For people with demanding careers and daily lives, it’s not uncommon to have a wellness routine that includes an NAD+ supplement. NAD+ (otherwise known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme in cells that helps transform food into energy, promotes cellular health, and even helps repair DNA. NAD+ levels are thought to decline with age, so some people take it in supplement form to ensure they maintain steady levels.
There’s also a category of supplement called NAD+ precursors, which still ultimately help the body produce NAD+, but via a different mechanism. Tru Niagen falls into this group. We wanted to learn more about this buzzworthy supplement, so we asked a member of our testing team to give it a try and report back. Here’s what we found out.
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Our team of expert testers has tried hundreds of the most popular supplements on the market today, using our comprehensive supplement testing methodology to find the best products for all folks.
Our Overall Score
After trying the product, our tester rated Tru Niagen an overall 4.5 out of 5.
Tru Niagen 1000 mg
| Fortune score | 4.5/5 |
at Tru Niagen
- What We Like: Our tester loved that the company seems very transparent on their website, listing clinical trials that show product safety and effectiveness.
- Who It’s For: Those with a NAD+ deficiency, older adults, or people who’ve consulted with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s a good fit
- What Makes It Different: The company’s key ingredient, Niagen, a patented version of nicotinamide riboside (which helps with NAD+ production)
Pros
- Easy to swallow
- Clear instructions
- Third-party tested
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Some reviewers report no noticeable effect
Tru Niagen Specs
Our Experience with Tru Niagen
Tru Niagen is a supplement developed by Niagen Bioscience that’s designed to increase NAD+ by up to 150 percent, according to the company. Through its Niagen Research Program, the company works with third-party labs to conduct clinical and preclinical research to help develop its NAD+ booster. Every batch of Tru Niagen is third-party tested, undergoing 19 tests to ensure it complies with label claims, including potency and shelf life.
The 1,000-milligram serving “helps support whole-body cellular energy to optimize daily vitality and healthy aging”—with Niagen, the company’s patented form of nicotinamide riboside (a precursor to NAD+) as the key ingredient. You only need to take one capsule daily, making it easy to incorporate into anyone’s busy work schedule.
Two members of our team, Bella and Mindy, tested this product. Mindy is a registered dietitian. Here’s more about their experience with Tru Niagen.
What We Liked
Our testers reported an overall positive experience, giving the highest rating possible in three key categories.
- Instructions (5 out of 5): “The instructions are brief and clear,” said Bella, noting that the instructions were to take the prescribed serving size one to three times per day or as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Swallowability (5 out of 5): Bella said the capsules were “very standard” in size and “easy to swallow.” She also explained that she typically has difficulty swallowing pills so takes them with food, which she also did with this supplement, and “it was as easy as any other supplement I take with food.”
- Taste (5 out of 5): “The pill does not have any taste,” said Bella, adding that there was also “no weird aftertaste.”
- Third-Party Testing (5 out of 5): Mindy was impressed with the third-party testing and research Tru Niagen put into this product. “As an RD, I appreciate that this brand is third-party tested,” she said. “Typically, I am skeptical of claims such as ‘Increases NAD+ levels up to 150% in three weeks.’ In this case the company appears to be very transparent on their website about the clinical trials they are referencing for safety and effectiveness, I was able to review the most recent of these and it appears that they concluded that supplementing with 1,000 mg of Niagen daily did result in significantly higher NAD+ concentrations in peripheral blood cells and in the brain, more research is needed to determine how this is being taken up and used by other tissue (like muscle).”
Bella noted one other benefit as well, which was that the supplement container was travel friendly.
What We Would Change
While Bella gave Tru Niagen an overall positive review, she noted one drawback.
- Value (1 out of 5): With a cost-per-serving of $3.87, Bella found the overall value could have been better. However, the company sometimes offers promotions that lower the price of a one-time purchase (which is the price we used to calculate per-serving cost) by 20 percent, and the subscribe-and-save option comes with a 30 percent discount.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Niagen is a patented form of nicotinamide riboside, and it’s considered a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide—commonly known as NAD+. NAD+, in turn—which is found in all living cells—is vital for energy production, metabolism, and DNA repair. So, it’s important. But supplementation isn’t necessarily a good idea for everyone. Here’s who may want to consider (or avoid it), but we always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to determine whether a supplement is a good fit for you.
People with a NAD+ deficiency
If you’re actually deficient in NAD+, you might benefit from taking a supplement with Niagen as it’s designed to help the body produce NAD+.
Older adults
Research shows that NAD+ levels tend to decrease with age, meaning older adults are more likely to have a deficiency than younger adults.
As for who should avoid taking Tru Niagen:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
- Those with cancer or a history of cancer, as research shows vitamin B3 derivatives (like Niagen) may help cancer cells survive and resist treatment.
- Children
Comparing Tru Niagen to NAD and NMN Supplements
Why Longevity Matters to Professionals
Mental sharpness, energy levels, focus, and resilience are all pieces of the longevity puzzle, and they’re important for adults looking to maximize performance in and out of the office. For some people a Niagen supplement may help with these things, as this ingredient can help promote health on a cellular level. It’s ideal for people who want to optimize performance, though we always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider first.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
After reviewing a variety of NAD+ and NMN supplements, our team was impressed with the research Tru Niagen puts into its product. The concentrated dose may help increase NAD+ levels up to 150 percent, making this product appealing to those in need of such a boost. We also appreciate the small, travel-friendly container, which is convenient for those with packed calendars.
Frequently asked questions
What are the side effects of Tru Niagen?
The company website reports that in clinical studies participants reported minimal to no side effects when taking the recommended dosage, though, “Some individuals may experience mild and temporary effects that typically resolve quickly.” The company also suggests—just as we do—consulting with your healthcare provider before starting Tru Niagen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications or other supplements.
Is Tru Niagen better than NAD+?
An explanation included on the website says, “Direct NAD+ can’t enter your cells on its own, because the molecule is too large for the body to absorb intact, so it has to be broken down first. NR, the form in Tru Niagen, crosses into cells directly.” However, keep in mind that’s coming from the company, not a neutral third party. We recommend speaking with a healthcare provider to determine whether Tru Niagen would be a better fit for you than a NAD+ supplement, as everyone has different health needs and goals.
Is Niagen just B3?
It’s not exactly the same as basic vitamin B3, as the two have different chemical structures, though they are in the same general B3 family. They both ultimately get converted to NAD+, they just do so via different pathways.
