Topics Covered
As NAD+ supplements flood the market with promises of enhanced energy, longevity, and cellular health, a critical question remains unanswered: Is there any clinical evidence that direct oral NAD+ supplementation actually works? The troubling reality is that despite the growing popularity of these products, there are no published human clinical studies demonstrating that oral NAD+ supplementation increases NAD+ levels in the body.
This scientific gap was recently highlighted in a self-regulatory proceeding by the National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which confirmed what researchers have long known: "There did not appear to be any human clinical studies on the oral ingestion of NAD+, whether liposomal or otherwise."
The Missing Evidence on Oral NAD+ Supplements
The fundamental issue is one of bioavailability—NAD+ is a large, unstable molecule that cannot effectively cross cell membranes intact. Before your body can use it, NAD+ must be broken down into smaller precursor molecules outside the cell, making direct supplementation an inefficient approach at best.
Even products marketed as "liposomal NAD+" face significant challenges. While liposomes are designed to enhance absorption, NAD+ is highly unstable in the liquid environment required for true liposomal formulations. Dried or powdered liposomal products often break down during manufacturing, undermining their intended benefits. Without clinical studies backing these products, consumers are left paying premium prices for supplements that may deliver little to no benefit.
What Science Actually Supports: Niagen® NR and Other NAD+ Precursors
At Tru Niagen, we believe consumers deserve better. Our parent company, Niagen Bioscience, is backed by a 25+ year legacy of research, transparency, and quality, and world-leading expertise in NAD+ precursor research and development.
Rather than marketing unproven NAD+ products, we've focused on what the science actually supports: NAD+ precursors. While various precursors exist—including NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)—not all are created equal.
Unlike NMN, which must first convert to NR before entering cells (then back to NMN inside the cell), NR enters cells directly via specialized transporters—making it a more efficient pathway.
Patented Niagen® NR (nicotinamide riboside)—the key ingredient in Tru Niagen—is a smaller, stable molecule that efficiently enters cells and is backed by 35+ published, peer-reviewed clinical studies. Niagen is clinically proven to safely and effectively raise NAD+ levels in human blood and tissues.
Why Clinical Evidence Matters When Choosing the NAD+ Precursor Supplement for You
The difference between oral NAD+ supplements and proven NAD+ precursors like NR comes down to evidence. While NAD+ products lack the clinical backing to support their health claims, NR has decades of research demonstrating its bioavailability and efficacy. This is why transparency and scientific rigor matter—especially in a rapidly growing market where consumers are increasingly vulnerable to misleading claims and influencer-driven hype.
To learn more about why NAD+ can't be taken directly and which NAD+ precursors are actually backed by clinical evidence, read our comprehensive guide on AboutNAD.com.
When it comes to supporting your cellular health and healthy aging, choose products backed by published human clinical studies, third-party testing, and transparent quality standards—not just wellness buzzwords and marketing promises.