Science of NAD
How are your NAD levels today?
Shelly Albaum
Editor, Science of NAD
Important Disclosures
1. This is my personal website
All opinions are my own. Nobody writes here but me.
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2. Supplements Are Not Medicines
Health Supplements like nicotinamide riboside are not intended to cure or treat any disease, condition, or illness.
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3. No Medical Advice
I am a lawyer and a journalist, not a doctor, and I offer no medical advice. But I do follow the science, and I can bring to your attention
some interesting studies. You can read more about me here. And check with your physician -- your physician can look at this research, too.
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4. Commercial Affiliations
I am a ChromaDex shareholder, and a marketing affiliate for Amazon and Rakuten. As a result, I will sometimes mention or recommend products that I endorse, like Tru Niagen, which I take every day. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases if you were referred directly from this site and completed a purchase. [Thank you!] You can read more about our advertising, privacy, and data collection policies here.
Can Niacin Boost NAD Levels?
Niacin is the first form of Vitamin B3. It works sometimes, but not always, and there are issues...
PROs: Niacin is inexpensive, easily available, good in some cell types
CONs: Niacin causes uncomfortable flushing, is toxic at higher doses, and cannot do much for some cell types, like neurons, or for some situations, like coronavirus infection.
Although Niacin may be the least expensive and most easily available of the NAD precursors, it might do the least for you. First, you may already be getting moderate amounts in your diet anyway. Second, you can't take large amounts without risking multiple types of toxicity. Third, it may not be available at the times and places when you need it most, like your brain and during a viral infection.