Benefits and Side Effects of TRU NIAGEN (Nicotinamide Riboside)
TRU NIAGEN (nicotinamide riboside) has limited clinically relevant benefits for most people, with mild side effects reported in clinical studies, making it generally safe but of questionable therapeutic value.
What is TRU NIAGEN?
TRU NIAGEN contains nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 that serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an important coenzyme involved in cellular metabolism. NAD+ is required by over 400 enzymes in the body and plays roles in:
- Energy metabolism
- DNA creation and repair
- Cholesterol and fat synthesis
- Antioxidant effects 1
Demonstrated Benefits
Research on nicotinamide riboside shows:
- NAD+ Increase: NR supplementation dose-dependently increases whole blood NAD+ levels (by 22%, 51%, and 142% at doses of 100mg, 300mg, and 1000mg respectively) 2
- Maintenance of Effect: These increases are maintained with continued supplementation 2
- Potential Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some evidence suggests NR may help reduce inflammatory states 3
Limited Clinical Benefits
Despite the biochemical effects, clinical trials have shown:
- Few clinically relevant effects in humans 3
- No significant improvement in cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment 4
- No consistent improvements in metabolic health parameters 3
Safety Profile
TRU NIAGEN appears to have a favorable safety profile:
- Generally Well-Tolerated: Clinical studies show no significant differences in adverse events between NR and placebo groups 2
- No Flushing: Unlike traditional niacin (nicotinic acid), NR does not cause flushing 2
- No Lipid Disruption: Does not elevate LDL cholesterol or disrupt one-carbon metabolism 2
- No Effect on Glucose Metabolism: Does not appear to negatively impact glucose tolerance 2
Potential Side Effects
Based on animal and human studies, potential side effects may include:
- Mild Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users report digestive discomfort
- Slight Weight Decrease: A small but statistically significant decrease in body weight was observed in male rats at high doses (1,200 mg/kg/day) 5
- Possible Impact on Physical Performance: In one study, walking speed improved in the placebo group but not in the NR group, suggesting a potential interference with practice effects 4
Safety Considerations
Animal toxicity studies have established:
- A no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 300-500 mg/kg/day 6, 5
- At very high doses, potential target organs of toxicity include liver, kidney, ovaries, and testes 6
Dosing
Most clinical studies have used:
- 100-1000 mg per day of nicotinamide riboside 2
- Doses up to 1000 mg/day appear safe in short-term human studies 2, 4
Important Caveats
Limited Evidence: There is a tendency in the literature to exaggerate the importance and robustness of reported effects 3
Specific Populations: While generally safe, individuals with liver or kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before use
Not a Replacement: TRU NIAGEN should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medications
Regulatory Status: While recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in foods, long-term effects remain under investigation 2
Bottom Line
While TRU NIAGEN effectively increases NAD+ levels and appears generally safe, there is limited evidence for significant clinical benefits in most people. The supplement may have potential in specific conditions related to inflammation or NAD+ deficiency, but more research is needed to establish clear therapeutic applications.