Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) are often mentioned together, but they’re not the same thing. NR is a precursor that your body converts into NAD+, the active molecule your cells need for energy, repair, and healthy ageing.
What is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)?
NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body. It plays an essential role in:
- Energy production — converting food into usable energy
- DNA repair — helping protect against age-related cellular damage
- Cell signalling — supporting stress response and reducing inflammation
Research shows that NAD+ levels can drop by as much as 50% by middle age, which impacts energy, recovery, and skin health (Yoshino et al., 2018).
What is Nicotinamide Riboside?
Nicotinamide Riboside is a form of vitamin B3 and acts as a building block for NAD+. When taken as a supplement, your body converts Nicotinamide Riboside into Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and then into NAD+ through enzymes including:
- NRK1 / NRK2 — Nicotinamide Riboside Kinases
- NMNAT — Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase
This process was explained in a study published in Nature Communications (Trammell et al., 2016).
How Nicotinamide Riboside Converts into NAD+
The conversion process follows this pathway:
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
↓ (NRK1 / NRK2 enzymes)
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
↓ (NMNAT enzymes)
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+)
What the Science Says
Clinical studies have shown that Nicotinamide Riboside supplements increase NAD+ levels in humans:
- A 2018 study in Nature Communications found that taking 1,000 mg per day of Nicotinamide Riboside significantly increased NAD+ levels in healthy adults (Martens et al., 2018).
- A 2016 study in Cell Metabolism linked higher NAD+ levels to increased sirtuin activity — enzymes that support DNA repair and longevity (Zhang et al., 2016).
However, the efficiency of this conversion varies between individuals, which can affect results.
Nicotinamide Riboside vs NAD+: Key Differences
| Feature | Nicotinamide Riboside | NAD+ (Direct Delivery) | Holte NAD+ Pen™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Precursor (Vitamin B3) | Active coenzyme | Active coenzyme |
| How it works | Must convert into NAD+ | Used directly by the body | Direct delivery under the skin |
| Absorption | Good oral absorption but conversion required | Poor oral absorption | High bioavailability via subcutaneous delivery |
| Speed of results | Slower and varies by individual | Faster when delivered directly | Immediate uptake into bloodstream |
| Best form | Capsules and tablets | IV drips or injections | Convenient at-home pen |
| Consistency | Depends on conversion efficiency | Reliable but invasive | Reliable and non-invasive |
Why Holte’s NAD+ Pen™ Is Different
The Holte NAD+ Pen™ bypasses the conversion process entirely. By delivering NAD+ directly under the skin, it provides:
- Faster results — supports energy, recovery, and focus quickly
- Higher absorption — bypasses gut breakdown
- Convenience — designed for at-home use, no IV needed
FAQ
Is Nicotinamide Riboside the same as NAD+?
No. Nicotinamide Riboside is a precursor, while NAD+ is the active molecule your cells need for energy and repair.
Does Nicotinamide Riboside raise NAD+ levels?
Yes. Human studies show that daily Nicotinamide Riboside supplementation significantly boosts NAD+ levels.
Why not just take NAD+ tablets?
Oral NAD+ is poorly absorbed. Nicotinamide Riboside is better absorbed but slower. Direct NAD+ delivery methods like Holte’s NAD+ Pen™ provide faster and more consistent results.
Is Holte’s NAD+ Pen™ better than capsules?
Yes. The Holte NAD+ Pen™ delivers NAD+ supplements directly, bypassing conversion for immediate, reliable benefits.
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