Nicotinamide Riboside: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview: Nicotinamide riboside is a form of nicotinamide, or vitamin B3, that is used to increase vitamin B3 levels. Although it is also used for other reasons, its benefits are not well defined. Nicotinamide riboside seems to be well tolerated, but there is not enough research to know what side effects it may cause. Before taking nicotinamide riboside, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is nicotinamide riboside used for?

Nicotinamide riboside is commonly used to increase the levels of nicotinamide (vitamin B3). It is also used for other reasons, but its benefits for these uses are not well defined. Note: The FDA has not reviewed nicotinamide riboside for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does nicotinamide riboside work (mechanism of action)?

Nicotinamide riboside is a form of nicotinamide, or vitamin B3. When you take nicotinamide riboside, it increases your levels of nicotinamide. Every 100 mg of nicotinamide riboside provides about 42 mg of nicotinamide. Your body turns nicotinamide into another chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Your cells use NAD+ and a similar chemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and hydrogen (NADH) to make energy. NAD+ and NADH may also play an important role in how your cells age. Taking nicotinamide riboside can help increase your levels of NAD+. Some people claim that higher levels of NAD+ may increase energy levels and slow down the effects of aging. But the benefits of nicotinamide riboside and higher NAD+ levels are not well defined.

How should I store nicotinamide riboside?

You should store nicotinamide riboside according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of nicotinamide riboside?

Nicotinamide riboside seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you. There may be side effects of nicotinamide riboside that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of nicotinamide riboside?

While less common, the most serious side effects of nicotinamide riboside are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Nicotinamide riboside may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking nicotinamide riboside and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use nicotinamide riboside?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take nicotinamide riboside.

• Niacinamide
• Nicotinamide
• Nicotinamide riboside (NR)
• Vitamin B3
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific nicotinamide riboside products they stock.

What should I know about nicotinamide riboside before using it?

Nicotinamide riboside is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep nicotinamide riboside out of the reach of children. Nicotinamide riboside is a form of vitamin B3. Many other chemicals can also increase vitamin B3 levels, including niacinamide, nicotinamide, nicotinic acid, niacin, and tryptophan. These chemicals are not the same and can have different effects and side effects in the body. Read the product label carefully to see which ingredients it contains. The FDA has not tested nicotinamide riboside products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using nicotinamide riboside?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if nicotinamide riboside is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Other Medicines and Supplements. Nicotinamide riboside may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking nicotinamide riboside, tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. Pregnancy. It is not known if or how nicotinamide riboside could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding. It is not known if nicotinamide riboside passes into breast milk, but vitamin B3 passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does nicotinamide riboside interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between nicotinamide riboside and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect nicotinamide riboside.

Does nicotinamide riboside interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using a medicine, vitamin, or supplement containing niacin, nicotinic acid, nicotinamide, or niacinamide before taking nicotinamide riboside. The interactions between nicotinamide riboside and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with nicotinamide riboside is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking nicotinamide riboside with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much nicotinamide riboside?

If you or someone else has used too much nicotinamide riboside, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take nicotinamide riboside safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.