Published 7 min readBy the Prime IV Montgomery team
Saturday morning soccer at the park. A long walk downtown along the Riverwalk. A full day of cooking for the whole family at Thanksgiving. For a lot of Montgomery adults over 50, the goal isn't to "stop aging." It's to keep saying yes to the things that matter.
That's a big reason Niagen® has become one of the most-asked-about options in our lounge. Here's what it is, why it's catching on, and what the science does and doesn't support.
The short answer
Why do I feel like my energy isn't what it used to be?
Energy changes with age for many reasons: sleep, activity, stress, nutrition, hormones, and health conditions all play a role. At the cellular level, researchers have also looked closely at a molecule called NAD+, which helps your cells turn food into energy. A study of human skin samples found NAD+ levels tend to be lower in older adults [1]. If you've had a real change in energy, start with your doctor, since fatigue can have medical causes.
Key takeaways
- Niagen® is a branded form of nicotinamide riboside, a vitamin B3 compound and NAD+ precursor.
- Clinical trials show NR can raise NAD+ levels and was well tolerated at studied doses.
- Niagen may support cellular energy and healthy aging; it doesn't treat or reverse aging.
- We offer Niagen IV infusions and injections, including series programs.
NAD+ in plain English
Think of NAD+ as a helper your cells use in energy production and normal repair. Your body makes it from building blocks you get from food, including forms of vitamin B3. Nicotinamide riboside is one of those building blocks, and Niagen® is the form used in many human studies [2–5].
What the studies have found
- In healthy adults aged 55–79, six weeks of daily NR was well tolerated and raised NAD+ levels [3].
- An eight-week placebo-controlled trial found dose-dependent increases in NAD+ without serious side effects [4].
- In older men, short-term NR raised NAD+-related compounds in muscle and was associated with lower levels of some inflammatory markers [5].
- Results haven't been positive across the board. For example, one trial in men with obesity saw no improvement in insulin sensitivity [6].
- The fair summary: NR reliably raises NAD+, and early research is encouraging, but larger, longer studies are still needed to understand real-world benefits.
Why it fits a "healthspan" mindset
Healthspan means the years you feel well enough to live fully. Niagen is one tool some people add to the basics that matter most: movement, sleep, protein-rich meals, hydration, and staying socially connected. It's a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, not a substitute.
IV infusion or injection?
- Niagen® IV infusion: a relaxed session in our lounge, often paired with our vacation-style amenities.
- Niagen® injection: fast and convenient when your calendar is full.
- Many guests choose a series of sessions for consistency. Our licensed medical team will review your health history and help you choose a format and plan.
A quick tour of the research, in everyday terms
You don't need a science degree to understand the main studies behind Niagen. Here's the short version:
- Can the body absorb it? Yes. An early human study gave healthy adults single doses of 100, 300, or 1,000 mg and saw blood NAD+-related compounds rise with dose [2].
- Is it tolerated by older adults? A study of 30 healthy adults aged 55–79 took 1,000 mg a day for six weeks. NR was well tolerated, and NAD+ in blood cells was about 60% higher than with placebo [3].
- What about longer use? In an eight-week trial of 140 healthy overweight adults, whole-blood NAD+ rose 22% to 142% depending on dose, with no difference in side effects compared with placebo [4].
- Does it reach muscle? In 12 men aged 70–80, three weeks of NR raised NAD+-related compounds in muscle and lowered some inflammation markers in the blood, but it didn't change how muscle mitochondria produced energy [5].
- Does it help everything? No. In 40 men with obesity, 12 weeks of NR didn't improve insulin sensitivity [6].
- The honest takeaway: Niagen is a well-studied way to raise NAD+, and researchers are still working to understand what that means for everyday health.
Five everyday habits that work alongside Niagen
Supplements work best on top of a solid foundation. For Montgomery adults over 50, these basics matter most:
Move every day. A walk around the neighborhood, at Lagoon Park, or along the Riverwalk counts.
Lift something. Two short strength sessions a week support muscle and balance.
Drink before you're thirsty. Central Alabama heat lingers well into fall.
Eat protein at breakfast. It's an easy place to start for many people over 50.
Stay connected. Church, clubs, grandkids' games: social time is good for you too.
What your first Niagen visit looks like
When you come in, our licensed medical team will start with a wellness consultation. We'll ask about your health history, any medications, and what you're hoping to feel. From there:
- If you choose an IV infusion, you'll settle into a massage chair and enjoy our vacation-style amenities while it runs.
- If you choose an injection, you'll usually be on your way in minutes.
- If a series makes sense for your goals, we'll help you plan your visits so they fit your calendar, including around the busy holiday season.
- You can always ask questions along the way. No pressure, and no one-size-fits-all plan.
Talk with your doctor first if...
- You're being treated for cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, or a heart condition.
- You take several prescription medications.
- You're pregnant or nursing.
- Our team will screen you either way, but your own doctor knows your full history best.
A note for caregivers
Many Montgomery adults over 50 are caring for aging parents while still helping out with grandkids. If that's you, your own health matters too. Block off time for checkups, sleep, and movement, and give yourself permission to rest. A wellness visit is one way to carve out an hour that's just for you.
Keep reading
References
1. Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, Guest J, Farnsworth B, Guillemin GJ. "Age-associated changes in oxidative stress and NAD+ metabolism in human tissue." PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e42357. PubMed 22848760
2. Trammell SAJ, Schmidt MS, Weidemann BJ, et al. "Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans." Nature Communications. 2016;7:12948. PubMed 27721479
3. Martens CR, Denman BA, Mazzo MR, et al. "Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults." Nature Communications. 2018;9:1286. PubMed 29599478
4. Conze D, Brenner C, Kruger CL. "Safety and metabolism of long-term administration of NIAGEN (nicotinamide riboside chloride) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of healthy overweight adults." Scientific Reports. 2019;9:9772. PubMed 31278280
5. Elhassan YS, Kluckova K, Fletcher RS, et al. "Nicotinamide riboside augments the aged human skeletal muscle NAD+ metabolome and induces transcriptomic and anti-inflammatory signatures." Cell Reports. 2019;28(7):1717–1728.e6. PubMed 31412242
6. Dollerup OL, Christensen B, Svart M, et al. "A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of nicotinamide riboside in obese men: safety, insulin-sensitivity, and lipid-mobilizing effects." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2018;108(2):343–353. PubMed 29992272
Frequently asked questions
Is Niagen the same as NAD+ therapy?
No. Niagen is a precursor your body converts into NAD+. Read our NAD+ vs. Niagen guide for a side-by-side comparison.
Who shouldn't try Niagen?
People who are pregnant or nursing, have certain medical conditions, or take certain medications should talk with their doctor first. Every guest is screened before treatment.
How soon will I feel something?
Experiences vary, and some people may not notice a change. Our team can help you set realistic expectations.