Niacel 400 by Thorne

If you’re looking for how to raise NAD+ levels for energy and healthy aging, nicotinamide riboside is the most studied oral option. It’s a fit for adults in their 30s and beyond with steady fatigue, high training loads, or frequent travel and shift work. If your Homocysteine (an amino acid tied to methylation and cardiovascular risk) runs high, the added betaine helps buffer the methylation demand NR can create.

Nicotinamide riboside converts inside cells to NAD+ (the coenzyme that fuels mitochondria and DNA-repair enzymes). Higher NAD+ supports sirtuins (cell-maintenance enzymes) and PARPs (DNA repair proteins), which collectively improve cellular energy handling. Unlike niacin, NR doesn’t cause flushing. Including betaine (trimethylglycine) matters because NR metabolism uses methyl groups, which can nudge Homocysteine up in some people; betaine donates methyl groups and helps keep that in check.

Take one capsule once or twice daily, with or without food. Morning is practical for energy; if using two, split AM and mid-day. Trials typically use 300–1,000 mg/day and show blood NAD+ rises within 2–4 weeks. This dose is in that clinical range. NR doesn’t require pairing with food, and it won’t cause a niacin flush. Recheck Homocysteine after 4–8 weeks if it’s been high or borderline.

Skip or use only with clinician guidance if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, have active cancer, or are in treatment where altering NAD+ could affect therapy. If your Homocysteine is elevated despite the included betaine, add B12 and folate if low on labs, or reconsider dosing. Severe kidney or liver disease warrants a conversation with your physician before starting.