Niagen Review: Does It Really Work?

There are too many better-skin pills in the market that promise a younger looking skin.

Nevertheless, only a few provide long-lasting results.

Is Niagen one of them?

Niagen is commonly known as ‘the fountain of youth’, with anti-aging effects, reducing age cell by almost 66 percent.

It benefits the body through the following ways:

• Increases cellular communication in mind and body.
• Boosts metabolism.
• Better cardiovascular health and cognitive functioning.
• More muscle endurance.
• Prevents bronchial inflammation.
• Improves the effectiveness of insulin.

We sought to find out more about this supplement, to give you a clear understanding and provide detailed information.

Let’s get started on our Niagen Review.

Niagen is a dietary supplement that contains Nicotinamide Riboside (a unique form of Vitamin B3) that raises Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide( NAD+) levels which are linked to a slower aging process.

NAD is naturally found in all living cells but may decline due to various factors significantly contributing to the aging process.

This supplement is the first commercial form of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) available.

It is manufactured by a company known as ChromaDex. It offers licenses to third-party companies to package and distribute this product.

It is designed to reduce the effects of aging as well as reprogram cells to work like they are younger.

ChromaDex claims there are three human clinical trials on Niagen and about 100 preclinical studies that have shown positive effects.

FDA has also carried out two reviews on the safety of Niagen.

The manufacturer states that Niagen is free from preservatives, flavor, colors, gluten, caffeine, nuts, and animal byproducts.

Let’s have a detailed look at its ingredients:

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

This is the only active ingredient in Niagen.

NR acts as a precursor to NAD+.

When transformed to NAD+, it facilitates the transfer of electrons within molecules, which is crucial during energy production.

NAD+ maintains the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) and enhances its functioning, which in turn improves the performance of all cells in the body.

A depleted mitochondrion results in lower energy levels as the body ages.

Aging results in poor communication between the nucleus (central part of the cell) and its mitochondria leading to:

• Wrinkled skin.
• Fatigue.
• Weakened muscles and general lower body mass.
• Detrimental cognitive function in the elderly such as dementia.
• Low moods.

Additionally, when it changes to NAD+, it boosts molecule cyclic ADP-ribose, a body messenger, that enhances communication in and out of cells.

A 2014 study that examined the effects of nicotinamide riboside dosage on middle-aged and the elderly found that it had anti-aging agents and improved general health.

Other ingredients

Niagen has inactive elements.

• Hypromellose (vegetarian capsule): Hypromellose is used to ensure the capsules are animal product-free and preservative-free. It is obtained from a variety of plants.
• Microcrystalline Cellulose: It is used as a binding agent to ensure that the nicotinamide riboside dose takes the smallest space. Also, it is used for texture in foods.

When taken, the nicotinamide riboside present in Niagen is changed to NAD thus increasing its levels in the body.

To understand the concept of NAD+ in the body, you need to read this in-depth explanation.

The body depends on this co-enzyme to fuel all the vital functions. It majorly facilitates the transfer of energy to the cells from the food consumed.

However, aging leads to a decrease in NAD levels leading to distorted communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus in a cell.

This results in lower mitochondrial levels and reduced functionality which in return leads to aging effects and diseases.

Thus, Niagen comes in to increase the levels of NAD+, restoring communication thus reducing mitochondria depletion. This automatically reverses the aging process.

It claims to do the following:

• Inhibit age-related brain deterioration by stopping the degeneration of nerve cells that transmit information.
• Increases metabolism and energy levels without changing diet.
• Promotes healthy levels of cholesterol.
• Reduce cancer risk.
• Hinder cellular damage.
• Treat mitochondrial myopathies: they are degenerative diseases that affect neuromuscular functions in the body.

The recommended daily dose is 2 capsules of Niagen which should be taken in the morning.

It can be accompanied with food or taken on an empty stomach.

The capsules should be consumed with a glass of water.

However, it does not have any risk of overdosing unless extreme levels are taken.

Niagen is branded safe by the manufacturer without any risks.

However, some consumers have reported various side effects.

This is what some had to say on Amazon.

Tong Duong MD expressed his concern on irregular heartbeats and muscle cramping:

After about a month, I experienced some pressure on my chest and checked my pulse, which became irregular […] I also experienced cramping at times in my calf muscles during my routine 3 mile runs.

Things got worse after another 2 months. Then he decided to drop these pills.

I stopped Niagen, and the irregular heart beats resolved after two days. I searched literatures and found an article in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Jan. 2008 issue, that linked nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotides (NAD) to atrial fibrillation. I don’t have any further information about Niagen; so this is just my personal experience.

SRG reported having trouble concentrating:

I have now tried this product twice and I get what I call “brain fog”. I have trouble concentrating while taking the product. Plus, it appears to have adverse impact on strength while completing resistance training.

Hollis Hanover added that Niagen affected his libido levels:

But….my libido dropped dead. No desire, no erections. […] I quit the Niagen and everything went back to normal (for me). I have no criticism of the product, but my particular side effect was not my cup of tea.

Niagen has been on the receiving end of both positive and negative reviews.

From 299 customer reviews on Amazon, 64 % has given it an overall rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 stars.

Let’s start with the positive ones.

Ryan N. experienced fading of solar lentigo and increased energy levels after only six weeks of use. Here is what he had to say on Amazo.

After 6 weeks, I noticed my solar lentigo (those brown spots we get from the sun/age) completely faded […] I also feels like it gives me more energy like shot of espresso without the buzz. I’m looking forward to larger human studies getting published!

J.P. added:

This supplement is incredible. My blood sugar has gone down, so has my cholesterol, I have much more energy, and I just feel great. I’m certain all of this is due to the increase in NAD, which TRU NIAGEN is providing. I could not recommend this more!

Here are the negative ones on Amazon:

Michael K reports:

I bought the 3 bottle pack thinking that I would give this product a chance to work. After 1.5 bottles following the directions explicitly, I did not feel any improvement in energy or any other positive effect. Since I stopped taking the product, I did not notice any change in my energy levels.

Kathleen Mahoney had this to say:

I didn’t notice any difference. I took it for two months as directed and felt no improvements in any areas.

Niagen can be found on the official website: truniagen.com.

See below how the official site looks like.

The manufacturer offers a 30-day money back guarantee on products that have not been used and have the original factory seal.

Niagen has the potential to change how we age through increasing NAD+ levels in the body.

However, it lacks sufficient evidence on its claims despite having 4 published human trials, thus, more studies are needed.

All the same, we cannot fail to notice that it has received many positive online testimonials, which could hint some truth in what it does.

Caution should be exercised with all supplements, especially, if you have an underlying medical condition.

Niagen yields different effects among consumers, so approach this with an open mind.

We laid out the facts, will you buy Niagen? Comment below and tell us what you think!

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