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Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of Vitamin B3 that serves as a building block for NAD+, a molecule found in every human cell. Because NAD+ cannot be consumed directly through food, the body must produce it by converting precursors like NR through natural metabolic processes.
But why does it matter? NAD+ is responsible for regulating many key bodily functions, including cellular energy production, DNA repair and collagen synthesis. As NAD+ levels decline with age, the body struggles to perform these functions as it once did. This manifests as fatigue, reduced stress resilience, aging skin and slower recovery from injuries or workouts.1
NR therapies like Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy and Niagen (NR) IM Shots are emerging as one of the best ways to replenish depleted NAD+ reserves. Research shows that boosting NAD+ levels with NAD-boosting molecules like Nicotinamide Riboside can significantly reduce markers of cellular aging, helping mitigate these health consequences before they arise or worsen.2,3
But is NR all it is cracked up to be? In this article, we examine the science behind it and how it can help you age well.
Highlights
- Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a Vitamin B3 precursor that is naturally converted into NAD+ in cells through several metabolic reactions.
- NR benefits from its ability to effectively boost NAD+ levels. It supports energy production, cognitive function and healthy sleep through enhanced cellular metabolism.
- Niagen (NR) offers superior NAD+ support compared with NAD+ IV or IM Shot Therapies. It enables 75% faster infusion times, higher-tolerated doses and fewer side effects.
- Restore prioritizes your comfort and safety above all else. That’s why Niagen (NR) IV Drip and Niagen (NR) IM Shot Therapies are administered by our Registered Nurse in a comfortable and supportive environment.
How Does NR Work in the Body: The NR to NAD+ Pathway
Because NAD+ is essential for cellular functions, our bodies rely on multiple biochemical pathways to synthesize NAD+ and maintain adequate levels. NR is utilized in the NAD+ salvage pathway, which accounts for 85% of total NAD+ production in mammals.4
How does it work? Most people unknowingly consume NR regularly through common foods like milk, avocado, bread, edamame and beer. These contain trace amounts of this nutrient, which is enough to support baseline NAD+ production. This is why they are recommended for increasing NAD+ levels naturally.
During digestion, the small intestine absorbs NR and transports it to the bloodstream, from where it reaches all cells. Here, specialized enzymes called NR kinases (NRK1 and NRK2) add a phosphate group to NR, converting it into nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
This phosphorylation step allows NMN to be recognized by the next enzyme, NMNAT, which converts NMN directly into NAD+ by combining it with adenosine monophosphate (AMP).
What is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that facilitates hundreds of cellular reactions. It enables enzymes like Sirtuins and Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) to transfer electrons, repair DNA and regulate metabolism—ensuring all cells are functioning optimally.5
Because NAD+ affects nearly all biological processes, directly or indirectly, maintaining adequate levels is critical to feeling your best every day. This becomes a challenge as we age. While our bodies can easily maintain normal NAD+ levels in our 20s, this changes in our 30s, when levels begin to drop significantly.
Depending on your genes and lifestyle, NAD+ levels in skin cells can fall by a colossal 68% between childhood and ages 30–50. Similarly, NAD+ in the brain can decline by 10-20% between the ages of 20 and 60. That’s why boosting NAD+ through Niagen (NR) Therapy becomes essential at this stage to maintain skin resilience and cognitive clarity.
Benefits of NAD+ and Why Is NR So Important for the Body?
While Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) doesn’t do much by itself, its role in NAD+ production is quite noteworthy.
In fact, it might be the most superior Vitamin B3 precursor for NAD+. Preclinical studies found that NR supplementation boosted the liver’s NAD+ levels more than fourfold over baseline, markedly outperforming equivalent doses of nicotinamide (NAM) or nicotinic acid (NA).6
Most of the positive effects of NR can be attributed to this dramatic boost in NAD+ levels. Here are some science-backed benefits of NAD+:
- Increases energy levels by supporting cellular ATP production.1
- Enhance learning, memory and overall cognitive function.7
- Supports healthy sleep by maintaining the circadian rhythm.9
- Reduces markers of inflammation across the body.8
- Promotes skin health by stimulating collagen production and regeneration.8
- Aids in faster recovery by facilitating DNA repair and maintaining tissue integrity.8
Nicotinamide Riboside Delivery: Oral vs IV Therapy vs IM Shot
While Nicotinamide Riboside can be obtained through supplements, it must undergo digestion to be available to the cells. This reduces its bioavailability and effectiveness at raising NAD+ levels, as our cells are only able to use up to 20% of the NR consumed.
There’s also a common misconception that food alone can counter NAD+ depletion. This isn’t necessarily true—food contains such trace amounts of NR that you would need to consume inhuman amounts for any significant boost.
Let’s take cow’s milk as an example. A study found that cow’s milk contains roughly 1.1 mg of NR per litre.10 With this estimate, you’d need to drink 455 litres (about 120 gallons) of cow’s milk to get 500 mg of NR—the same amount delivered in a single Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy session.
In comparison, Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy and IM Shots bypass the digestion process entirely, allowing for 100% bioavailability. Plus, you can receive up to 1000 mg of NR safely via IV Drips under professional supervision at Restore.
Here’s a quick table that can help you decide what’s the best option for you:
Get the wellness support you deserve. Book a session of Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy or Niagen (NR) IM Shots at Restore today.
NR vs. NAD+: Why Niagen (NR) Therapy is Superior to NAD+
While NAD+ IV Therapy and NAD+ IM Shots offer similar benefits, Niagen (NR) is definitely superior.
As a natural precursor to NAD+, NR is better tolerated in the body than active compounds of NAD+ itself. This allows for a 75% faster infusion time and fewer side effects, such as nausea or headaches. This is why you can receive more Niagen (NR) in one session (up to 1000 mg) than NAD+ (up to 750 mg).
Is Nicotinamide Riboside Safe?
Niagen (NR), the patented form of Nicotinamide Riboside that we use at Restore, has the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status for food and supplements from the FDA.
Clinical studies also suggest that even high doses (3000 mg) of NR are typically well tolerated by adults with few to no side effects.11 As one of the pioneers of NR treatments in the US, we take the strictest safety precautions possible—which is why we only use up to one-third of this dosage in our therapies.
Who Can Benefit Most from NR Support?
Due to NAD+’s impact on cellular health, Niagen (NR) Therapy is suited for anyone who cares about looking and feeling their best.
Whether you’re an athlete who needs quicker post-workout recovery, a person who wants to reduce signs of aging or a busy professional looking to manage stress effectively, Niagen (NR) Therapy can support your wellness goals wonderfully.
Some clients use Niagen (NR) Therapy specifically before or after periods of chronic stress to reduce inflammation, boost energy levels and strengthen their immune response. Reasons include extended periods of travel, marathons, hiking, rock climbing or mountaineering.
Take Megan Rath, for instance. When Megan was planning to conquer Mount Manaslu, she knew she had to make flexibility and mobility a priority—so she turned to Restore therapies like Niagen (NR) Therapy, IV Drip Therapy, Cryotherapy and Red Light Therapy in between workouts. She credits these Restore therapies with helping her push through this challenge, despite her knee injuries.
What Your Niagen (NR) Therapy Experience Feels Like at Restore
We have taken great care to curate our Niagen (NR) Therapy to be comfortable and safe for all adults. Whether you choose an IV Drip or an IM Shot, you’ll be guided by our Registered Nurses throughout the sessions. Your job is to just sit back and relax.
What to Expect During a Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy Session
Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy delivers pharmaceutical-grade NR directly into your bloodstream with a small catheter. Studies suggest that this is the most direct way to receive NAD+ for powerful benefits.12
If this is your first time using this therapy, you’ll start with a Telemedicine consultation with a Nurse Practitioner. We encourage you to be open about your wellness goals and health history so you can receive the right advice. They’ll also be happy to suggest other Restore therapies or lifestyle changes that can help you, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
Once you’re ready to begin, our Registered Nurse will take your vital signs and usher you into a comfortable room for your session. Only the insertion may hurt for a second—the rest of the session is pretty relaxing. Many clients use the 30-45 minute session to catch up on work or to listen to books, podcasts or music for company.
What to Expect During a Niagen (NR) IM Shot Appointment
First-time Niagen (NR) IM Shot appointments begin like most Restore medical services do—with a Telemedicine consultation with a Nurse Practitioner to ensure sessions are tailored to your health history and goals.
After your vital signs are taken, you’ll receive a free Cryotherapy session for 2-3 minutes to help prep the area for the injection. Our Registered Nurse will then administer the shot directly into the gluteal muscle for immediate bioavailability in the blood.
The whole process (including Cryotherapy prep) takes about 15 minutes—an excellent option if you don’t have time to commit to IV Drips or need targeted support.
Which one should you choose? Both Niagen (NR) IV Drips and IM Shots provide efficient, professionally guided ways to support your body’s NAD+ levels. The trade-off is usually between efficiency and session time, so it comes down to personal preference. You can receive up to 4000 mg of Niagen (NR) within 28 days from either therapy, so choose one that best fits your schedule.
Ready to turn back the clock on cellular aging? Book a Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy or Niagen (NR) IM Shots session today.’
FAQs
1. Is NR the same as NAD+?
No, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is not NAD+ itself. It is a precursor that the body naturally converts into NAD+.
As NR follows the body’s natural metabolic pathways to make NAD+, it has better uptake in our cells compared to using NAD+ directly through supplements or therapies, resulting in better absorption and typically fewer side effects.
2. How long does NR stay in the body?
NR is rapidly absorbed and converted into NAD+ through normal cellular processes. While it does not remain in the body for long, it boosts NAD+ levels for several weeks, depending on factors like delivery method, dosage and individual metabolism.
3. Is NR better than NMN?
NR and NMN are both precursors to NAD+, but they differ in how they are absorbed and metabolized in the body. Nicotinamide Riboside has been more extensively studied in humans, with strong evidence supporting its safety, bioavailability and effectiveness in raising NAD+ levels—that’s why we prefer using it at Restore.
4. Can NR be combined with other Restore therapies?
Niagen (NR) IV Drip Therapy or Niagen (NR) IM Shots can be safely combined with other Restore therapies.
Many clients prefer adding NR as an Add-On for their existing IV Drip Therapy schedule to enhance overall benefits. If you’re using NR to address skin health, circulation issues or athletic recovery, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna and Cryotherapy also offer complementary benefits. Ask our Registered Nurses whether using a combination of these therapies alongside Niagen (NR) Therapy can help you achieve your wellness goals more effectively over the long term.
