I Tried Thorne Niacel & Here’s What Happened (2025 Review)

In the last few years, NAD+ boosters have gone from obscure longevity tools to mainstream supplements promising everything from sharper energy to slower aging. Among the first to gain traction was Thorne NiaCel 400, a clean, pharmaceutical-grade formula built around Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), which is one of the most studied NAD+ precursors available.

If you’ve been around the health and performance world long enough, you’ve probably seen Thorne’s name come up in professional circles because they supply medical clinics, Olympic teams, and serious athletes. That reputation gives NiaCel 400 a certain credibility. But reputation alone doesn’t always mean results.

Over the past two months, I’ve been running Thorne NiaCel 400 through my usual test routine to see whether it actually delivers the sustained energy, focus, and recovery benefits it claims.

I’ll break down how it works, what’s inside, the real-world results, and whether it’s worth the premium $70 price tag compared to newer NAD+ formulas.

Quick Verdict

RThorne NiaCel 400 is a clinically grounded but minimalist NAD+ booster. It’s backed by good science on Nicotinamide Riboside, uses pure ingredients, and comes from a highly reputable company.

It’s also one of the cleaner products on the market, containing no fillers, allergens, or unnecessary extras.

That said, it’s a basic formula. You’re paying a premium for quality control and simplicity, not for a cutting-edge stack.

While it can help elevate NAD+ levels and mildly support energy, the effects are more subtle than what you’d get from more complete modern formulas that include cofactors and cellular antioxidants.

If your goal is longevity and cellular health, it’s a solid option. But if you want noticeable boosts in focus, mood, and daily energy, Noocube NAD+ offers a more comprehensive blend with synergistic ingredients that push results further.

CHECK CURRENT NOOCUBE NAD+ DEALSREAD MY NOOCUBE NAD+ REVIEW HERE

Pros

• Uses clinically researched Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) form of vitamin B3
• Transparent label with no artificial fillers
• Produced by Thorne — NSF Certified for Sport and widely trusted
• Clean capsule form with good tolerance and minimal flushing
• Supported by published research on NAD+ elevation

Cons

• Lacks complementary NAD+ cofactors like PQQ, TMG (in optimal dose), or resveratrol
• Noticeably expensive for such a simple two-ingredient formula
• Effects tend to be subtle, not providing much in terms of acute energy or cognitive lift
• Some users report fatigue or headaches during early adaptation
• Not the best choice for those seeking “performance” over “longevity”

What Is Thorne NiaCel 400

Thorne NiaCel 400 is a Nicotinamide Riboside–based supplement designed to boost NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which is a molecule critical for energy metabolism, mitochondrial repair, and cellular resilience.

NAD+ levels decline naturally with age, stress, poor sleep, and intense physical training. This decline can contribute to slower recovery, lower energy, and metabolic sluggishness. NiaCel 400 aims to reverse that process by supplying the body with NR, a highly bioavailable NAD+ precursor that can directly enter the salvage pathway to restore cellular NAD+ stores.

Each capsule provides:

• 415 mg Nicotinamide Riboside Hydrogen Malate, the patented Niagen form used in multiple human studies.
• 85 mg Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine), included to support methylation balance and offset possible methyl-donor depletion that can occur with chronic NR use.

Where many newer NAD+ supplements combine five or more synergistic compounds, Thorne keeps it minimal and gives you just what’s needed to raise NAD+ cleanly and effectively. That simplicity is both its strength and limitation: it’s a straightforward, clinical product meant for health maintenance rather than a high-impact performance enhancer.

Thorne Niacel Ingredients

Thorne NiaCel 400 contains only two active compounds: Nicotinamide Riboside Hydrogen Malate (415 mg) and Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine, 85 mg).

While it looks simple, both ingredients play key roles in supporting NAD+ metabolism and cellular energy. Let’s break them down.

Nicotinamide Riboside Hydrogen Malate (415 mg)

This is the main driver behind NiaCel 400’s effects. Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a vitamin B3 derivative that converts directly into Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), the molecule central to mitochondrial energy production, DNA repair, and cell survival.

Thorne uses Niagen, the patented and clinically validated form of NR — the same one used in most published human studies.

Research from Trammell et al. (2016) and Dellinger et al. (2017) found that oral NR supplementation can increase whole blood NAD+ levels by 40–60% within 2–3 weeks, depending on dosage.

The 415 mg in NiaCel 400 translates to roughly 300 mg of pure NR, aligning closely with the clinically effective range (250–500 mg daily) seen in studies. That’s a strong, evidence-based dose and is not inflated for marketing.

What NR does best is restore baseline cellular function. You won’t necessarily “feel” it right away like caffeine or nootropics, but it supports deeper processes like mitochondrial repair, inflammation control, and longevity signaling (through sirtuin activation).

The “Hydrogen Malate” part is a stabilizing compound, helping improve absorption and protect the molecule’s integrity. It doesn’t alter the core function of NR itself.

Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine, 85 mg)

Betaine is a methyl donor, meaning it supports the body’s ability to recycle homocysteine and maintain proper methylation balance.

When you raise NAD+ using NR, your body consumes methyl groups during the conversion of NR ? NMN ? NAD+. Over time, this can slightly deplete methyl donors, leading to fatigue or mild irritability in some people.

Including 85 mg of betaine helps buffer that process. However, the dose here is modest and well below the 500–1000 mg range typically used in studies for optimal methylation support. So while it’s helpful, it’s not a full safeguard for long-term or high-dose NR users.

If you’re planning to take NiaCel 400 daily, adding an external methyl donor source (like TMG, choline, or folate-rich foods) can help maintain balance.

Thorne NiaCel 400 Price

At $70 per bottle (60 capsules, 60 servings), NiaCel 400 lands firmly in the premium supplement category. That breaks down to about $1.16 per serving, making it notably higher than some competitors offering broader ingredient profiles.

While NiaCel 400 looks cheaper per dose, it’s important to note that it contains only two active compounds, whereas other formulas combine several synergistic ingredients (like NMN, PQQ, CoQ10, or resveratrol).

So while the price per capsule is reasonable, the value per effect is arguably lower compared to the more comprehensive NAD+ stacks on the market.

Benefits of Thorne NiaCel 400

Supports Mitochondrial Energy and Recovery

NAD+ is the engine oil of your mitochondria. Without it, energy production slows down and recovery drags.

Several studies have shown that supplementing with Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) can increase mitochondrial efficiency and ATP output, especially in tissues with high energy demand like muscle and brain.

After about two weeks on NiaCel 400, I started noticing more consistent energy throughout the day — not a rush, just less of that mid-afternoon dip that usually hits after training and work.

For athletes, NiaCel earns its keep by improving the body’s ability to regenerate cellular energy and recover faster between sessions.

That said, if your NAD+ levels are already decent (young, healthy, sleeping well), you will not notice huge changes. The real benefits tend to show in periods of stress, overtraining, or aging, when mitochondrial efficiency starts slipping.

Promotes Healthy Aging and Cellular Repair

Thorne markets NiaCel 400 as a longevity supplement, and that’s a fair label.

NAD+ is required for the activation of sirtuins, a family of proteins that regulate DNA repair, inflammation control, and metabolic health. As we age, NAD+ declines and sirtuin activity drops, leading to accumulated cellular damage and slower tissue regeneration.

Clinical trials using 300–500 mg NR daily have shown significant increases in NAD+ and related biomarkers of mitochondrial health without adverse effects. Over the long term, this may translate to better skin quality, improved metabolic flexibility, and even enhanced muscle endurance in older adults.

If your goal is long-term healthspan support rather than quick performance gains, NiaCel 400 offers one of the most clinically validated NR sources available.

Enhances Cognitive and Mental Energy (Subtly)

Unlike nootropics that hit somewhat fast, the mental lift from NiaCel 400 comes on even more gradually.

By improving mitochondrial activity in the brain, higher NAD+ levels can support better neuronal energy metabolism, synaptic function, and resistance to oxidative stress.

During the second month of testing, I noticed less brain fog during long writing and coaching blocks and a general sense of being “sharper” after sleep-deprived nights. It’s subtle but real, especially when you’re juggling work, training, and kids.

May Improve Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health

There’s early but promising evidence that NAD+ precursors like NR may help optimize blood lipid profiles, support vascular function, and enhance glucose metabolism.

In 2018, a study in Nature Communications showed that NR supplementation improved muscle insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammatory markers in middle-aged adults.

I wouldn’t position NiaCel as a “metabolic supplement” per se, but over time, improved NAD+ turnover does appear to promote more efficient energy utilization, meaning steadier endurance, better blood flow, and less systemic fatigue.

In practical terms, I noticed slightly improved work capacity during conditioning and faster recovery heart rates after hard grappling sessions Again, small but measurable changes when taken consistently.

Who Is Thorne NiaCel 400 For?

Men Over 30 Looking to Maintain Energy and Longevity

Once you hit your 30s and 40s, your NAD+ levels start to decline naturally. By some estimates, it’s up to 50% lower by age 50 compared to your twenties. That’s when you start feeling recovery take longer, sleep quality dip, and energy crash earlier in the day.

For men in this stage, especially those juggling work, family, and training, NiaCel 400 can help recharge your cellular batteries and maintain mitochondrial function.

It’s not a magic anti-aging pill, but it can slow the slide, keeping your energy, focus, and recovery closer to where they were a decade ago.

Athletes and Physically Active Professionals

If you’re training hard multiple times a week, whether that’s lifting, grappling, running, or cycling, you’re burning through NAD+ faster than average.

Mitochondrial stress and inflammation from repeated training bouts deplete NAD+ stores, which can affect recovery and overall performance.

In my experience, NiaCel 400 fits best as a foundational recovery supplement. After a few weeks, recovery between heavy sessions feels smoother, sleep improves, and the “edge” comes back slightly sharper.

It’s especially useful during training camps or high-volume blocks when your body is flirting with overtraining.

Professionals Seeking Long-Term Cognitive Support

For men who spend as much time thinking as they do training, like coaches, business owners, and entrepreneurs, NAD+ support can be surprisingly valuable for mental endurance.

Better mitochondrial function in the brain means more efficient energy metabolism, which translates to better focus, fewer mental crashes, and more consistent clarity during long workdays.

NiaCel 400 doesn’t give you a jolt like caffeine or nootropics, but it helps sustain high output without burnout. Over weeks, it’s the difference between “barely hanging on” and “still sharp at 6 p.m.”

Who It’s Not For: People Expecting Quick or Dramatic Results

If you’re looking for an immediate energy rush or a noticeable “feel,” you’ll be disappointed. NiaCel 400 doesn’t work that way.

It doesn’t increase dopamine, nor does it stimulate the nervous system. Instead, it supports cellular restoration — something you feel slowly, not suddenly.

It’s also not the best fit if you’re on a tight budget. At $70 per bottle, there are more comprehensive NAD+ formulas that provide better all-around value, like Noocube NAD+, which stacks NR with PQQ, resveratrol, and vitamin B cofactors for more pronounced daily effects.

My Experience With Thorne NiaCel 400

I used Thorne NiaCel 400 daily for about two months, taking one capsule in the morning with food. I didn’t stack it with other NAD+ boosters as I wanted to see what it could do on its own.

The first thing I noticed was that nothing really happened at first, which is normal for NAD+ precursors. There’s no immediate lift or buzz. But after about ten days, I started feeling a bit steadier through the day with fewer mid-afternoon crashes, even after long working blocks.

By the middle of the second month, I was seeing clearer recovery and more consistent energy overall. Soreness resolved a bit faster, and I didn’t feel as drained after hard training or poor sleep. It wasn’t dramatic and was more like my baseline improved.

After about eight weeks, the effects seemed to plateau. I felt solid, but not much beyond that, which makes sense, given NiaCel’s minimalist design. Without supporting compounds like PQQ or CoQ10, it does its job well but doesn’t go further.

There are no side effects worth mentioning, and I experienced no flushing, no headaches, and no digestive issues. It’s a clean, well-tolerated supplement.

Overall, I’d describe NiaCel 400 as a subtle performance stabilizer. It helps you run better at the baseline, but won’t transform how you feel day to day.

Customer Reviews

Thorne NiaCel 400 has earned generally positive feedback online, though opinions vary depending on what users expected from it. On Amazon, the product averages around 4.4 out of 5 stars across hundreds of verified reviews, which says a lot, considering how subtle NAD+ supplements tend to feel.

The recurring pattern among reviewers is steady energy, clearer focus, and improved endurance, though some users mention that the benefits take time and are easy to miss if you’re looking for a quick boost. Others point out that it’s expensive for such a simple formula.

Positive Reviews

Many users praise NiaCel 400 for its clean, reliable energy and overall vitality improvements:

“This has made a noticeable difference in my daily energy levels. I don’t feel wired, just less tired, more consistent.”

— Verified Amazon Review

“After about a month, I started feeling better recovery from workouts and more motivation. It’s not dramatic, but you notice the difference when you stop.”

— Verified Amazon Review

“I’ve used Thorne for years because they’re medical-grade. NiaCel gives me a subtle lift and better sleep quality.”

— Amazon Customer

These experiences match my own, providing a slow but steady improvement in baseline energy and recovery rather than a fast “hit.”

Neutral and Mixed Reviews

Some users recognize the product’s quality but question whether the price matches the effect:

“Good product, but I’m not sure it’s worth $70. I don’t feel a big difference, maybe it’s doing something under the hood.”

— Verified Buyer

“It works if you’re patient, but I didn’t notice much until week four. Probably better for long-term health than short-term results.”

— Amazon Review

This group represents many first-time NAD+ users who expect faster results. Thorne’s minimalist design means the benefits can feel invisible unless you’re tracking energy, recovery, or performance closely.

Negative Reviews

Negative feedback mostly centers around lack of noticeable results or price:

“I wanted to like this, but I didn’t feel any different after a month. Too expensive for the effect.”

— Verified Amazon Review

“It may work for some, but I saw no change and can’t justify the cost.”

— Verified Purchase

These reviews highlight what’s been clear since testing: NiaCel 400 works, but it’s not the kind of supplement you feel quickly. It’s better suited for those who understand cellular health and want a long-term foundation rather than instant performance gains.

Thorne NiaCel 400 Side Effects

One of the major advantages of Thorne NiaCel 400 is how clean and well-tolerated it is. Unlike traditional niacin supplements that often cause flushing, itching, or heat sensations, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) does not produce those effects.

In both clinical studies and user reports, NR is considered very safe,  even at doses higher than what Thorne provides. Most people experience no side effects at all, especially when taken with food.

That said, there are a few mild reactions that occasionally come up:

• Fatigue or “flat” energy in the first few days, likely from temporary methyl donor depletion.
• NR uses methyl groups during its conversion to NAD+, which can increase demand for nutrients like B12, folate, and choline. If this happens, supplementing with a B-complex or adding choline-rich foods (eggs, beef liver, salmon) usually helps.
• Mild stomach discomfort when taken on an empty stomach.
• NiaCel 400 is better tolerated with breakfast or a small meal.
• Headaches or irritability in rare cases, usually from individual methylation sensitivity or dehydration.

No serious side effects have been reported in studies using up to 1000 mg/day of NR for several months. The 415 mg in NiaCel 400 is well below that threshold, so it’s clinically safe for long-term use for most healthy adults.

Thorne NiaCel 400 Alternatives

Noocube NAD+

If you want a supplement that actually feels like it’s working, Noocube NAD+ is the clear winner.

Where NiaCel focuses purely on NAD+ elevation through Nicotinamide Riboside, Noocube takes a multi-pathway approach by combining NR with PQQ, Resveratrol, and Vitamin B3 to target mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant defense, and cognitive endurance simultaneously.

Within a week of use, I noticed real-world effects like improved alertness in the mornings, better drive to train, and steadier motivation throughout long workdays. It doesn’t overstimulate, but it makes your energy feel cleaner and more “on tap.”

Each capsule also delivers supportive cofactors missing in NiaCel, making it more metabolically efficient. It’s designed for people who want performance and longevity, not just baseline health.

The trade-off is price. It costs roughly the same per bottle ($69.99) but provides fewer servings (30 vs. 60). Still, for what it delivers, the value per effect is higher. You can read my NooCube NAD+ review for my experience.

AEON NAD+

AEON NAD+ takes a very different route. It’s a cellular repair and anti-aging formula that uses NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) instead of NR as the NAD+ precursor. NMN sits one step closer in the metabolic pathway to NAD+, which some studies suggest may lead to faster or more direct increases in NAD+ levels.

Where NiaCel 400 feels subtle, AEON feels restorative. Over my testing period, I noticed steadier recovery, deeper sleep, and an overall “balanced” vitality.

AEON also includes cofactors like Taurine, Theobromine, and BioPerine, which help absorption and cellular resilience. It’s more rounded than NiaCel, though still focused more on longevity and repair than acute performance.

At $79 for 30 servings, AEON is more expensive, but it’s also formulated with greater complexity and intent. It’s for men who care about long-term mitochondrial health, not just daily energy.

Rho NAD+

Rho NAD+ is the most premium and complex of the three alternatives. It’s built for high-performance professionals and athletes who demand both focus and recovery.

Rho combines NMN, CoQ10, PQQ, Rhodiola Rosea, and a precise B-vitamin blend, essentially creating a mitochondrial enhancement stack rather than a simple NAD+ booster.

Compared to NiaCel 400, the difference in feel is immediate. Within the first week, I noticed improved training drive, faster recovery between sessions, and clearer post-workout focus. It’s the kind of product that helps you push harder without burning out — a balance that NiaCel doesn’t aim for.

The only downside is the cost of around $89 per bottle for 30 servings. But given the synergy between ingredients and the tangible results, it justifies the price for anyone who takes training and work output seriously.

You can read my Rho NAD+ review for my experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thorne NiaCel 400

Does Thorne NiaCel 400 actually increase NAD+ levels?

Yes, multiple human studies confirm that Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), the main ingredient in NiaCel 400, raises NAD+ levels in blood and tissues.

Research from Trammell et al. (2016) and Dellinger et al. (2017) showed that taking 300–500 mg of NR daily can boost NAD+ by 40–60% within 2–4 weeks.

The 415 mg dose in NiaCel 400 falls squarely in that effective range. However, higher NAD+ levels don’t always translate to immediately noticeable energy or focus, and it’s more about long-term cellular repair and efficiency than short-term stimulation.

How long does it take to feel the effects of NiaCel 400?

Most users start noticing subtle changes after 2–3 weeks, including smoother energy, better recovery, and a slight lift in cognitive clarity.

For others, it can take up to a month before the benefits become noticeable, especially if their NAD+ levels were already relatively high.

It’s not a supplement you’ll feel overnight. The effects build quietly as your body restores cellular NAD+ stores and improves mitochondrial function.

Can I take NiaCel 400 with other supplements?

Yes. NiaCel 400 pairs well with most vitamins, adaptogens, and nootropics. In fact, combining it with a B-complex or methyl donors (like choline, TMG, or folate) can actually enhance its effects by supporting NAD+ metabolism.

It’s also safe to stack with creatine, magnesium, or omega-3s for improved recovery and energy metabolism.

Just avoid taking multiple NAD+ boosters (like NMN or other NR supplements) at the same time as there’s no added benefit and you’ll only waste product.

What’s the difference between NiaCel and regular niacin?

Regular niacin (nicotinic acid) is another form of vitamin B3, but it raises NAD+ indirectly and often causes flushing, itching, and redness.

Nicotinamide Riboside, used in NiaCel, boosts NAD+ through a faster, more efficient metabolic pathway without those uncomfortable side effects.

In other words, NR gets the job done with far less irritation and a more consistent result, making it the preferred form for long-term use.

Does NiaCel 400 cause weight loss?

Not directly. There’s no solid evidence that NAD+ boosters like NiaCel 400 cause fat loss on their own.

However, some people report better metabolic efficiency and energy stability after several weeks, which can make it easier to stay active, train consistently, and control appetite.

In that sense, NiaCel may indirectly support a healthier metabolism, but it’s not a fat burner or thermogenic supplement.

Summary

Thorne NiaCel 400 is a clean, clinically backed NAD+ supplement that does exactly what it’s designed to do — raise NAD+ levels and support cellular energy. It’s simple, effective, and built with the precision you’d expect from Thorne.

Over two months of use, the effects were steady rather than dramatic, resulting in smoother energy, slightly faster recovery, and a quieter kind of mental endurance.

Where it falls short is in scope. NiaCel 400 sticks to the basics and incorporates only Nicotinamide Riboside and a small dose of Betaine, without the extra mitochondrial cofactors that could make it more potent. It’s ideal for men who want a minimalist, reliable NAD+ booster, not a performance enhancer.

For those who want noticeable improvements in energy, focus, and daily drive, Noocube NAD+ is the stronger choice. It builds on the same foundation as NiaCel but adds synergistic compounds that turn cellular repair into tangible performance.

Best NAD+ Supplement

NooCube NAD+

A powerful NAD+ supplement using NR for rapid absorption with 250 mg per serving for easy individualization.

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