Groundbreaking Clinical Evidence on NAD+ Restoration
A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in EClinicalMedicine evaluated the effects of Niagen+ (nicotinamide riboside), a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), in people with long-COVID symptoms. The study, involving 58 participants, measured whether Niagen+ supplementation could elevate NAD+ levels and improve cognitive function, fatigue, sleep quality, and mood. PubMed
Key Findings from the Trial (PMID: 41357333):
Participants who received 2,000 mg/day of Niagen+ experienced a 2.6- to 3.1-fold increase in NAD+ levels within 5–10 weeks, demonstrating effective restoration of this vital coenzyme. PubMed
While primary endpoints such as cognition, fatigue severity, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression did not significantly differ versus placebo in the main analysis, exploratory within-group analyses suggested improvements in executive functioning, fatigue, sleep, and depressive symptoms after 10 weeks of Niagen+ intake. PubMed
Niagen+ was generally well tolerated and increases in NAD+ were sustained throughout the study period. PubMed
Why NAD+ Matters: Cellular Energy and Health
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell. It plays a pivotal role in:
Mitochondrial energy production (converting the food you eat into usable cellular energy)
DNA repair and cell maintenance
Sirtuin enzyme activation, which regulates metabolism, stress response, and circadian rhythms.
As we age, natural NAD+ levels decline, which is associated with fatigue, reduced cellular energy, and metabolic shifts. This decline has driven interest in therapies that can safely boost NAD+ to support cellular health.
Niagen+ & NAD+ Therapy: What the Science Suggests
Niagen+ is a patented form of nicotinamide riboside (NR) — a precursor that the body uses to produce NAD+. Unlike consuming NAD+ directly (which isn’t as efficiently absorbed into cells), Niagen+ is well-supported by research as a bioavailable way to raise NAD+ levels systemically.
Potential Benefits of NAD+ & Niagen+ Therapy
Emerging evidence and expert consensus suggest NAD+ boosting through Niagen+ may support:
1. Cellular Energy & Metabolism
Increased NAD+ supports mitochondrial function — the powerhouse of every cell — potentially improving energy production at the source.
2. Recovery & Fatigue Support
Exploratory findings in the long-COVID study hinted at reductions in fatigue and improved executive functioning after sustained Niagen+ use. PubMed
3. Sleep Quality & Mood Regulation
Though not statistically significant in this study’s primary comparisons, trends suggest Niagen+ may help with sleep quality and mood — areas tightly linked to cellular health and energy balance. PubMed
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Separate research indicates that boosting NAD+ through Niagen+ may lower markers of chronic inflammation and support immune function in healthy adults and inflammatory conditions.
What This Means for Wellness & Recovery
At iCRYO Grosse Pointe, we’re always focused on evidence-based recovery and performance support. While the latest Niagen+ clinical trial confirms that Niagen+ effectively raises NAD+ levels — an essential step toward cellular energy optimization — it also highlights the need for larger studies to fully define measurable outcomes on cognition, fatigue, and mood. PubMed
Importantly, current science supports the safe use of NAD+ precursors like Niagen+ as part of a comprehensive wellness plan that includes fitness recovery, stress support, and lifestyle optimization.
Interested in NAD+ or Niagen Therapy? Schedule a Consultation
If you’re curious about how NAD+ or Niagen+ therapy may support your energy levels, recovery, cognitive health, or overall wellness, the team at iCRYO Grosse Pointe is here to help.
Our experienced staff offers personalized consultations to review your health goals, explain the science behind NAD+ optimization, and determine whether NAD+ or Niagen+ therapy may be a good fit for you as part of a comprehensive wellness plan.
📞 Call us today (313) 499-8182 or text us at (313) 844-5824 to schedule a consultation or
💻 Book online at www.icryogrossepointe.com to speak with a wellness professional and learn more about optimizing your cellular health.
Sourcing the Study
The clinical trial referenced here is:
Wu C-Y, Reynolds WC, Abril I, et al. Effects of nicotinamide riboside on NAD+ levels, cognition, and symptom recovery in long-COVID: a randomized controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine. 2025. PMID: 41357333. PubMed