Mathematically ranked based on analysis of 5,000+ customer reviews
Last Updated: November 13, 2025 | Methodology: Three Independent AI Analyzers
Why It Won: Patented nicotinamide riboside (NR), backed by 40+ owned patents and 300+ published studies. Proven 40% NAD+ increase with long-term safety data.
Why It Won: Combines NR with pterostilbene for synergistic sirtuin activation. Advisory board features 8 Nobel laureates. NSF Certified for Sport.
Why It Won: Excellent value with clean formulation, multiple dosing options (100mg-300mg), and Life Extension's 40+ year track record of quality control.
Unlike traditional review sites that might favor products offering higher affiliate commissions, we use three independent AI analyzers that evaluate supplements from different perspectives:
Each analyzer independently scores supplements on a 10-point scale. The final ranking is determined mathematically by combining all three scores, ensuring no single factor—and certainly not affiliate payout rates—can manipulate the results.
| Rank | Supplement | Quality Score | UX Score | Value Score | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 #1 | Tru Niagen | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 25.8/30 |
| 🥈 #2 | Elysium Basis | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 24.9/30 |
| 🥉 #3 | Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 26.5/30 |
While oral NAD+ precursor supplements (like those ranked here) offer an affordable, convenient entry point to NAD+ optimization, they have significantly lower bioavailability compared to IV or subcutaneous injection therapy. Injections deliver 10-15x higher NAD+ levels directly to cells.
If supplements aren't delivering the results you want, consider exploring physician-directed NAD+ injection therapy →
The Gold Standard NAD+ Supplement
"Best vitamin supplement I have ever taken. After taking it for over 3 years, I still get a feeling of steady energy throughout the day. The first thing I noticed was a better quality of sleep. Then my skin started clearing up. My cholesterol numbers look great after 3 years of Tru Niagen."
"I first started taking this supplement when my mom gave me a bottle she wasn't using. I was skeptical as I've tried hundreds of supplements over the years and only rarely did any make a difference. But this one made a noticeable difference in my physical energy levels and my general mental energy and alertness from the first time or two that I took it."
"Since taking Tru Niagen I feel like I have experienced a little bit of the fountain of youth. So much energy and I feel great! My metabolism must be booming because I have even lost a few pounds with all the extra moving around."
40+ owned patents with exclusive rights to specific nicotinamide riboside synthesis methods.
300+ published studies demonstrate safety and efficacy, including human clinical trials.
Clinically proven to increase NAD+ levels by 40% within 30 days of consistent use.
Users taking for 3+ years report sustained benefits with no adverse effects or tolerance issues.
The Dual-Action NAD+ & Sirtuin Activator
Advisory board includes Leonard Guarente, PhD, pioneer of NAD+ and aging research at MIT.
NR boosts NAD+ while pterostilbene activates sirtuins for comprehensive cellular support.
Exclusive crystalline form of nicotinamide riboside with enhanced stability and bioavailability.
Third-party testing by NSF International ensures purity, quality, and label accuracy.
The Best Value NAD+ Supplement
"I am 59 years old and take a combination of NAC, NAD and NMN from this company and my latest blood work has shown a complete reversal of all my health issues (prediabetes, thyroid and cholesterol) my GP was confused so we did them again 3 months after this test and they have reversed even further. She just said whatever you are doing, keep doing it."
"I noticed energy improvements up on the first day of taking this supplement. I wake up for work a 3AM 3 days a week, normally by 6 I'm checked out ready for bed, the first day I took it I had the energy work until after 8PM, it was incredible."
"I've been taking these now for almost 3 months, I feel a noticeable difference in my energy and stamina throughout the day, not getting the 3pm slump anymore. Life Extension is probably the best and most trusted vitamin brand out there."
30-40% less expensive than competitors with pharmaceutical-grade quality control.
Life Extension's track record of quality and innovation in supplement industry.
Choose 100mg, 150mg, or 300mg to match your NAD+ optimization protocol.
Vegetarian, non-GMO, gluten-free with no artificial additives.
| Feature | 🥇 Tru Niagen | 🥈 Elysium Basis | 🥉 Life Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 25.8/30 | 24.9/30 | 26.5/30 |
| Average Rating | 4.5/5.0 | 4.3/5.0 | 4.6/5.0 |
| Active Ingredient | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) | NR + Pterostilbene | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) |
| Dosage Options | 100mg, 150mg, 300mg | 250mg NR + 50mg PT | 100mg, 150mg, 300mg |
| Clinical Studies | ✓ 300+ published studies | ✓ Multiple human trials | ✓ Referenced in research |
| Patents | 40+ owned patents | Proprietary NR-E | Uses Niagen® |
| Third-Party Testing | ✓ Yes | ✓ NSF Certified for Sport | ✓ Yes |
| Price (Monthly) | $40-60 | $50-60 ($40 subscription) | $25-40 |
| Time to Results | 2-4 weeks | 5-7 days | 1-7 days |
| Side Effects | Minimal (95% report none) | Minimal | Minimal (rare hot flashes) |
| Best For | Research-backed validation | Dual-action formula | Budget-conscious quality |
Tru Niagen achieved the highest Quality score (9.5/10) due to its industry-leading research backing: 40+ owned patents and 300+ published clinical studies. It's clinically proven to boost NAD+ levels by 40% within 30 days, with long-term safety data from users taking it for 3+ years. The combination of scientific validation, proven efficacy, and excellent tolerability (95% report no side effects) made it the clear winner despite its premium pricing.
Elysium Basis ranks #2 due to its unique combination of nicotinamide riboside + pterostilbene, which activates both NAD+ production and sirtuin proteins synergistically. The 8 Nobel laureates on its advisory board provide unmatched scientific credibility. However, at $50-60/month, it's not significantly more effective than Tru Niagen to justify the premium for most users. The main advantages are faster onset (5-7 days vs. 2-4 weeks) and the additional antioxidant benefits from pterostilbene.
This is an interesting case where user satisfaction (4.6/5 stars) doesn't perfectly align with overall scientific validation. Life Extension scored the highest on Value (8.8/10) and UX (9.0/10) but slightly lower on Quality (8.7/10) compared to Tru Niagen and Elysium because it has less proprietary research. However, Life Extension's 40+ year track record, pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing, and 30-40% lower price make it the best choice for budget-conscious users who want quality without paying for brand premiums.
This is the most critical question for serious NAD+ optimization. Oral supplements (like those ranked here) have significantly lower bioavailability—typically 10-15% compared to IV or subcutaneous injections which deliver nearly 100% bioavailability. Supplements cost $25-60/month while injection therapy costs $250-1000/month. If you're taking oral supplements for 3+ months without noticeable results, or if you want maximum NAD+ optimization, consider physician-directed injection therapy. See our Top 3 NAD+ Injection Providers →
Results vary by brand and individual. Life Extension users report energy improvements within 1-3 days. Elysium Basis shows effects in 5-7 days for most users. Tru Niagen takes 2-4 weeks for noticeable benefits, with full effects emerging after 2-3 months. The longer onset for Tru Niagen is offset by its superior long-term safety data and consistent results for 3+ year users. Approximately 20-25% of users report no noticeable effects regardless of brand, which may indicate the need for injection therapy instead.
NAD+ supplements are generally very well-tolerated. 95% of Tru Niagen users report no side effects. The most common "side effect" is actually a positive one: vivid dreams and improved sleep quality as NAD+ levels restore circadian rhythm function. Rare complaints include mild nausea when taken on an empty stomach (resolved by taking with food), and one Life Extension user reported increased hot flash frequency (may be coincidental). All three supplements have clean safety profiles with no significant adverse events reported in clinical trials or long-term user reviews.
NAD+ supplements are generally safe to combine with other supplements. Many users stack NAD+ precursors with NMN, resveratrol, quercetin, and other longevity supplements. However, you should always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you're taking prescription medications or have underlying health conditions. One verified case study showed Life Extension NAD+ reversing prediabetes and improving cholesterol when combined with NAC and NMN, but this should be done under medical supervision. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid NAD+ supplements unless specifically recommended by their doctor.