Nicotinamide Riboside vs. NAD

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 that's been extensively studied for its ability to support nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide production (NAD+) in the body [1]. NR is a precursor to NAD, which means the body converts it into NAD+ through a natural process called the nicotinamide riboside kinase pathway (NRK pathway, for short).

NAD+ is important because it's essentially what our cells need to produce energy, repair damage, and keep this whole system running smoothly. Higher NAD+ levels are associated with improved energy levels, enhanced workout recovery, and a healthier aging process [2].

If you're wondering whether you should pick up an NR or the more direct NAD supplement, you might be surprised to learn that NR tends to be the more favorable option. There are a few reasons for this:

• NR is proven to raise NAD+ levels in humans

• NR is easier to absorb and convert inside your cells

• Finally, NR is backed by clinical trials for metabolism, aging, energy, and recovery.

The Benefits of NR and NAD⁺ and Where They Work in the Body

People mainly take NR supplements and other NAD precursors to refill the supply of NAD+ in the body, which naturally declines with age, stress, and poor lifestyle habits.

So, why not take NAD+ directly?

While it might seem easier to take NAD+ directly, most forms of oral NAD+ are found to be poorly absorbed in the digestive system. The problem is that the NAD+ molecule is large and unstable, making it challenging for your cells to uptake.

To get around this problem, newer formulations like liposomal NAD+ aim to improve absorption by protecting the molecule in a lipid layer, protecting the molecule through the digestive tract.

Early research and small studies suggest that certain NAD+ supplementations, like IV infusion, may increase NAD levels in the blood [3]. Still, NAD+ isn't as well-studied or consistently effective as nicotinamide riboside or nicotinamide mononucleotide (another NAD-supporting compound).

So, until more human trials confirm the NAD supplement's long-term benefits, NR remains the more reliable option for most people.

NR and NAD+ Differences

NAD+ is a molecule our body needs to maintain metabolism and cellular function, whereas NR belongs to the vitamin B3 family and is primarily used to boost NAD levels. NR can be found in certain foods — but in very trace quantities — so taking NR is an efficient way to get more of it in your diet.

Our bodies convert NR into NAD+, essentially the final form of our cells' needs for various processes.

You can find oral NR supplementation in different forms, like powders, capsules, and droppers, making it an accessible option for boosting NAD+ levels.

Because the research on oral NAD+ isn't as extensive, it's not as widely available, but there are some out there. If you go the NAD+ route, look for formulations that use liposomal technology, which may enhance the absorbability and stability of the compound.

Can You Use Nicotinamide Riboside and NAD+ Supplements Together?

You can use NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) together, as both compounds seem well-tolerated. That being said, taking both an NR and NAD might not be necessary.

What Happens When You Take NAD+ and NR Together?

NR is a precursor to NAD+ — it enters your cells quickly and converts into NAD+ through your body’s natural processes. NAD+ pills contain NAD+ in its final form, but they have limited absorption when taken orally (unless they’re liposomal or injected via IV therapy).

Taking both could deliver a broader approach — one supplies the raw material (NR), and the other gives your body NAD+ more directly (if it can absorb it).

Is it Worth Combining NR and NAD?

You can stack the two supplements, especially if you’re:

• Using a liposomal NAD+ product that’s better absorbed

• Looking for advanced support during periods of stress, aging, or recovery

• Curious to see how your body responds to both

But for most people, taking a high-quality NR is enough to raise NAD+ levels consistently — and it’s the more research-backed option for long-term support.

Resources:

1. Iqbal, T., & Nakagawa, T. (2024). The therapeutic perspective of NAD+ precursors in age-related diseases. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 702, 149590.

2. Poljsak, B., Kovač, V., & Milisav, I. (2020). Healthy lifestyle recommendations: do the beneficial effects originate from NAD+ amount at the cellular level?. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity, 2020(1), 8819627.

3. Grant, R., Berg, J., Mestayer, R., Braidy, N., Bennett, J., Broom, S., & Watson, J. (2019). A pilot study investigating changes in the human plasma and urine NAD+ metabolome during a 6 hour intravenous infusion of NAD+. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 11, 257.

4. Zhao, Y., Zhang, J., Zheng, Y., Zhang, Y., Zhang, X. J., Wang, H., ... & Fu, J. (2021). NAD+ improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation by ameliorating mitochondrial damage and decreasing ROS production in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion models through Sirt1/PGC-1α pathway. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 18, 1-16.

5. Hamilton, C. A., Brosnan, M. J., Al-Benna, S., Berg, G., & Dominiczak, A. F. (2002). NAD (P) H oxidase inhibition improves endothelial function in rat and human blood vessels. Hypertension, 40(5), 755-762.

6. White, A. T., & Schenk, S. (2012). NAD+/NADH and skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations to exercise. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 303(3), E308-E321.

7. Ruszkiewicz, J. A., Bürkle, A., & Mangerich, A. (2022). Fueling genome maintenance: On the versatile roles of NAD+ in preserving DNA integrity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 298(6), 102037.

8. Haag, F., Adriouch, S., Braß, A., Jung, C., Möller, S., Scheuplein, F., ... & Koch-Nolte, F. (2007). Extracellular NAD and ATP: Partners in immune cell modulation. Purinergic signalling, 3, 71-81.

9. Mahundi, P., & Manwa, L. (2015). Energy nutrient metabolism: the inter-conversions and the chain reaction leading to oxidative-phosphorilation and production of adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP). Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 6(5), 383-390.