 1286
- Study type
- rct
- Evidence level
- Ib
- Sample size
- 24
- Intervention
- Nicotinamide riboside (NR) 500 mg twice daily (1000 mg total per day) for 6 weeks versus matching placebo in a crossover design
- Primary outcome
- Safety, tolerability, and blood NAD+ levels
- Follow-up
- 6 weeks per treatment period
- Funding
- government
- Effect size
- Blood NAD+ increased ~60% (p<0.001); systolic blood pressure reduced ~10 mmHg in elevated-BP subgroup
- Registration
- NCT02303483
- Open access
- true
Study Overview
This study examined the effects of Nicotinamide riboside (NR) 500 mg twice daily (1000 mg total per day) for 6 weeks versus matching placebo in a crossover design on Safety, tolerability, and blood NAD+ levels.
Key Findings
The results suggest the intervention has potential clinical benefits.
Clinical Conclusions
See original publication.
Abstract
"This randomized controlled trial enrolled 24 participants, investigating the effects of Nicotinamide riboside (NR) 500 mg twice daily (1000 mg total per day) for 6 weeks versus matching placebo in a crossover design on Safety, tolerability, and blood NAD+ levels.
Funding & conflicts of interest
Funding: government
COI: Some authors received research support, materials, or consulting fees from ChromaDex; related patents disclosed
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy