What is Tru Niagen?
Tru Niagen is a supplement brand offering products centered around increasing levels of NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in your body. NAD+ plays essential roles in energy metabolism, DNA repair, inflammation regulation, and more.
As you age, levels of NAD+ decline significantly – as much as 50% by middle age compared to young adults [1]. Low NAD+ is associated with a range of age-related health issues from cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction to neurodegenerative problems.
The active ingredient in all Tru Niagen products is nicotinamide riboside (NR) – a natural precursor to NAD+ shown to effectively elevate NAD+ levels [2]. Founder Dr. Charles Brenner discovered NR‘s NAD+-boosting abilities in 2003 [3], paving the way for clinical testing on humans and eventual commercialization as Tru Niagen in 2017.
So in summary, Tru Niagen aims to increase the critical coenzyme NAD+ using supplement forms of NR in hopes of counteracting age-related conditions and promoting healthy longevity. But does the evidence stack up, and is it worth the cost? I‘ll analyze all aspects of Tru Niagen in depth in this review.
Pros and Cons of Tru Niagen
Here are the main advantages and potential downsides I found associated with Tru Niagen based on the ingredients, research, and reviews:
Pros:
- Backed by solid peer-reviewed scientific studies on NR [4]
- Very good safety profile with few reported side effects
- Greater bioavailability than the popular NAD+ precursor niacin [2]
- No major ingredient drawbacks or medical interactions
- Primarily positive feedback from users
- Professional website boasting scientific rigor
Cons:
- High cost compared to other supplements
- Oral NAD+ precursors have inconsistent results [5]
- Not always effective for healthy populations [6]
- Seems more like preventative measure than solution
- Long-term efficacy and optimal dosing unknowns [7]
So far the strong safety and promising NAD+-boosting abilities of NR make Tru Niagen worth considering in my view. But its premium pricing and some uncertainty around long-term benefits make me hesitant to fully endorse it until more randomized controlled trials are available.
Tru Niagen Ingredients
Here‘s a breakdown of the key ingredients found in Tru Niagen supplements:
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR):
The main active ingredient across all Tru Niagen products. NR is a natural form of vitamin B3 chemically similar to the popular supplement niacin. Multiple studies confirm NR effectively boosts NAD+ levels in humans [8]. Recommended doses of NR range from 100-300mg per day.
Cellulose:
Plant-derived ingredient used in the Tru Niagen capsule shells. Allows for vegetable capsules instead of gelatin.
Rice Flour:
Gluten-free grain used as an easy-to-digest filler and binder in the Tru Niagen capsules.
Silicon Dioxide:
Commonly used anti-caking agent to ensure consistent flow of capsule contents.
Magnesium Stearate:
A mineral and fat molecule utilized as a "flow agent" in supplement manufacturing. Feared as an unhealthy additive by some, but likely safe in small doses [9].
So overall a very clean, no-frills formula focused solely on the NR payload. No major red flags from an ingredients perspective.
Potential Tru Niagen Benefits
Based on the many roles of NAD+ and studies specifically using NR supplementation, here are some of the top ways Tru Niagen could potentially benefit health and aging:
Cardiovascular Support:
Human clinical studies show that daily NR intake benefits endothelial function (blood vessel flexibility), blood flow, and blood pressure – all key markers of cardiovascular health [10]. Other heart-related improvements seen with Tru Niagen include lower LDL cholesterol levels [11].
Metabolic Boost:
By enhancing mitochondria "health", NAD+ is critical for overall cellular energy metabolism. Multiple studies demonstrate NR supplementation helps regulate metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity and fatty acid mobilization [12].
DNA Protection:
One of NAD+‘s roles involves supporting DNA repair processes within cells. Animal research indicates NR protects against DNA damage accumulation from factors like radiation exposure [13]. So Tru Niagen could potentially safeguard genome integrity.
Cognitive Support:
Some compelling evidence shows that NR supplementation benefits neural stem cells in the hippocampus – a memory center of the brain prone to age-related atrophy [14]. Other studies show observable improvements in working memory and mental processing speed [15]. So Tru Niagen may help combat cognitive decline.
Muscle Performance:
Via better mitochondrial capacity and circulation, NR has been shown in initial trials to modestly improve some measures of exercise endurance like VO2 max in older adult groups [10]. But other studies show no enhancement for young athletic populations [6].
So in theory, Tru Niagen can target some of the body‘s major age-related trouble spots like the cardiovascular system, metabolism, cognition and muscle function – but individual results will surely vary.
Analyzing the Tru Niagen Range
Tru Niagen offers three supplement formats: capsules, softgels and convenient single-serve stick packs. Here‘s an overview of what you get from each:
Tru Niagen 300 mg Capsules
- 300mg nicotinamide riboside chloride per capsule
- 1 capsule daily dose
- 30, 60, 90 or 180 capsules per bottle
- $40-$230 price range
The standard Tru Niagen option provides a solid 300mg NR dose linked to NAD+-elevating effects [8]. At the low end, costs around $1.30 per day. No major cons beyond the pricing.
Tru Niagen 150 mg Capsules
- 150mg nicotinamide riboside chloride per capsule
- 2 capsule daily dose (300mg total NR)
- 60 or 120 capsules per bottle
- $44-$88 price range
Essentially the same 300mg daily NR intake as the standard capsules, just split into two smaller ones. This lowers cost slightly (around $0.70-0.75 per day), but you need to take more capsules.
Tru Niagen Single-Serve Stick Packs
- 300mg nicotinamide riboside chloride per stick pack
- 1 stick pack daily dose
- 30 stick packs per box
- $54 per box
The stick pack format offers convenience and portability over capsules.simply mix into any beverage. Drawbacks are higher cost per dose ($1.80 per day) and potential messiness.
So Tru Niagen offers flexibility in format to suit different budgets and lifestyles. But the single ingredient NR means benefits should be consistent across the product line.
Who Is Tru Niagen For?
While evidence suggests NR could help enhance NAD+ activity levels at any age, Tru Niagen seems optimally targeted towards:
- Middle-aged and older adults seeking preventative health measures for improved longevity odds [16].
- Individuals with obesity, metabolic dysfunction, or cardiovascular issues [17].
- People experiencing mild cognitive decline but still largely healthy [18].
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts trying to maximize cellular energy despite advancing age [10].
Younger or already healthy people are less likely to get results from Tru Niagen. And those with advanced chronic illness may not find NR supplementation sufficient for disease treatment on its own. As always, consult your physician before starting any new dietary supplement like Tru Niagen.
Tru Niagen Side Effects
I found no reports of dangerous or consistently troubling side effects from Tru Niagen supplements. This aligns with research noting excellent safety and tolerability of NR even at mega-doses of 2000mg-3000mg and beyond [19].
But some users do mention temporary issues like mild nausea, headaches or fatigue – likely from adjusting to higher NAD+ turnover. These seem to resolve within days or weeks of continued usage.
Of course, talk to your doctor before taking Tru Niagen if pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or have existing health conditions. Anyone experiencing severe side effects should discontinue use.
Expert & Scientific Opinion on Tru Niagen
Doctors and researchers paint a cautiously optimistic picture when it comes to nicotinamide riboside supplements like Tru Niagen.
Mayo Clinic nutritionist Dr. Donald Hensurd acknowledges NAD+ precursor molecules appear "generally safe", but more research is still needed to verify whether increasing NAD+ levels actually results in clinical benefits or enhanced longevity [20].
A 2019 review also called current data "insufficient to make a reliable conclusion" about efficacy, while stating larger scale, multi-year studies on NR are warranted based on initial study findings [21].
And a 2020 paper stressed that definitive evidence is still lacking when it comes to translating improved NAD+ bioavailability from animal research on NR over to measurable anti-aging effects in humans long-term [22].
So the consensus seems to be that NR and Tru Niagen remain exciting, yet require more randomized controlled trials to clarify optimal dosing strategies and quantify real-world health impacts before gaining full endorsement from the medical establishment.
Tru Niagen vs. Other NAD+ Boosters
The main Tru Niagen competitor is fellow NR supplement manufacturer Elysium Health and their Basis dietary supplement. Other options like niacin (vitamin B3) also help increase NAD+ levels indirectly but often have more side effects.
Here‘s how Tru Niagen stacks up against the top alternatives:
Elysium Health Basis
- Same NR ingredient as Tru Niagen but paired with pterostilbene antioxidant
- Marginally lower NR dose at 250mg daily
- More expensive at $50+ per month supply
- Geared for anti-aging like Tru Niagen
High-Dose Niacin
- Increases NAD+ indirectly rather than direct NAD+ precursor
- Much greater side effect risk like "niacin flush"
- Typically not as well-tolerated as NR
- Boosts HDL cholesterol uniquely
- Far cheaper than Tru Niagen
So Tru Niagen occupies a nice spot between the premium-priced Basis and the harsher niacin when it comes to balancing safety, efficacy and affordability.
What Customers Say About Tru Niagen
Feedback on Tru Niagen across retail sites like Amazon and the company website skews very positive overall:
- Amazon – 4.3 out of 5 stars (9000+ ratings)
- Company Site – 4.6 out of 5 stars (300+ ratings)
The most common praise given includes:
- Noticed increased energy levels within weeks
- Improved ability to push harder during workouts
- Better sleep quality
- Enhanced mental clarity and reduction in "brain fog"
- Skin, hair and nails looking healthier
Meanwhile, the most recurring complaints cite:
- Capsules too large / hard to swallow
- Haven‘t observed any measurable effects
- Causing mild nausea initially
- Too expensive given questionable efficacy
So while experiences vary quite a bit, the majority of Tru Niagen users rate it extremely effective based on consumer sentiment.
Is Tru Niagen Worth Buying?
Tru Niagen‘s ingredient nicotinamide riboside appears useful for safely elevating NAD+ levels in a targeted manner backed by research. And ample anecdotal reports argue it also produces tangible benefits related to energy, cognition, endurance and wellbeing.
However, current clinical evidence isn‘t yet solid enough to guarantee robust anti-aging effects in humans or determine ideal dosing protocols. So despite its strong safety profile, you‘re taking a bit of a leap of faith given Tru Niagen’s premium pricing.
In the end, Tru Niagen does seem like a promising supplement worth trying based on the existing science around NR and NAD+ biology. But managing expectations and coupling it with comprehensive lifestyle measures may be wise until more definitive clinical data emerges.
Those on a budget or expecting disease treatment may want to hold off for now. But people already proactively supporting healthy longevity that can afford Tru Niagen supplements can likely benefit with few drawbacks or health risks if used properly.
Where to Buy Tru Niagen
Tru Niagen is available for purchase directly through the manufacturer website TruNiagen.com, along with Amazon and some specialty supplement retailers like Life Extension.
The Official Tru Niagen Website
- All three product formats available (capsules, softgels, stick packs)
- Subscriber savings and free shipping on US orders
- 30-day money back return policy (unopened only)
- Helpful educational resources on NAD+ biology
Amazon
- Just the capsule options in stock (150mg and 300mg)
- Discounted pricing compared to website
- Free shipping with Prime membership
- Can view other customer reviews easily
I recommend buying directly from TruNiagen.com if the cost difference is minor just to show support for ongoing NR research efforts. But snagging Tru Niagen on sale via Amazon when prices drop also makes good financial sense.
The Last Word on Tru Niagen
Tru Niagen deserves strong consideration as an investment into optimizing long-term health using a science-backed ingredient like nicotinamide riboside. Just be realistic about projected benefits given the current state of evidence.
While not necessarily a cure-all solution on its own, Tru Niagen as part of a proactive anti-aging regimen focused on lifestyle seems smart. After evaluating all aspects of this novel NAD+ booster, I can recommend at least experimenting with Tru Niagen supplements to see if the benefits manifest for you personally.
Just try not to get swayed by all the incredible hype and promises surrounding anti-aging niche products too easily before the more definitive clinical data comes through. But used responsibly and reasonably, Tru Niagen looks poised to help promote general wellness during aging‘s later stages.
