Nicotinamide Riboside: The New Star of Nutrition

by: GSHWORLD Time: 2025-12-31 Classify: Product News

Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a key member of the vitamin B3 family, is a naturally occurring nutrient found in foods such as milk and yeast and can also be produced by chemical or biological synthesis. Thanks to its unique physiological properties, this water-soluble small molecule has become a research hotspot in nutrition in recent years; its gentle, readily absorbed profile makes it especially attractive for routine supplementation.

Core identity: a natural NAD⁺ precursor
NR’s central value lies in its role as a direct precursor of NAD⁺. NAD⁺ is an indispensable co-enzyme for fundamental life processes including cellular energy metabolism and biosynthesis. NR is converted to NAD⁺ through a dedicated metabolic pathway, providing efficient support for cellular function. Compared with other NAD⁺ precursors, NR requires fewer conversion steps, offers higher bioavailability, and supplies the body more directly.

Natural sources: everyday foods
Although NR is present only in low amounts in unprocessed foods, it is by no means rare. Milk and dairy products are its principal natural sources; NR has been detected in milk produced under various conditions. Yeast and yeast-fermented foods also contain trace NR. These dietary levels are insufficient for therapeutic supplementation, yet they provide baseline intake and underscore NR's link to ordinary diets.

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Safety profile: gentle and well tolerated
Multiple authoritative studies confirm NR's safety. It contains no protein, carries minimal allergy risk, and its metabolites are normal physiological intermediates that are readily excreted in urine. No significant adverse effects have been reported with either short-term or long-term use, so diverse populations can employ it within recommended ranges without undue concern.

Synthetic technology: meeting supplementation demand
To satisfy nutritional-supplement needs, mature synthetic technologies are now employed. Chemical synthesis uses precise molecular reactions to yield high-purity NR, while chemo-enzymatic routes combine chemical and enzymatic steps to balance yield and purity. These processes guarantee reliable supply and, under strict quality control, ensure products meet safety standards.

Applications: an excellent everyday choice
Today NR is widely used in dietary supplements, available as capsules, powders, and other convenient forms. Whether the goal is supporting cellular health or achieving balanced nutrition, NR's natural origin and strong safety record make it a premium option for daily supplementation.

References
[1] EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA), Turck D, et al. Safety of nicotinamide riboside chloride as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and bioavailability of nicotinamide from this source, in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC. EFSA Journal, 2019, 17(8): e05775.
[2] Sharma C, Donu D, Cen Y. Emerging role of nicotinamide riboside in health and diseases. Nutrients, 2022, 14(19): 3889.

*Special note - This article is for informational purposes only and cannot replace a doctor's treatment diagnosis and advice. It should not be regarded as a recommendation or proof of efficacy of the medical products involved. If it involves disease diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, please be sure to go to a professional medical institution to seek professional advice.

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