Key Points

• NR supplementation significantly increased NAD+ levels

• Blood pressure was reduced in the NR group

• The health and function of blood vessels improved in the group taking NR

Study Overview

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 52 adults aged 50 and older with elevated blood pressure (systolic BP ≥120 mmHg).

Participants received either 1,000 mg/day of NR or a placebo for 3 months.

Researchers measured NAD+ levels, blood pressure, and vascular endothelial function—an indicator of blood vessel health—before and after the intervention.

NAD+ Levels Increased Significantly with NR

Supplementation with NR increased NAD+ levels: 

• NR group: from 20 ± 2 µM to 42 ± 6 µM

• Placebo group: no significant change (22 ± 1 µM to 25 ± 3 µM)

Heart Health Benefits Observed Only in NR Group

Heart Health Improved with NR Supplementation

• Blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) decreased in the group taking nicotinamide riboside, but not in the placebo group.

• Blood vessel health: The ability of blood vessels to function properly, which is important for good circulation, improved in those taking nicotinamide riboside (p=0.044), but not in those taking the placebo.

Conclusion

 

Three months of daily NR supplementation boosted NAD+ levels and led to measurable improvements in blood pressure and blood vessel health in older adults with elevated systolic blood pressure. 

These findings suggest that NR may be a promising nutritional strategy for supporting cardiovascular health with age.

Dr. Rebecca Crews

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Leading the company’s engagement in transformative research. She is committed to scientific integrity in the health and wellness space and data transparency with consumers.

She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition from Tufts University and has over ten years of nutrition science research experience, exploring various dimensions of human well-being in academic and government laboratories.