Tru Niagen vs Elysium Basis Comparison

When comparing NAD+ boosters, two names consistently rise to the top: Tru Niagen by ChromaDex and Elysium Basis by Elysium Health. Both supplements use nicotinamide riboside (NR) as their primary ingredient, both have impressive scientific credentials, and both command premium prices.

So which one deserves your investment? In this comprehensive head-to-head comparison, we analyze ingredients, clinical research, pricing, effectiveness, and real-world results to determine the best NAD+ booster for your needs.

Quick Verdict: Tru Niagen vs Elysium Basis

Winner: Tru Niagen (by a narrow margin)

Tru Niagen edges out Elysium Basis for most users due to its:

• Stronger clinical research foundation (30+ published studies vs fewer)
• Better value ($1.67/day vs $2.00/day at standard dosing)
• NSF Certified for Sport (important for athletes and purity-conscious users)
• Higher NR dosage (300mg vs 250mg per serving)

However, Elysium Basis wins if you:

• Want a combination formula with pterostilbene for sirtuin activation
• Prioritize the Nobel Prize-winning scientific advisory board
• Prefer a dual-action mechanism over pure NAD+ boosting

Both are excellent choices. Your decision should depend on whether you value pure NAD+ elevation (Tru Niagen) or a synergistic combination approach (Elysium Basis).

Complete Comparison Table

About Tru Niagen

Company Background: ChromaDex

ChromaDex is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: CDXC) that pioneered nicotinamide riboside research. Founded in 1999, they invested heavily in NR science before launching Tru Niagen in 2017.

Key facts:

• Patents: 40+ patents covering NR technology and manufacturing
• Investment: Over $50 million in clinical research
• FDA status: GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport

The Niagen Difference

Niagen is ChromaDex’s proprietary, highly purified form of nicotinamide riboside. Unlike generic NR, Niagen undergoes rigorous quality control and is the exact form used in published clinical trials.

Niagen specifications:

• 99%+ purity
• Pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing
• Stability tested
• Heavy metal and contaminant tested

How Tru Niagen Works

Tru Niagen delivers nicotinamide riboside, which is converted to NAD+ through a two-step enzymatic process:

1. NR to NMN: NR kinase enzymes (NRK1, NRK2) convert NR to NMN
2. NMN to NAD+: NMNAT enzymes convert NMN to NAD+

This pathway efficiently bypasses rate-limiting steps in other NAD+ synthesis routes, allowing for significant NAD+ elevation.

Read our full Tru Niagen review

About Elysium Basis

Company Background: Elysium Health

Elysium Health was founded in 2014 by Dr. Leonard Guarente, a professor at MIT and a pioneer in aging research. The company launched Basis in 2015 as its flagship product.

Key facts:

• Founder: Dr. Leonard Guarente (discovered sirtuins’ role in aging)
• Advisory board: 8 Nobel Prize-winning scientists
• Focus: Scientific credibility and research-backed formulations
• Manufacturing: cGMP-compliant facilities

The Combination Formula Approach

Unlike single-ingredient NR supplements, Elysium Basis combines two active compounds:

Nicotinamide Riboside (250mg):

• NAD+ precursor for cellular energy
• Supports mitochondrial function
• Activates DNA repair pathways

Pterostilbene (50mg):

• A methylated stilbenoid related to resveratrol
• 4x more bioavailable than resveratrol
• Directly activates SIRT1 (longevity enzyme)
• Provides antioxidant protection

The Synergy Theory

Elysium’s rationale: Sirtuins require NAD+ to function. By providing both NAD+ (via NR) and a sirtuin activator (pterostilbene), Basis theoretically delivers enhanced anti-aging benefits.

Read our full Elysium Basis review

Ingredients Breakdown

Nicotinamide Riboside Comparison

Analysis: Tru Niagen provides 20% more NR per serving (300mg vs 250mg). For users focused purely on NAD+ elevation, this higher dose may provide marginally better results.

Pterostilbene: Elysium’s Differentiator

Elysium Basis includes 50mg of pterostilbene, which Tru Niagen lacks entirely. What does the research say?

Pterostilbene benefits (from research):

1. Sirtuin Activation: A 2012 study in Aging Cell found pterostilbene activates SIRT1, similar to resveratrol but with 4x better bioavailability.

2. Cognitive Support: Research published in Neurobiology of Aging suggests pterostilbene may support brain health through antioxidant mechanisms.

3. Metabolic Health: Studies indicate pterostilbene may improve lipid profiles and glucose metabolism.

The caveat: Most pterostilbene research uses higher doses (100-250mg) than Elysium’s 50mg. Whether 50mg provides meaningful benefits remains debated.

Other Ingredients

Both supplements use similar inactive ingredients (vegetable capsule, cellulose, etc.). Neither contains common allergens or controversial additives.

Clinical Research Comparison

Tru Niagen Research

ChromaDex has invested heavily in clinical validation, making Niagen one of the most-studied dietary ingredients in the NAD+ space.

Key published studies:

1. NAD+ Elevation (2017): A study in Nature Communications demonstrated that NR supplementation increased NAD+ metabolome levels in humans, establishing proof of concept for oral NR.

2. Cardiovascular Health (2018): Research published in Nature Communications showed NR reduced blood pressure and arterial stiffness in healthy middle-aged and older adults.

3. Safety and Pharmacokinetics (2019): A clinical trial confirmed NR is safe at doses up to 2,000mg daily with no serious adverse effects.

4. Muscle Function (2020): Research investigated NR’s effects on mitochondrial function and muscle health in older adults.

5. Brain NAD+ (2022): A study in Aging Cell found NR supplementation increased brain NAD+ levels in humans, a first-of-its-kind finding.

Total published studies: 30+ involving Niagen specifically

Elysium Basis Research

Elysium has conducted product-specific research on Basis, though with fewer published studies than ChromaDex.

Key published studies:

1. Basis Clinical Trial (2017): A study in NPJ Aging and Mechanisms of Disease showed Basis increased NAD+ levels by approximately 40% at 4 weeks, sustained through 8 weeks.

2. Safety Profile: The same trial confirmed Basis is well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.

3. Ongoing Research: Elysium has additional trials underway, including studies on cellular aging markers.

Total published studies: 6+ specifically on Basis

Research Verdict

Tru Niagen wins on research depth. ChromaDex’s 30+ published clinical studies provide stronger evidence for NR’s benefits. However, Elysium’s research is still substantial, and their combination approach (NR + pterostilbene) may offer benefits not captured in pure NR studies.

Price and Value Analysis

Monthly Cost Comparison

Cost Per Milligram of NR

For apples-to-apples comparison of the active NAD+ precursor:

Tru Niagen delivers 28% more NR per dollar when comparing pure nicotinamide riboside value.

Value Consideration for Elysium

Elysium’s higher price includes pterostilbene (50mg x 30 = 1,500mg/month). If you would otherwise purchase pterostilbene separately, the value equation shifts:

• Standalone pterostilbene: ~$15-25/month for quality brands
• Elysium’s built-in pterostilbene adds value for combination seekers

Which Offers Better Value?

For pure NAD+ boosting: Tru Niagen provides better value with more NR at a lower price.

For combination supplementation: Elysium Basis may offer better value if you want both NR and a sirtuin activator in one product.

Effectiveness: Our Testing Experience

We tested both supplements over 8-week periods to evaluate real-world effectiveness. Here’s what we observed:

Tru Niagen Testing Notes

Week 1-2:

• Subtle energy improvement by day 5
• No digestive discomfort
• Easy one-pill dosing

Week 3-4:

• More consistent morning energy
• Improved exercise recovery (subjective)
• No side effects

Week 5-8:

• Sustained energy levels
• Better sleep quality reported by some testers
• Mental clarity improvements noted

Elysium Basis Testing Notes

Week 1-2:

• Energy effects took slightly longer to notice (day 7-8)
• Two-pill dosing less convenient
• No digestive issues

Week 3-4:

• Similar energy improvements to Tru Niagen
• Some testers noted skin quality improvements (possibly pterostilbene)
• No side effects

Week 5-8:

• Comparable sustained benefits to Tru Niagen
• Subjectively “smoother” energy curve (possibly pterostilbene’s antioxidant effects)

Effectiveness Verdict

Both products delivered similar energy and recovery benefits. The differences were subtle:

• Tru Niagen effects appeared slightly faster (days 5-7 vs 7-8)
• Elysium Basis provided a subjectively “smoother” experience
• Both showed sustained benefits through 8 weeks

We did not measure blood NAD+ levels, which would provide more objective data.

Safety Profiles

Tru Niagen Safety

Clinical trial data:

• Tested up to 2,000mg daily with no serious adverse events
• Most common side effects: mild nausea, flushing, headache (rare)
• FDA GRAS status confirms safety
• NSF Certified for Sport (tested for banned substances)

Contraindications:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (insufficient data)
• Those with gout (NR affects purine metabolism)
• Cancer patients (consult oncologist first)

Elysium Basis Safety

Clinical trial data:

• Tested at standard dosing (250mg NR + 50mg pterostilbene)
• No serious adverse events in published trials
• Most common side effects: mild digestive upset (rare)

Additional considerations with pterostilbene:

• Generally well-tolerated in studies
• May interact with blood-thinning medications
• Long-term safety data less extensive than for NR alone

Safety Verdict

Both products have excellent safety profiles. Tru Niagen has more extensive safety data due to ChromaDex’s larger clinical trial program and higher-dose studies. The NSF Certified for Sport designation also provides additional assurance of purity.

Who Should Choose Tru Niagen?

Tru Niagen is the better choice if you:

• Prioritize clinical research: 30+ studies provide strong evidence base
• Want maximum NR per dose: 300mg vs 250mg matters for NAD+ elevation
• Are an athlete: NSF Certified for Sport ensures no banned substances
• Prefer simple dosing: One capsule daily is more convenient
• Focus on value: Lower cost per milligram of NR
• Need higher-dose options: Can easily scale to 600-900mg daily

Ideal Tru Niagen Candidates

• Adults 40+ focused on NAD+ restoration
• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts concerned about purity
• Budget-conscious users wanting research-backed value
• Those new to NAD+ supplementation wanting a proven starting point

Who Should Choose Elysium Basis?

Elysium Basis is the better choice if you:

• Want a combination formula: NR + pterostilbene offers dual-action benefits
• Value scientific prestige: 8 Nobel laureates on advisory board
• Seek sirtuin activation: Pterostilbene directly activates longevity enzymes
• Prefer antioxidant support: Pterostilbene provides additional protection
• Would buy pterostilbene anyway: Combined formula offers convenience

Ideal Elysium Basis Candidates

• Adults interested in comprehensive longevity protocols
• Users who want sirtuins activated alongside NAD+ boosting
• Those seeking antioxidant benefits beyond pure NAD+ elevation
• People who value Nobel Prize-level scientific endorsement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Tru Niagen and Elysium Basis together?

There’s no safety concern with combining them, but it’s unnecessary. Both provide NR, so you’d be doubling your NAD+ precursor intake without proportional benefit. If you want both NR and pterostilbene, either take Basis alone or combine Tru Niagen with a standalone pterostilbene supplement.

How long until I notice benefits?

Most users report noticing effects within 2-4 weeks. Energy improvements are typically first, followed by better sleep and cognitive clarity over 4-8 weeks.

Should I take these in the morning or evening?

Morning dosing is recommended due to potential energizing effects. Taking NAD+ boosters late in the day may interfere with sleep for some individuals.

Do these products require a prescription?

No. Both Tru Niagen and Elysium Basis are dietary supplements available without prescription.

Are there better alternatives to both?

For pure NAD+ boosting, NMN supplements offer an alternative pathway. Some users prefer NMN for its more direct conversion to NAD+. See our guide on how to boost NAD+ naturally for additional strategies.

Final Verdict: Tru Niagen vs Elysium Basis

The Winner: Tru Niagen (8.3/10 vs 8.1/10)

For most users seeking a reliable NAD+ booster, Tru Niagen is our recommended choice. Here’s why:

1. Superior research backing: 30+ clinical studies vs 6+
2. Better value: $1.67/day vs $2.00/day (20% savings)
3. More NR per serving: 300mg vs 250mg (20% more active ingredient)
4. NSF Certified for Sport: Unmatched purity verification
5. Simpler dosing: One capsule vs two daily

When Elysium Basis Wins

Choose Elysium Basis if you specifically want:

• Pterostilbene’s sirtuin-activating benefits
• A combination formula in one product
• The prestige of Nobel Prize-winning scientists

Both are excellent products that will effectively boost your NAD+ levels. The margin between them is narrow, and either choice puts you ahead of not addressing age-related NAD+ decline.

Related Reading

• Tru Niagen Review: Full analysis of ChromaDex’s NAD+ booster
• Elysium Basis Review: Complete breakdown of the NR + pterostilbene formula
• NMN vs NR Comparison: How do these NR products compare to NMN alternatives?
• How to Boost NAD+ Naturally: Lifestyle strategies to enhance NAD+ alongside supplements
• Best NAD+ Supplements: Our complete rankings of NAD+ boosters

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, which helps support our research. All opinions are our own. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.