What is NR?
Naturally occurring Vitamin B3
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 found in trace amounts in foods like milk and yeast.
Supports healthy NAD⁺ biology
NR is efficiently converted into NAD⁺ in the body, supporting cellular energy production and metabolic health.
Extensively studied NAD⁺ precursor
NR is one of the most extensively researched NAD⁺ precursors, with numerous clinical studies supporting its safety and efficacy.
Well Suited for Daily Use
Designed to fit naturally into a consistent daily wellness routine with a simple, evidence-based approach to supporting healthy NAD⁺ levels.
From NR to NAD⁺: A Naturally Occurring Cellular Pathway
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) supports healthy NAD⁺ levels by participating in metabolic pathways that naturally occur within human cells. After entering the cell, NR is converted through well-characterized enzymatic steps into NAD⁺, a molecule continuously used in essential cellular processes. The diagram below illustrates this pathway in a simplified, science-based format.
Natural Occurrence
Where NR Occurs Naturally
While NR is found in small amounts in certain foods, supplementation provides a more concentrated and consistent source.
Food Sources
🥛 Cow's Milk
~ 1 - 10 ug / 100 g
🍺 Brewer's Yeast
Typically tens of ug / 100 g (strain dependent)
🍗 Poultry
Trace amounts
Supplementation
NADURA Core
300 mg NR per serving
Provides a concentrated, bioavailable form of NR that would be difficult to obtain through diet alone.
RESEARCH
Why Researchers Study Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) has become one of the most extensively studied NAD⁺ precursors because it follows a well-characterized pathway for supporting intracellular NAD⁺ levels.
Human Clinical Studies
Research has shown that oral NR supplementation can increase blood NAD⁺ levels.
Well-Characterized Pathway
NR follows established enzymatic pathways already present in human cells.
Bioavailability
NR is absorbed and utilized through naturally occurring metabolic processes.
Active Area of Research
Researchers continue to investigate NR across metabolism, aging biology, and cellular physiology.
NR Compared with Other NAD⁺ Precursors
Niacin (Nicotinic Acid)
A form of vitamin B3 found in foods and dietary supplements.
Contributes to NAD⁺ production through the Preiss-Handler pathway.
May cause flushing in some individuals at higher doses.
Nicotinamide (NAM)
Another form of vitamin B3 widely present in the diet.
Supports NAD⁺ synthesis via the salvage pathway.
Does not typically cause flushing.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
A nucleotide derived from ribose and nicotinamide.
Contributes to NAD⁺ through established metabolic pathways.
Subject of ongoing research in cellular metabolism.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
A naturally occurring form of vitamin B3.
Follows a well-characterized pathway to NAD⁺ via NRK enzymes.
Extensively studied as a dietary NAD⁺ precursor in human nutrition.
Multiple nutrients contribute to NAD⁺ production through different metabolic pathways. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is one of the most extensively studied NAD⁺ precursors in human nutrition, with a well-characterized conversion pathway and a growing interest in scientific research.
Why We Chose NR
Built on Simplicity, Guided by Science
NADURA Core was intentionally formulated around a single, extensively studied NAD⁺ precursor. Rather than combining multiple ingredients or proprietary blends, we chose Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) because it follows a well-characterized metabolic pathway and has been widely studied as a dietary precursor to NAD⁺. Our formulation emphasizes transparency, consistency, and evidence-based design.
Single Ingredient
Focused on one extensively studied NAD⁺ precursor without unnecessary complexity. No added flavoring, or dyes, just the needed ingredients in a vegetarian capsule.
Transparent Formula
Clearly labeled ingredients with no proprietary blends.
Designed for Daily Use
A straightforward daily serving intended for consistent long-term use.
Science-Led Approach
Formulated around established NAD⁺ biology and current scientific understanding.
DAILY CONSISTENCY
Designed for Daily Use
Supporting NAD⁺ biology does not need to be complicated. Nicotinamide Riboside can be incorporated into a simple, consistent daily routine, providing a measured source of a well-studied NAD⁺ precursor.
Simple
A focused approach centered on Nicotinamide Riboside rather than unnecessary ingredient complexity.
Consistent
A straightforward daily routine makes it easy to maintain a measured and repeatable intake of NR.
Intentional
A science-led approach focused on supplying a well-characterized NAD⁺ precursor without overcomplicating the formulation.
Consistency over intensity. A simple approach to daily NAD⁺ precursor support.
HUMAN RESEARCH
What Human Studies Tell Us About NR
Nicotinamide Riboside has been studied in multiple human clinical trials examining its ability to support NAD⁺ biology. A consistent finding across several studies is that orally consumed NR can increase blood NAD⁺ levels, demonstrating that NR is bioavailable and can participate in human NAD⁺ metabolism.
Human Clinical Research
NR has been evaluated in controlled human studies across a range of doses and study populations.
Increases Blood NAD⁺
Human studies have shown that oral NR supplementation can increase blood NAD⁺ and related NAD⁺ metabolites.
Ongoing Investigation
Researchers continue to study how changes in NAD⁺ availability may relate to metabolism, cellular function, and healthy aging biology.
A Measurable Biological Response
The ability of oral NR to increase blood NAD⁺ provides direct evidence that the molecule is absorbed, metabolized, and incorporated into the body's NAD⁺ network.
Research into the broader physiological effects of NR is ongoing, and increases in NAD⁺ should not be interpreted as proof of a specific health outcome.
WHY NAD⁺ MATTERS
A Molecule Essential to Every Cell
NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is found in virtually every living cell and participates in hundreds of biochemical reactions throughout the body. Rather than serving a single function, NAD⁺ acts as an essential coenzyme involved in normal cellular metabolism and other fundamental biological processes.
Cellular Energy
NAD⁺ participates in metabolic reactions that help cells convert nutrients into usable cellular energy.
DNA Maintenance
NAD⁺ serves as a required cofactor for enzymes involved in maintaining normal DNA integrity and cellular maintenance.
Metabolism
NAD⁺ contributes to numerous biochemical pathways involved in normal metabolic function throughout the body.
Cellular Function
Because NAD⁺ participates in many biological processes, maintaining normal NAD⁺ biology is an active area of scientific research.
One Molecule, Many Roles
Although often discussed in the context of cellular energy, NAD⁺ participates in many interconnected biological processes. Researchers continue to investigate how maintaining healthy NAD⁺ biology contributes to normal cellular function.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions About NR
Nicotinamide Riboside is often discussed alongside NAD⁺ and other vitamin B3-related nutrients. These brief answers address some of the most common questions about what NR is, how it is used by the body, and how it fits into NAD⁺ biology.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3. The body can use NR as a precursor in metabolic pathways that contribute to the production of NAD⁺.
NR is not NAD⁺ itself. After entering cells, NR can be converted through established enzymatic steps into intermediates that contribute to NAD⁺ production.
Yes. NR occurs naturally in small amounts in certain foods, including milk and other dietary sources. Dietary amounts are generally much lower and more variable than amounts provided by a measured supplement serving.
NR and NMN are both related to NAD⁺ metabolism, but they enter the pathway at different points. NR is converted to NMN inside the cell before NMN is converted to NAD⁺ through established enzymatic reactions.
Niacin, nicotinamide, and NR are all vitamin B3-related nutrients that can contribute to NAD⁺ production. Each enters NAD⁺ metabolism through a different biochemical pathway.
Yes. NR has been evaluated in multiple human clinical studies. Research has shown that oral NR supplementation can increase blood NAD⁺ and related NAD⁺ metabolites. Research into broader physiological outcomes is ongoing.
NR has been studied using repeated daily supplementation in human research. A consistent daily routine provides a measured and repeatable source of NR, while individual needs may vary.
Educational information only. This page is intended to explain Nicotinamide Riboside and NAD⁺ biology and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES
Selected Scientific Literature
The educational information presented throughout this page is based on peer-reviewed scientific literature examining NAD⁺ biology, Nicotinamide Riboside metabolism, and human clinical research. The references below represent foundational publications and review articles that have contributed to the current scientific understanding of NR and NAD⁺ metabolism.
- Bieganowski P, Brenner C. (2004). Discoveries of nicotinamide riboside as a naturally occurring NAD⁺ precursor vitamin.
- Cantó C, Houtkooper RH, Pirinen E, et al. (2012). The NAD⁺ precursor nicotinamide riboside enhances oxidative metabolism and protects against high-fat diet-induced obesity.
- Trammell SAJ, Schmidt MS, Weidemann BJ, et al. (2016). Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans.
- Conze D, Brenner C, Kruger CL. (2016). Safety assessment of nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3.
- Elhassan YS, Kluckova K, Fletcher RS, et al. (2019). Nicotinamide riboside augments the aged human skeletal muscle NAD⁺ metabolome.
- Hou Y, Lautrup S, Cordonnier S, et al. (2018). NAD⁺ supplementation normalizes key Alzheimer's features and DNA damage responses in a new mouse model with introduced DNA repair deficiency.
- Xiao W, Wang RS, Handy DE, Loscalzo J. (2018). NAD(H) and NADP(H) Redox Couples and Cellular Energy Metabolism.
- Covarrubias AJ, Kale A, Perrone R, et al. (2020). Senescent cells promote tissue NAD⁺ decline during ageing via activation of CD38⁺ macrophages.
- Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. (2018). Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence.
This reference list is intended to provide representative foundational literature and is not an exhaustive bibliography.
CONTINUE LEARNING
Explore NAD+ Biology
Nicotinamide Riboside is one part of a larger NAD+ metabolic system. Understanding how NAD+ is produced, recycled, used, and consumed provides important context for the role of NR as an NAD+ precursor.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.