Nicotinamide Riboside side effects

In a clinical study, researchers found that a daily dose of 500 mg Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) led to an average increase in NAD⁺ levels of 90% after four weeks compared with the placebo group. Such figures are striking, but they also raise logical questions: is NR actually safe? Are there side effects? And what do people who already use it think?

In this article, we look at possible side effects, share users’ experiences, and discuss what the science so far says about the safety of NR. This way, you can make an informed choice.

What is Nicotinamide Riboside good for?

Nicotinamide Riboside is a form of vitamin B3² and a direct precursor of NAD⁺¹. This coenzyme is found in all your cells and is involved in hundreds of processes, from energy production to DNA repair³.

In research, increasing NAD⁺ levels is associated with:

• Better energy balance in cells
• Support for cellular repair
• Possibly slowing age-related decline⁴
  
  

Because NAD⁺ levels decline as you get older, more and more people, from athletes to biohackers, are looking at NR as a way to counter this decline.

Nicotinamide Riboside side effects

The good news: multiple human studies show that NR is generally well tolerated, even at higher doses. No serious side effects have been found in healthy adults who used NR within the recommended amounts.

However, some users report mild, temporary complaints such as:

• Fatigue or a slightly sluggish feeling
• Nausea or an unsettled stomach
• Headache
• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
  
  

These complaints are not common and usually go away on their own if you stop or lower the dose. Because everyone reacts differently, it’s wise to stay alert to signals from your body.

What do scientific studies say about safety?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed NR chloride and concluded that it is safe for healthy adults when used up to 300 mg per day in food supplements⁶. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, a maximum of 230 mg per day is recommended.

In a clinical study in middle-aged and older adults, 1000 mg of NR per day for eight weeks led to a significant increase in NAD⁺ levels, without serious side effects⁵. Most participants reported no complaints at all.

Preclinical animal research also found no serious safety issues, although it remains important to be cautious about directly translating animal results to humans.

Who should not use Nicotinamide Riboside?

Although NR is considered safe for most healthy adults, there are groups for whom caution is advised:

• Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding – use only in consultation with a doctor
• People with liver conditions – due to the role of vitamin B3 in the liver
• People taking medication – especially medications that affect the liver
  
  

Not sure? Always consult a medical professional before you start.