Updated 2025-12-22

Best NR Supplements 2025

We tested 7 NR (nicotinamide riboside) supplements for purity, effectiveness, and value. Here are our expert rankings to help you find the right NAD+ booster backed by the most clinical research.

Lab-Tested
Expert Reviewed
Independent Research

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What is NR and Why Does It Matter?

NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) is a form of vitamin B3 and one of the most well-researched NAD+ precursors available. As a direct precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), NR efficiently converts to NAD+ in your cells, supporting critical functions like energy production, DNA repair, and cellular aging pathways.

The science is clear: NAD+ levels decline by up to 50% by age 50, contributing to the hallmarks of aging including reduced energy, slower metabolism, impaired cognitive function, and decreased DNA repair capacity. This decline is directly linked to age-related diseases and functional decline.

NR supplementation offers a scientifically validated route to restore NAD+ levels. Human clinical trials have demonstrated that NR safely increases NAD+ levels by 40-60% within weeks of supplementation. With 30+ published human studies and FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, NR has the most extensive safety profile of any NAD+ booster.

Want to learn more? Read our comprehensive guide to NAD+ boosters or compare NMN vs NR to understand which is right for you.

NR Supplement Comparison Table

Rank Product Score Price Best For Details
1
Jarrow Formulas Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMR)
Jarrow Formulas
BEST OVERALL
8.3 /10
$39.99 Budget-conscious consumers seeking quality NAD+ support Read Review
2
Tru Niagen
ChromaDex
8.3 /10
$49.99 NAD+ restoration for ages 40+ Read Review
3
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator
Life Extension
EDITOR'S CHOICE
8.2 /10
$38.00 Budget-conscious NAD+ seekers Read Review
4
Elysium Basis
Elysium Health
8.1 /10
$60.00 NAD+ restoration for ages 40+ Read Review
5
Thorne ResveraCel
Thorne
8.1 /10
$66.00 Athletes requiring NSF certification Read Review
6
NiaCel 400
Thorne
8.0 /10
$65.00 Longevity enthusiasts wanting comprehensive NAD+ and sirtuin support Read Review
7
NAD+ Cell Regenerator
Life Extension
7.8 /10
$38.00 Budget-conscious users seeking quality NR Read Review

Our Top NR Supplement Picks for 2025

#1 BEST OVERALL

Jarrow Formulas Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMR)

by Jarrow Formulas

Jarrow Formulas NMR review: Expert analysis of this affordable nicotinamide riboside supplement with clinical research backing, safety data, and real ...

8.0
Effectiveness
9.0
Safety
8.5
Value
8.5
Quality
8.5
Research

Pros

  • + Excellent value at $0.67 per day (250mg dose)
  • + Backed by Jarrow's 45+ years of quality supplement manufacturing
  • + Contains genuine nicotinamide riboside (NR) from Chromadex Niagen

Cons

  • - Lower dose per capsule (250mg vs 300mg competitors)
  • - Less extensive clinical research than Tru Niagen
  • - Not NSF Certified for Sport (matters for athletes)
8.3
out of 10
Starting at
$39.99
Check Price Full Review
#2

Tru Niagen

by ChromaDex

Tru Niagen review: Expert analysis of this NAD+ booster with clinical research backing, proven effectiveness, safety data, and real user results for c...

8.5
Effectiveness
9.0
Safety
7.5
Value
8.5
Quality
9.0
Research

Pros

  • + Backed by 30+ clinical studies on Niagen (nicotinamide riboside)
  • + NSF Certified for Sport (tested for banned substances)
  • + Proven to increase NAD+ levels by 40-60% in human trials

Cons

  • - More expensive per milligram than NMN alternatives
  • - Requires higher doses for maximum effect (600-1,000mg)
  • - Some debate about NR vs NMN bioavailability
8.3
out of 10
Starting at
$49.99
Check Price Full Review
#3 EDITOR'S CHOICE

Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator

by Life Extension

Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator review: Expert analysis of this affordable nicotinamide riboside supplement with clinical research, effectiveness...

7.5
Effectiveness
9.0
Safety
8.5
Value
8.5
Quality
7.5
Research

Pros

  • + Excellent value at $38 per bottle (25% less than Tru Niagen)
  • + Same active ingredient (nicotinamide riboside) as premium brands
  • + Life Extension's 40+ year reputation for quality

Cons

  • - Less proprietary research than Tru Niagen
  • - No NSF Certified for Sport certification
  • - Slightly lower per-capsule NR content in some formulations
8.2
out of 10
Starting at
$38.00
Check Price Full Review
#4

Elysium Basis

by Elysium Health

Elysium Basis review: Expert analysis of this NAD+ booster combining NR and pterostilbene, with clinical research, effectiveness data, and real user r...

8.0
Effectiveness
9.0
Safety
6.5
Value
8.5
Quality
8.5
Research

Pros

  • + Clinically studied combination formula in published research
  • + Pterostilbene adds sirtuin activation beyond NAD+ boosting
  • + Third-party tested for purity and potency

Cons

  • - Expensive at $60/month ($2 per day)
  • - Requires 2 capsules daily (less convenient)
  • - Limited discount options compared to competitors
8.1
out of 10
Starting at
$60.00
Check Price Full Review
#5

Thorne ResveraCel

by Thorne

Thorne ResveraCel review: Expert analysis of this nicotinamide riboside and resveratrol combination for NAD+ support and longevity....

8.0
Effectiveness
9.0
Safety
7.0
Value
9.0
Quality
8.5
Research

Pros

  • + Combines NR with resveratrol and other cofactors
  • + Thorne's pharmaceutical-grade quality standards
  • + NSF Certified for Sport

Cons

  • - Premium pricing
  • - Lower NR dose than standalone products
  • - Multiple ingredients may not suit everyone
8.1
out of 10
Starting at
$66.00
Check Price Full Review
#6

NiaCel 400

by Thorne

Thorne NiaCel review: Expert analysis of this premium NAD+ booster combining nicotinamide riboside and resveratrol for synergistic longevity benefits....

8.0
Effectiveness
8.5
Safety
7.0
Value
9.0
Quality
8.0
Research

Pros

  • + Synergistic combination: NR activates NAD+, resveratrol activates sirtuins
  • + High-quality NIAGEN (400mg per dose, more than most competitors)
  • + NSF Certified for Sport and GMP certified

Cons

  • - Expensive at $65 for 30 servings ($2.17/day)
  • - Higher dose of resveratrol than some users may need
  • - Two capsules per serving (less convenient than single capsule)
8.0
out of 10
Starting at
$65.00
Check Price Full Review
#7

NAD+ Cell Regenerator

by Life Extension

Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator review: Expert analysis of this affordable nicotinamide riboside supplement with clinical backing, effectiveness,...

7.5
Effectiveness
8.5
Safety
8.5
Value
7.5
Quality
7.5
Research

Pros

  • + Excellent value at $38 for 300mg NR (25% cheaper than Tru Niagen)
  • + Trusted brand with 40+ years in longevity supplements
  • + Third-party tested for purity and potency

Cons

  • - Less extensive research than ChromaDex's own Tru Niagen
  • - Not NSF Certified for Sport (no athlete testing)
  • - Smaller company means less investment in NR-specific trials
7.8
out of 10
Starting at
$38.00
Check Price Full Review

How We Test NR Supplements

Our rankings are based on rigorous evaluation across five key criteria. Each supplement is scored on a 0-10 scale, with the overall score being a weighted average. Learn more about our complete testing methodology.

Effectiveness

Does the supplement actually work? We evaluate published clinical research, NAD+ elevation data, and user-reported outcomes.

Safety

We review safety studies, adverse event reports, and third-party testing for contaminants and purity verification.

Value

Cost per effective dose, subscription options, and overall value compared to similar products in the market.

Quality

Manufacturing standards, GMP certification, purity levels, and formulation quality including stability.

Research Backing

Quantity and quality of peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials, and scientific evidence supporting the specific formulation.

What to Look for in NR Supplements

With numerous NR supplements on the market, choosing the right one requires careful evaluation. Here are the key factors we recommend considering:

1. ChromaDex Niagen Certification

Look for NR supplements that use ChromaDex's proprietary Niagen, the only NR with extensive clinical testing and FDA GRAS status. ChromaDex holds 40+ patents on NR technology and has invested over $50 million in research. Generic NR products lack this validation.

Why it matters: Niagen is the only NR form used in published human clinical trials. Research shows ChromaDex Niagen has superior stability and bioavailability compared to generic alternatives.

2. Dosage and Form

Most clinical studies use 250-500mg daily. Standard NR capsules contain 250-300mg per serving. Consider whether you prefer capsules (convenient) or combination formulas (like Elysium Basis with added pterostilbene).

Dose-response data: 300mg raises NAD+ by 40-50%, while 1,000mg can double NAD+ levels. Most users find 300-600mg optimal for benefits vs cost.

3. Third-Party Testing and Safety

NR has the most extensive safety profile of any NAD+ booster with FDA GRAS status and NSF Certified for Sport options. Look for products with third-party testing certificates (COA) verifying purity and absence of contaminants.

Safety advantage: 30+ human clinical trials with zero serious adverse events. NR is safe at doses up to 2,000mg daily based on published research.

4. Brand Reputation and Research

Choose brands with strong scientific credentials: Tru Niagen (ChromaDex's flagship product), Elysium Health (MIT-affiliated with Nobel Prize winners on advisory board), and Life Extension (decades of longevity research). Avoid no-name brands without published research.

Red flags: Claims without citations, no ChromaDex licensing, suspiciously low prices, missing contact information, no third-party testing.

5. Value Per Serving

Calculate the cost per 300mg dose (standard effective amount). Prices range from $1.27/day (Life Extension) to $2.00/day (combination formulas). Consider subscription options that typically save 10-15%.

Value comparison: While NR costs more per milligram than NMN, the extensive clinical validation and FDA GRAS status may justify the premium for safety-conscious users.

Scientific Resources

For deeper research into NR and NAD+ science, we recommend these peer-reviewed sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best NR supplement in 2025?

Based on our comprehensive testing, Tru Niagen ranks as the best overall NR supplement in 2025, scoring 8.3/10 for its exceptional research backing with 30+ published clinical trials, FDA GRAS status, NSF Certified for Sport testing, and pharmaceutical-grade ChromaDex Niagen formula. Elysium Basis (8.1/10) is best for users wanting a combination formula with added pterostilbene for sirtuin activation.

What's the difference between NR and NMN?

NR (nicotinamide riboside) and NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) are both NAD+ precursors but differ in key ways: NR has 30+ human clinical trials, FDA GRAS status, and proven safety at doses up to 2,000mg. NMN is one biochemical step closer to NAD+ (theoretically more direct) but has less human research. NR converts to NMN before becoming NAD+. Both effectively raise NAD+ levels - the choice depends on priorities: research backing (NR) vs theoretical efficiency (NMN). Read our detailed NMN vs NR comparison.

How much NR should I take daily?

Most clinical studies use 250-500mg of NR daily. Beginners should start with 300mg (standard dosage in Tru Niagen) and may increase to 600-1,000mg based on individual response. Dose-dependent effects show: 300mg raises NAD+ by 40-50%, 600mg by 60-80%, and 1,000mg can double NAD+ levels. NR is typically taken in the morning with or without food. Consider your age, baseline NAD+ status, and budget when determining optimal dosage.

Are NR supplements safe?

NR has an excellent safety profile backed by 30+ clinical studies with zero serious adverse events. NR has FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status - the only NAD+ precursor with this designation. Human trials at doses up to 2,000mg daily have reported no serious side effects. Minor side effects may include mild digestive discomfort in 3-5% of users. However, NR is not FDA-approved as a drug, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplementation.

How long does it take for NR to work?

NAD+ levels rise detectably within 30-60 minutes of taking NR, with peak cellular saturation occurring at 2-4 weeks of daily dosing. Most users report increased energy within 2-4 weeks. Deeper cellular benefits like improved metabolic function and DNA repair mechanisms may take 8-12 weeks to manifest. Individual responses vary based on age, baseline NAD+ levels, dosage, and overall health status. Be patient and consistent - NR works through cellular optimization, not overnight transformation.

What should I look for when buying NR supplements?

Key factors include: ChromaDex Niagen licensing (ensures authentic, clinically-tested NR), third-party testing certificates (COA showing purity), brand reputation (Tru Niagen, Elysium Health, Life Extension), FDA GRAS status, GMP certification, and transparent dosing (250-300mg per serving is standard). Avoid products without ChromaDex licensing, purity verification, or from unknown manufacturers. The premium for authentic Niagen over generic NR is justified by extensive clinical validation. See our detailed buyer's guide above.

Related Guides and Reviews

NMN vs NR Comparison

Detailed comparison of the two most popular NAD+ precursors and which is right for you.

Understanding NAD+ Precursors

Complete guide to NAD+ boosters, how they work, and their role in healthy aging.

How to Boost NAD+

Complete guide to increasing NAD+ levels through supplements and lifestyle changes.

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Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase products through our links at no additional cost to you. All rankings are based on thorough research and independent testing. NR supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen. Read our full disclosure and medical disclaimer.