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Does anyone have any experience with taking NIAGEN?

Kia17 profile image
60 Replies

I started taking TRU NIAGEN a day ago with only 125mg daily.It has given me a significant amount of energy that I've never had to date.It has made me jittery as well. I am also on Semi-Keto diet that I think doubled the effect.

Please share your thoughts here if you ever taken TRU NIAGEN.

I also very much appreciate our dear friend sunvox (Joe) input as NIAGEN's think tank.

Kia

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Kia17 profile image
Kia17
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60 Replies
jimcaster profile image
jimcaster

I have been taking two 250 mg pills (500 mg per day) for approximately one month. I have not noticed any difference in how I feel, but I am convinced that it's a good supplement for the long term. Posts by Joe (Sunvox) prompted me to look into it and there are several studies suggesting it's good for people with Parkinson's in the long term. Good luck, Kia!

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to jimcaster

Thanks Jim

I feel so energetic. Maybe placebo effects. It’s too early for a conclusion.I will wait for another week or month perhaps.

Kia

jimcaster profile image
jimcaster

Simon from Science of Parkinson's has written a lengthy article. Here's one of many others which prompted me to try Tru Niagen:

prohealth.com/library/nicot...

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to jimcaster

Thanks for sharing. Nice article

AmyLindy profile image
AmyLindy in reply to jimcaster

So Niagen is strong Niacin, or Nicotinamide, which is a precursor to NAD+...and NAC is a precursor to... and all these things help produce the deficient Glutathione we want in our precious brains. So why not simply inject Glutathione (affordability, fear of needles, hassle, lack of evidence)? Maybe @sunvox or @easilly or others can address this as a > simplified flow chart > for me/us. p.s. (one each, not in favor and one in favor, of using Glutathione for PD)

bassofspades profile image
bassofspades

My experience is i tried their "believer bottle", a 2 week supply. It did not have any effect, either good or bad. So i decided its not worth the money. Im not a believer. Sunvox and Simon make good cases for it but I'll stick with whey protein isolate. That stuff is good stuff.

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to bassofspades

Hi Bass

Thanks for sharing your experience. How much were you taking daily?

bassofspades profile image
bassofspades in reply to Kia17

250mg

rebtar profile image
rebtar

I'm taking 3 caps per day (325mg), have not noticed effects, but also convinced this is a good supplement to have in the stack.

I have had more energy but I don't know if it's the Niagen or something else.

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to rebtar

Hi rebter

May I ask you please to let us know other supplements and PD related medications you take if any?

Thanks

Kia

1953bullard profile image
1953bullard

I take regular niacin, 250 mg a day I read somewhere recently it has the same benefits as Niagen and is much cheaper

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to 1953bullard

1953bullard

I also took Niacin B3 for 3 weeks and really liked it.

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to Kia17

How was it helpful Kia?

Gioc profile image
Gioc in reply to ConnieD

eh eh only one question Connie ?

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to Gioc

Ha ha! I’m sure I’ll think of a few more!!😄

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to ConnieD

Hi Connie, I was taking Niacin at night and was more energetic at gym the following day. It also caused a moderate flushing with the dosage I was taking (average 150mg at bedtime). But I think Niagen NR is way more stronger than the Niacin B3(Nicotinc Acid). I couldn’t sit the whole day after taking only 125mg of Niagen today morning. I did outdoor cycling in the morning and fast walk twice one in the afternoon and one after dinner.I still have energy to do more but sadly its around 10.30 PM here and need to take some rest to be able to go for tomorrow RPM (indoor group cycling).

Have you tried B3 of any kind?

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to Kia17

I ordered one bottle of the truniagen, I honestly was inconsistent about taking it so can’t give it an honest assessment.

It’s a bit pricey but maybe I should give it another try. Why does it cause flushing ? I did notice my face would get really hot at times. Does that mean it’s raising your blood pressure? As difficult as PD can be I don’t want to have a stroke!

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to ConnieD

Niacin B3( nicotinic acid) causes flushing not Niagen NR and that is because it makes vasodilation of the pripheral vessels so people feel flushing and burning sensation in their ears, head and nose but that’s temporary and goes away after 15-30 minutes.However, there are another version of B3 Niacin that is slow release without causing flushing. As far as I know Niagen NR has no flushing effects.

AmyLindy profile image
AmyLindy in reply to 1953bullard

Me too. For now, anyways...

1953bullard profile image
1953bullard

The niagen wont cause flushing. The niacin does. But it’s very tolerable and after the first few times no more flushing

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD

Initially I was taking a b complex but stopped once I realized it contained folic acid. That must have been causing the flushing. Thanks Kia !!😊

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to ConnieD

It’s highly unlikely that B3 from a B-Complex makes flushing since the B3 amount in the B-Complex are quite low and mostly slow release.Folic acid is the B9 and a necessary vitamin for the methylation process in biochemical reactions throughout the body.

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to Kia17

Maybe the flushing was just me! Either way I have one copy of the mthfr gene which I’m wondering if it plays a bigger role in PD than I originally thought. My body doesn’t properly pt

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to ConnieD

I totally agree with you that individuals react to medications and supplements differently. As can be seen from this post several people didnot feel any differences after taking Niagen NR with even 500mg or more but it made me feel significantly energetic with just 125mg.

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to ConnieD

Process folic acid due to this gene. During a pregnancy my on/gyn doctor had me take methylated folic acid and a baby aspirin. I still take the baby aspirin but often think maybe I should have continued the methylated folic acid, should ask my dr again. I’ve asked in the past and they don’t seem to know what I’m talking about. Park Bear llnked to a bcomplex without folic acid I may try that, thank you for your advice Kia !!

Kia17 profile image
Kia17

Connie

If you are taking any types of blood thinners or Anticoagulants medications you will need to get advice from your doctor before taking any kind of B3 supplements.

Taking aspirin and B3 may increasing the risk of bleeding.

livestrong.com/article/4834...

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to Kia17

Thank you for pointing that out!!!😊occassionally I’ll take ibuprofen is that a problem do you think with b3?

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to ConnieD

Excellent article, wow I’m suprised how

many supplements cause blood thinning, yikes! I take the baby aspirin on my own as a precaution but I’d better ask the dr. , thanks Kia for all the great info!!!

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to ConnieD

You’re most welcome Connie.

Juliegrace profile image
Juliegrace in reply to ConnieD

Both fish oil and curcumin thin the blood.

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to ConnieD

Aspirin and Ibuprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). I assume that they both may have interactions with Niacin B3. To be in the safe side is much better to check with your doctor or health professionals before taking any supplements or medications.

ConnieD profile image
ConnieD in reply to Kia17

You’re so right! I’m hoping to get a different neuro who I can openly talk to. She doesn’t agree with any supplements. Thanks again! Connie

Gioc profile image
Gioc

B3 niacin (NA nicotinic acid) is the most assimilated form of the intestine and costs less.

Despe profile image
Despe

My husband is taking B3 (NR) but can't tell for certain if it's one of the reasons he feels a lot better now than when he was diagnosed in March 2018. I believe it's the combination of B1, B3, B9 (folate not folic acid), and B12.

Happy for you, Kia!

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to Despe

Thank you Despe

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345

My husband has been taking just 1 capsule of niagen 125mg for 2 months now. I have just looked back at his diary. He started on 2 for a few days then dropped to 1 as it is expensive and he has so many capsules. His b complex also has niacin so I didn’t want to overdo it. He started on b1 at the same time so hard to say if there was an effect. He seemed upbeat and less depressed. Then he took a big dive during our mid winter and I think it might have been due to taking a once monthly vitamin d tablet the doctor gave him of 50000 units! Something sent him from 7/10 days to a 1/10 day. He has gradually come right again.

He has stabilised now on 3 g b1, has been exercising regularly but still gets very tired at mid afternoon. He is trying to wean off mirtazipine the antidepressant because the side effect of that can be fatigue and apathy so it is hard to know what causes fatigue. mirtazipine or PD.

Anyway I might raise the niagen back up to 250mg again to see if it gives him a boost, but to be honest we are trying so many things right now it is impossible to know what is helping, just that he is gradually feeling better.

Lana666 profile image
Lana666

Taking it for a long time with occasional breaks, don't feel any effect. But keep taking:)

Kai 17, what do you call semi- keto? I assume it's a kind of lighter version. And you see the difference, correct?

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to Lana666

Hi Lana

You are right. I do mostly intermittent fasting and have reduced the carbohydrates intake significantly.

pjokeefe profile image
pjokeefe

I have just started taking Nicotinamide - 500mg twice a day- but for a different reason. Last week I saw my skin cancer doctor for my 6 monthly check up and he suggested I start taking this form of B3 as a clinical trial from Sydney, Australia, showed that it cut the risk of Squamous cell and basal cell cancers by 23% compared with placebo after 1 year among patients at high risk for skin cancer. I fall into this category as I have had 3 basal cell cancers removed in the last 4 years. See PubMed article PMC4570055. I had read here on HU that it may be helpful for Pd and I mentioned this to my doctor. He is now going to inform my neuro that I have started taking NR. Fortunately I live in Australia and Blackmores Insolar only costs about $13 for a months supply.

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345 in reply to pjokeefe

Is insolar the riboside of niacin like niagen or just the plain one?

pjokeefe profile image
pjokeefe in reply to LAJ12345

Same as niagen

pjokeefe profile image
pjokeefe in reply to pjokeefe

I think it is the same as niagen - just looking at the label and only mentions nicotinamide - I will have to research to see if this is the same as NR. The researchers emphasised that nicotinamide is the form of B3 to take for possible skin cancer reduction, not Niacin.

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345 in reply to pjokeefe

I think if it is niagen it has the brand true niagen or NR as one company patented the molecule with the riboside. What you have is what is recommended for the skin cancer but I don’t think it is the same as the NR.

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345 in reply to LAJ12345

Just saw your other post.🙄

pjokeefe profile image
pjokeefe in reply to LAJ12345

Yes I you are right. I must admit that I did get excited to think I might kill two birds with one stone. So much to learn, who would have thought that B3 comes in different forms that all work slightly differently.

perttu profile image
perttu in reply to LAJ12345

The molecule is not patented,it can not be since it is a natural occurring chemical. A specific synthesis is patented though.

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345 in reply to perttu

Oh, is that how it works. Interesting. Thanks

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345 in reply to pjokeefe

seekingalpha.com/article/40...

“ There are trillions of cells in the human body of many hundreds of cell types. For example, there are nerve cells, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac cells, several types of pancreatic cells, several types of blood cells, liver cells, etc. What makes a neuron a neuron and not a hepatocyte is the expression of neuronal genes. When we discovered NR as a vitamin, we discovered the NR pathway to NAD. The value proposition of NR depends on the unique ability of NR to maintain and boost NAD in every cell and tissue and, in particular, in tissues undergoing damage and stress.

There are only two steps in the NR pathway to NAD but there are two genes that can do the first step and three genes that can do the second step. The NR pathway never gets turned off. NRK1 is expressed in every cell and tissue, while NRK2 is turned on by cellular damage, particularly in skeletal and cardiac muscle. This means that people supplementing with NR are able to keep NAD levels high in stressed cells that specifically have the NR pathway turned on to deal with cellular stress. Supplementing with niacin and nicotinamide doesn't help because they don't feed into the NR pathway, which is turned on by stresses.”

Jandeb profile image
Jandeb

I suggest you check out the podcast with Ben Greenfield about NR. His guest is a Scientist who will point out the differences in the different forms. They don’t behave the same in the body. The scientist did most of the original research. Well worth a listen.

pjokeefe profile image
pjokeefe in reply to Jandeb

Thanks for the heads up, I will certainly check it out. I have just discovered for myself that Nicotinamide and Nicotinamide Riboside are close cousins but different, (that might explain the big price difference) and also the possible different actions in the body. Lots more reading to be done.

LAJ12345 profile image
LAJ12345

Just a note to anyone outside of the states who can’t get true niagen from the supplier. I emailed them and asked if the Natural Factors one is the same naturalfactors.com/en-us/pr.... We can get that from Vitacost who will ship it to NZ.

They said :

“The product you have from Natural Factors was made using our NIAGEN®, nicotinamide riboside. It is going to be similar to our product, but will be slightly different in terms of composition, other ingredients.

TRU NIAGEN® will soon be available in New Zealand via Matakana Superfoods.”

perttu profile image
perttu

Here in Europe Thorne's nicacell is the cheapest product containing niagen.

Available in up to 250 mg capsules.

dadcor profile image
dadcor

Available in Europe, using original true niagen. Very good service: lifeextensioneurope.com/nad...

KERRINGTON profile image
KERRINGTON

Hello ! ...5 months later, are you still taking TRU NIAGEN, & if so, how are you doing ?

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to KERRINGTON

Hi, I only took it for a short period of time and stopped since I gain more from intermittent fasting and low carb diet than this supplement.

KERRINGTON profile image
KERRINGTON in reply to Kia17

You're fast :) That's interesting that low carb & fasting help you more. I've always noticed how crappy most carbs make me feel. I figure a lot has to do with blood sugar.

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to KERRINGTON

My personal experience: Thiamine and Low carb diet and Vit D,K2 - daily intermittent fasting , cycling and walk are the best strategies.

Fed1000 profile image
Fed1000

Hi Kia, I'm sorry if only just I'm referring to your post of three months ago. You talked about intermittent fasting, how do you organized it? Can you have energy for to do physical activity? tahnk you

Kia17 profile image
Kia17 in reply to Fed1000

Hi Fed, I am totally used to it now. In the beginning was a bit hard. Though I don’t starve myself. Just altered timing and removing gluten,sugar from my diet as well as replacing carbohydrates with good fats. I didn’t notice if it has affected my physical performance.

Fed1000 profile image
Fed1000

Thank you.

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