Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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Tru Niagen is a dietary supplement containing nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 believed to have anti-aging effects and promote cellular function. Tru Niagen is marketed as a way to increase NAD+ levels, a coenzyme that plays a key role in many metabolic processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression.
By increasing NAD+ levels, taking Tru Niagen is believed to support healthy aging and promote cellular function in a number of ways, including supporting mitochondrial function, supporting brain function, and promoting healthy aging.
In this Tru Niagen review, we will take a closer look at Tru Niagen, including its potential benefits, drawbacks, and side effects. We will also compare taking a Tru Niagen supplement with three popular competing supplements. By the end of this review, you should have an idea of if Tru Niagen works and whether it may be right for you.
Tru Niagen embodies 20+ years of scientific innovation around healthy aging. Our full-body supernutrient, Niagen, supports the 37.2 trillion cells in your body by boosting levels of NAD+...
What is Tru Niagen?
Tru Niagen is a dietary supplement that contains the ingredient nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is a form of vitamin B3. According to the manufacturer, Tru Niagen supports a healthy aging process and promotes cellular energy production.
NR is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential molecule for cellular energy metabolism and other biological processes. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which may contribute to a variety of age-related health issues. Tru Niagen is marketed as a way to increase NAD+ levels in the body and support healthy aging.
Tru Niagen is available in capsule form and is intended to be taken daily.
Tru Niagen: Pass or Fail?
Tru Niagen is a well-researched, high-quality supplement produced by ChromaDex, a highly respected supplement company that is known for its commitment to high quality and transparency. ChromaDex has received several awards for its research and development of dietary supplements, and it is dedicated to advancing the science of aging and health.
This supplement contains 300 mg of Niagen, a branded form of nicotinamide riboside, a NAD precursor. Niagen is available in capsule form, which makes it easy to take on a daily basis.
The recommended dose is just one capsule per day, which is a convenient and straightforward way to support healthy aging and promote cellular function.
Overall Verdict: PASS
Pros
- Contains 300 Niagen, a highly bioavailable form of nicotinamide riboside
- 3rd party tested
- Only requires one capsule per day
Cons
- It could take up to 4 weeks for the benefits to exhibit themselves
Tru Niagen embodies 20+ years of scientific innovation around healthy aging. Our full-body supernutrient, Niagen, supports the 37.2 trillion cells in your body by boosting levels of NAD+...
Tru Niagen Ingredients
Tru Niagen contains one key ingredient, along with some thickening and binding agents. Here's an up-close look at each of these compounds.
1. Niagen®
Niagen is a branded form of nicotinamide riboside (NR). NR is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in many biological processes in the body. It is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme that is involved in many metabolic processes and DNA repair, including energy production and gene expression.
NR is converted into NAD+ in the body through a series of enzymatic reactions. NAD+ is then used by cells to produce energy and carry out other critical biological functions, including regulating gene expression, protecting against cellular stress, and promoting healthy aging. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which may contribute to a variety of age-related health issues.
Supplements like Tru Niagen, which contain NR, are marketed as a way to increase NAD+ levels in the body, which may support healthy aging and cellular function.
2. Microcrystalline Cellulose
Microcrystalline cellulose is a type of cellulose that is derived from plant fibers, typically wood pulp and is processed to create fine particles that are uniform in size and shape.
Microcrystalline cellulose is used as a bulking agent to help create tablets and capsules of a consistent size and shape. It is also used as a binder and disintegrant, helping to hold tablets together and to break them down quickly in the digestive tract to release the active ingredients.
In dietary supplements, microcrystalline cellulose may also be used as a bulking agent, as well as a flow agent, to improve the manufacturing process. It is generally considered safe and is not absorbed by the body, passing through the digestive system without being broken down.
3. Hypromellose
Hypromellose, also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from plant cellulose.
One of the main uses of hypromellose in supplements is as a thickening and binding agent. It helps to improve the consistency and texture of supplement tablets and capsules, allowing them to hold their shape and dissolve properly in the digestive system.
Hypromellose is also a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, commonly used as a capsule material. Hypromellose capsules are made from plant-based materials and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Hypromellose is generally considered safe and is not absorbed by the body.
4. Vegetable Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is used in dietary supplements to help prevent ingredients from sticking to manufacturing equipment and to ensure they flow smoothly through machines during manufacturing. It can also help to improve the quality and consistency of supplement tablets and capsules.
Vegetable magnesium stearate is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to animal-derived stearates, such as those derived from beef tallow. It is typically derived from plant sources, such as palm oil or coconut oil.
Claimed Benefits of Tru Niagen
The manufacturer of Tru Niagen, ChromaDex, claims the following benefits of the product:
1. Increases NAD+
Tru Niagen is designed to boost the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in the body. NAD+ is an important coenzyme that plays a key role in energy production and a range of other cellular processes. By increasing NAD+ levels, Tru Niagen may help support healthy aging and overall wellness.¹
2. Heart Health
There are four ways that taking Tru Niagen may benefit heart health:
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Increasing Energy Production: The heart is one of the most metabolically active organs in the body and requires a constant supply of energy to function properly. NAD+ plays a key role in producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary energy source in cells. By increasing NAD+ levels, NAD+ supplements such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) may help improve energy production and support healthy heart function.²
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Improving Endothelial Function: The endothelium is the thin layer of cells that lines the inner surface of blood vessels. It plays an important role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure, and dysfunction of the endothelium is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. NAD+ may help improve endothelial function by promoting nitric oxide production, a signaling molecule that helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.³
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Supporting Mitochondrial Health: The heart contains a large number of mitochondria, the organelles responsible for producing energy in cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to a wide range of cardiovascular diseases, and studies suggest that NAD+ supplementation may help support mitochondrial health and function.⁴
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Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a key driver of many cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. NAD+ has been shown to have some anti-inflammatory effects and might help reduce inflammation in the heart and blood vessels.⁵
3. Cellular Health
NAD+ is also involved in many cellular processes, including DNA repair, gene expression, and cell signaling. By supporting healthy levels of NAD+, taking Tru Niagen may help promote better cellular health and function and help repair damaged cells.⁶
4. Muscle Health
Excessive oxidative stress can damage muscle tissue and impair muscle function. NAD+ and NR have been shown to have antioxidant effects, which may help reduce oxidative stress and protect muscle tissue from damage. Studies have suggested that NAD+ can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are two factors that can contribute to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and impaired recovery after weight lifting.⁷
Side Effects of Tru Niagen
Clinical studies of Tru Niagen have generally found it to be well-tolerated, with few reports of significant side effects. However, like any supplement, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Here are some potential side effects of Tru Niagen:
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Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation, when taking Tru Niagen.
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Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may get an allergic reaction to Tru Niagen or one of its ingredients. Symptoms may include rash, hives, itching, or difficulty breathing.
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Interactions with Medications: Tru Niagen may interact with certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or immunosuppressants. If you are taking any medications, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting to take Tru Niagen.
Tru Niagen Customer Reviews
There are a number of places online where you can find customer reviews for Tru Niagen, including the official website, Amazon and Reddit. It has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, based on more than 13,000 reviews. Here are two typical comments:
Who should take Tru Niagen?
While Tru Niagen is considered safe for all healthy adults, it may especially benefit the following groups:
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Aging Adults: As we age, our NAD+ levels may decline, which can contribute to cellular dysfunction and other age-related health issues. Tru Niagen may help support healthy NAD+ levels and promote better cellular function in aging adults.
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Athletes: Tru Niagen helps support healthy metabolism and energy production, which may be beneficial for athletes and active individuals looking to support their physical performance.
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People with Metabolic Issues: Tru Niagen may be beneficial for people with metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, as it may help improve metabolic function and support healthy blood sugar levels.
When and how should you take Tru Niagen?
The manufacturer recommends taking one capsule of Tru Niagen daily with food.
3 Tru Niagen Alternatives
Tur Niagen is just one of a number of popular NAD+ enhancing supplements. Here's an overview of three competitors to help you see how Tru Niagen compares in the marketplace.
1. Wonderfeel Youngr
Wonderfeel Youngr is a NMN-based supplement designed to use emergent antioxidants and sirtuin activation to slow down aging at a cellular level.
Every capsule of Wonderfeel Youngr contains 450mg of NMN, 2mg of Ergothioneine, 50mg of TransResveratrol, 40mg of Olea25® (25% hydroxytyrosol), and 10mcg of Vitamin D3. This may sound like a lot of extra ingredients, but every single one has an important purpose.
The main difference between Wonderfeel Youngr and Tru Niagen is the form of NAD precursor (NMN vs NR). Both can be effective at boosting NAD levels, but have individual benefits.
You can check out our article on NMN benefits for a full list.
The serving size of Wonderfeel Youngr is a whopping 900mg of NMN per serving, which is a much higher dose than the 300mg of NR from Tru Niagen. This dosage is based on one of the latest human clinical studies, and was found to be the most effective without any negative side-effects.
Pros
- cGMP approved facility
- Uses proven ingredients
- Effective dosage
Cons
- Only available on official site
Youngr™ NMN is a patented solution to aging. Formulated with emergent antioxidants and sirtuin activation, it uses a multi-targeted approach to defend and slow down biological aging at the cellular level...
2. Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator contains several ingredients that are believed to increase levels of NAD+.
In addition to NR, the primary active ingredient in Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator, the supplement also contains several other ingredients that may support healthy aging and cellular function. These ingredients include resveratrol, quercetin, and fisetin, all of which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator is marketed to increase NAD+ levels and support healthy aging, particularly in the brain and other highly metabolically active organs.
Each Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator capsule contains 250 mg of NR, 150 mg of resveratrol, 150 mg of quercetin, and 10 mg of fisetin. Fisetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, a type of antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, apples, grapes, and onions. It is a type of polyphenol, a group of compounds that are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The supplement is designed to be taken daily, with two capsules in the morning and two in the evening.
Life Extension is a well-known supplement brand dedicated to providing high-quality supplements backed by scientific research. The company uses third-party testing to ensure the purity and potency of its supplements, and it provides detailed information about the sourcing and manufacturing of its products on its website.
One of the main differences between Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator and Tru Niagen is the additional ingredients included in each supplement. Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator contains additional ingredients such as resveratrol, quercetin, and fisetin, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These ingredients may help to support healthy aging and cellular function further. Tru Niagen, on the other hand, contains additional ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, and vegetable magnesium stearate, which are used as fillers and binders.
Another difference between the two products is the dosage of NR per capsule. Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator contains 250 mg of NR per capsule, while Tru Niagen contains 300 mg of NR per capsule. This means that people taking Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator may need to take more capsules per day to achieve the same dosage of NR as Tru Niagen.
Pros
- 3rd party tested
- 150 mg resveratrol
- 10 mg fisetin
Cons
- Only 250 mg NAD per serving
NAD+ Cell Regenerator™ helps maintain youthful levels of NAD+ with 300 mg of NIAGEN®, the first commercially available form of nicotinamide riboside, to help fight general fatigue at the cellular level....
3. Renue By Science Lipo NAD+
Renue By Science Lipo NAD+ (https://bit.ly/3UedDwj) is a 3-in-1 supplement that provides you with the following compounds:
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NAD+ for enhanced energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression. There is 95 mg in every serving of Renue by Science Lipo NAD+.
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NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), a precursor to NAD+. It is believed to be more readily absorbed by the body than other forms of vitamin B3, which may make it more effective at increasing NAD+ levels. Renue by Science Lipo NAD+ contains 125 mg of NMN. Check out our best NMN supplements article to see more products with NMN.
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NR (nicotinamide riboside) is another precursor to NAD+. Like NMN, it is believed to be more readily absorbed by the body than other forms of vitamin B3. Some research suggests that NR supplements may increase NAD+ levels and support healthy aging, particularly in the brain and other organs that are highly metabolically active. Each serving of Renue by Science Lipo NAD+ contains 80 mg of NR.
The liposomal delivery system used in Renue by Science Lipo NAD+ is a type of encapsulation technology that is designed to improve the absorption and bioavailability of the supplement's active ingredients. Liposomes are tiny spherical structures that are composed of a phospholipid bilayer, which is similar in structure to the cell membranes in the human body.
In the case of Renue by Science Lipo NAD+, the supplement's active ingredients are encapsulated in liposomes, which helps to protect the ingredients from degradation in the digestive system and facilitates their absorption into the body.
Pros
- Liposomal delivery system
- Contains NAD+, NMN, and NR
- 3rd party tested for potency and purity
Cons
- Expensive
LIPO NAD+ Complete is designed to deliver the most potent dose of NAD+, NMN & NR via nanoscale liposomes to increase your body’s NAD+ levels. While there is a lot of uncertainty about the pathways...
Tru Niagen FAQs
What Does Tru Niagen do for your body?
By increasing NAD+ levels, Tru Niagen is believed to support healthy aging and promote cellular function in a number of ways. Some of the potential benefits of Tru Niagen include the following:
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Supporting healthy mitochondrial function: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, and they are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP. By supporting healthy mitochondrial function, Tru Niagen may help to promote overall energy levels and metabolic health.
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Supporting healthy brain function: The brain is one of the most metabolically demanding organs in the body, and it relies on a steady supply of energy to function properly. By supporting healthy energy production in the brain, Tru Niagen may help to promote cognitive function and protect against age-related cognitive decline.
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Supporting healthy aging: NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which may contribute to a variety of age-related health issues. By increasing NAD+ levels, Tru Niagen may help to support healthy aging and promote cellular function.
What are the side effects of Niagen?
Some of the reported side effects of Niagen and NR supplements include:
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Gastrointestinal discomfort: Some individuals may experience digestive upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, when taking Niagen or NR supplements.
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Headache: Some people may get headaches or migraines when taking Niagen or NR supplements.
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Dizziness: In rare cases, Niagen or NR supplements may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
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Flushing: Some people may experience skin flushing or redness when taking Niagen or NR supplements.
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Insomnia: In rare cases, Niagen or NR supplements may cause insomnia or other sleep disturbances.
Is Tru Niagen FDA approved?
While the safety and efficacy of Tru Niagen have been studied in some research studies, the supplement is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment or prevention of any medical conditions.
It is important to note that while the FDA does regulate dietary supplements like Tru Niagen, the agency does not test or approve individual supplements before they are sold on the market.
Is Tru Niagen the same as Vitamin B3?
Tru Niagen is not the same as vitamin B3, although it is derived from vitamin B3. Tru Niagen contains nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 that is believed to support healthy aging and promote cellular function.
Summary
Tru Niagen is a hugely popular supplement that effectively supports healthy aging, improved energy, and overall cellular health. With 300 mg Niagen, a highly bioavailable form of nicotinamide riboside, Tru Niagen is better dosed than many competing supplements. Its manufacturer, ChromaDex, is a highly regarded dietary supplement company, having received several awards for its research and development.
Tru Niagen embodies 20+ years of scientific innovation around healthy aging. Our full-body supernutrient, Niagen, supports the 37.2 trillion cells in your body by boosting levels of NAD+...
References
- Conze, Dietrich, et al. “Safety and Metabolism of Long-Term Administration of NIAGEN (Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride) in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Healthy Overweight Adults.” Scientific Reports, vol. 9, no. 1, 5 July 2019
- Mehmel, Mario, et al. “Nicotinamide Riboside—the Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 6, 31 May 2020, p. 1616
- Mateuszuk, Łukasz, et al. “Reversal of Endothelial Dysfunction by Nicotinamide Mononucleotide via Extracellular Conversion to Nicotinamide Riboside.” Biochemical Pharmacology, vol. 178, 1 Aug. 2020, p. 114019
- Mehmel, Mario, et al. “Nicotinamide Riboside—the Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses.” Nutrients, vol. 12, no. 6, 31 May 2020, p. 1616
- Kwon, Jun, et al. “The Clinical Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside on Inflammatory Parameters.” Current Developments in Nutrition, vol. 6, no. Supplement_1, June 2022, pp. 987–987
- Croteau, Deborah L., et al. “NAD+ in DNA Repair and Mitochondrial Maintenance.” Cell Cycle, vol. 16, no. 6, 10 Feb. 2017, pp. 491–492
- Elhassan, Yasir S., et al. “Nicotinamide Riboside Augments the Aged Human Skeletal Muscle NAD+ Metabolome and Induces Transcriptomic and Anti-Inflammatory Signatures.” Cell Reports, vol. 28, no. 7, 13 Aug. 2019, pp. 1717-1728.e6
Steve Theunissen
Author