Elysium Basis Review: Does This NAD+ Supplement Actually Work?

Last Updated: December 2025 | Category: Biohacking | Freak Score: 8.0/10 NAD+ is one of the most important molecules in your body that you have probably never thought about. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide sits at the center of cellular energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation -- three processes that decline measurably with age. By the time you are 50, your NAD+ levels have dropped to roughly half of what they were at 20. By 80, they may be a quarter.

The question driving a billion-dollar supplement category is simple: can you boost NAD+ levels back up, and if so, does it actually slow aging?

Elysium Health thinks the answer is yes. Founded by Leonard Guarente, one of the most cited researchers in aging biology and a professor at MIT, Elysium launched Basis in 2014 as the first consumer product specifically designed to increase NAD+ levels through a combination of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene. It remains one of the most scientifically grounded supplements in the longevity space.

We took Elysium Basis daily for 90 days, tracked biomarkers where possible, and evaluated it across our seven-criteria Freak Score system.

What Is NAD+ and Why Does It Matter?

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell in your body. It participates in over 500 enzymatic reactions, but its two most important roles for aging are:

Mitochondrial energy production: NAD+ is essential for converting the food you eat into ATP, the energy currency your cells run on. As NAD+ declines, mitochondrial function declines with it -- contributing to fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, and impaired cellular repair.

Sirtuin activation: Sirtuins are a family of seven proteins (SIRT1-7) that regulate DNA repair, inflammation, metabolism, and stress resistance. They require NAD+ as a cofactor to function. When NAD+ is low, sirtuin activity drops, and cellular maintenance processes slow down. Leonard Guarente's lab at MIT was instrumental in establishing this connection (Guarente, 2013, Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology, PMID: 24396023).

The decline of NAD+ with age is well-documented. A 2015 study by Massudi et al. in PLOS ONE measured NAD+ levels across human age groups and found a consistent age-related decline in both men and women, with corresponding increases in oxidative damage (PMID: 22848760).

What Is Elysium Basis?

Basis is a daily supplement containing two active ingredients:

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): 250mg -- NR is a form of vitamin B3 that serves as a direct precursor to NAD+. Once ingested, NR is converted to NAD+ through the NR kinase pathway. Multiple studies have demonstrated that oral NR supplementation significantly increases blood NAD+ levels. A 2018 study by Martens et al. in Nature Communications found that 1,000mg of NR daily for 6 weeks increased NAD+ levels by approximately 60% in healthy middle-aged and older adults (PMID: 29599478).

Pterostilbene: 50mg -- Pterostilbene is a methylated analog of resveratrol, found naturally in blueberries and grapes. It has significantly better bioavailability than resveratrol (approximately 80% vs. 20%). Pterostilbene activates SIRT1 and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in preclinical studies. A 2012 study by Chang et al. in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research showed that pterostilbene modulates genes involved in inflammation and lipid metabolism (PMID: 22648627).

The combination is the key insight. NR provides the raw material (NAD+) while pterostilbene activates the enzymes (sirtuins) that use it. It is the difference between filling a gas tank (NR) and pressing the accelerator (pterostilbene).

The Clinical Evidence: The NRPT Trial

What sets Elysium apart from most supplement companies is that they actually ran a clinical trial on their specific product -- not just the individual ingredients, but the exact Basis formulation.

The NRPT (Nicotinamide Riboside and Pterostilbene) trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease in 2017. Key findings:

• 120 participants aged 60-80, randomized to placebo, recommended dose (250mg NR + 50mg pterostilbene), or double dose (500mg NR + 100mg pterostilbene)
• The recommended dose increased NAD+ levels by approximately 40% over 8 weeks
• The double dose increased NAD+ levels by approximately 90%
• NAD+ levels remained elevated for the duration of supplementation
• No serious adverse events were reported
• Safety profile was clean across liver function, kidney function, and metabolic panels

(Dellinger et al., 2017, npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease, PMID: 29184669)

This is meaningful because most supplement companies rely entirely on ingredient-level studies. Elysium tested their actual product in their actual dose in a well-designed clinical trial. The fact that it showed a significant, dose-dependent increase in NAD+ is strong evidence that the supplement does what it claims.

However -- and this is a crucial distinction -- the trial measured NAD+ levels, not clinical outcomes like lifespan, disease risk, or functional aging markers. We know Basis raises NAD+. We do not yet have definitive proof that raising NAD+ translates to meaningful lifespan or healthspan benefits in humans. The animal data is compelling, but the human longevity data is still maturing.

How We Tested

One editor took Elysium Basis at the recommended dose (two capsules daily with food) for 90 consecutive days. During this period:

• Subjective tracking: Energy levels (1-10 scale), sleep quality (sleep score via Oura Ring), exercise recovery time, and cognitive sharpness (self-assessed)
• Blood work: Pre- and post-supplementation blood panels including standard metabolic markers (we did not measure NAD+ directly, as this requires specialized lab testing not widely available)
• Tolerance: Monitored for GI issues, headaches, skin changes, or any adverse effects
• Compliance: Zero missed doses over 90 days

Subjective Observations

Energy levels: Subtle but noticeable improvement beginning around week three. Average daily energy rating increased from 6.4/10 to 7.1/10. This was not a stimulant-like boost -- more like a baseline improvement in sustained energy throughout the day, particularly in the afternoon slump window.

Sleep quality: Average Oura sleep score improved from 78 to 82 over 90 days. This could be attributed to multiple factors (seasonal changes, lifestyle adjustments), so we weight this observation lightly.

Exercise recovery: Perceived recovery time after high-intensity workouts decreased slightly. Not dramatic enough to draw firm conclusions.

Cognitive function: No meaningful change observed.

Adverse effects: None. No GI issues, no headaches, no skin changes. The clean safety profile matches what the NRPT trial reported.

The Freak Score

Score Breakdown

Ingredient Quality: 9/10 -- Both NR and pterostilbene are well-researched compounds with strong mechanistic rationale. NR has multiple published human trials demonstrating NAD+ elevation. Pterostilbene has superior bioavailability to resveratrol and established preclinical evidence for sirtuin activation. The combination is biologically logical and supported by the NRPT trial data. The only reason this is not a 10: human clinical outcome data (as opposed to biomarker data) is still developing.

Dosing: 8/10 -- The 250mg NR dose is clinically validated in the NRPT trial. However, some studies showing the most dramatic NAD+ increases used 1,000mg of NR (Martens et al., 2018). At 250mg, you get a meaningful 40% NAD+ increase, but higher doses show greater effect. The 50mg pterostilbene dose aligns with published research on its bioavailability and sirtuin activation. We give it an 8 because the dose is proven effective but not at the upper end of what research suggests may be optimal.

Clean Formula: 9/10 -- The capsule contains NR, pterostilbene, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (capsule shell), and silica. No artificial colors, no unnecessary fillers, no proprietary blends masking actual doses. The formula is clean, minimal, and transparent. Vegan capsule. Free from major allergens.

Transparency: 8/10 -- Elysium publishes the NRPT trial results, discloses exact ingredient doses, and maintains a scientific advisory board that includes eight Nobel laureates. The company is more transparent than the vast majority of supplement brands. Where transparency could improve: they have not published long-term outcome studies (beyond 8 weeks), and some marketing language implies anti-aging benefits that exceed what the current human evidence directly demonstrates.

Third-Party Testing: 8/10 -- Basis is manufactured in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility. The NRPT clinical trial provides product-specific validation that few supplements can match. Elysium has also published multiple peer-reviewed papers using their formulation. However, they do not prominently display third-party testing certificates (like NSF or USP verification) on their website, which is becoming standard practice for premium supplements.

Value: 6/10 -- At $60/month ($50/month on annual subscription), Basis is significantly more expensive than standalone NR supplements. Tru Niagen, the leading NR-only supplement, costs approximately $40-50/month for 300mg of NR -- more NR for less money, though without the pterostilbene component. The NRPT trial justifies the specific combination, but the price premium is substantial for a supplement you take indefinitely. For budget-conscious consumers, the cost adds up quickly: $600-720/year.

Source & Manufacturing: 8/10 -- Elysium partners with ChromaDex for their NR (marketed as Niagen) and manufactures in FDA-registered, GMP-compliant facilities in the United States. The scientific pedigree of the founding team (MIT, Harvard) and advisory board lends credibility. Manufacturing consistency appears solid based on our experience and consumer reports. The company is well-funded and has been operating since 2014, providing track record stability.

Elysium Basis vs. Tru Niagen

The most common comparison in the NAD+ space. Here is how they stack up:

Both products use the same NR ingredient (Niagen from ChromaDex -- in fact, Tru Niagen IS ChromaDex's consumer brand). Tru Niagen offers more NR per dose (300mg vs. 250mg), costs less, and carries NSF Certified for Sport verification. Basis offers the unique pterostilbene combination and the NRPT trial specifically testing their formulation.

If you want maximum NR at the best price with third-party certification, Tru Niagen wins. If you want the specific NR + pterostilbene combination tested in a clinical trial and believe in the synergistic sirtuin activation theory, Basis is the more complete product.

The Honest Limitations

We need to be straightforward about where the science stands:

NAD+ elevation is proven. Longevity outcomes in humans are not. The NRPT trial demonstrated that Basis raises NAD+ levels. Animal studies show that NAD+ restoration extends lifespan and healthspan in mice (Zhang et al., 2016, Science, PMID: 27127236). But we do not yet have published human trials showing that NAD+ supplementation extends lifespan or prevents age-related disease. That research is underway but will take years to mature.

The optimal dose is not settled. Different studies use different NR doses (100mg to 2,000mg). The 250mg dose in Basis is proven to raise NAD+, but whether it is the optimal dose for maximum benefit is unclear.

Long-term safety data is limited. The NRPT trial was 8 weeks. NR has been generally well-tolerated in studies up to 12 weeks. But long-term safety data (years of continuous use) does not exist for any NAD+ precursor supplement.

Individual response varies. Age, baseline NAD+ levels, diet, exercise, and genetics all influence how much benefit you will get from NAD+ supplementation. A healthy 30-year-old may notice nothing. A 60-year-old with measurably low NAD+ may notice significant improvement.

Who Should Take Elysium Basis?

Good fit:

• Adults over 40 interested in evidence-based longevity interventions
• People who value clinical validation of the specific product they take
• Those willing to invest $50-60/month in a long-term supplement strategy
• Biohackers who understand that NAD+ is a biomarker story, not yet a proven lifespan extender

Not ideal:

• Budget-conscious consumers (Tru Niagen offers more NR for less)
• People expecting dramatic, noticeable anti-aging effects
• Anyone looking for a short-term intervention (NAD+ supplementation is an indefinite commitment)
• Young, healthy individuals with presumably adequate NAD+ levels

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Clinically studied formulation (NRPT trial, published peer-reviewed)
• Clean, minimal formula with no unnecessary fillers
• Unique NR + pterostilbene combination with mechanistic rationale
• Founded by leading longevity researcher (Leonard Guarente, MIT)
• Scientific advisory board includes eight Nobel laureates
• Proven NAD+ elevation of ~40% at recommended dose
• Excellent safety profile in clinical trial
• Manufactured in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities

Cons:

• $60/month is expensive relative to standalone NR supplements
• No published long-term (multi-year) safety data
• NAD+ elevation is demonstrated, but downstream health outcomes in humans are not yet proven
• 250mg NR is lower than some competitors' doses (300mg+)
• No NSF or USP third-party certification
• Requires indefinite use -- benefits likely reverse when you stop supplementing

Related Reading

• Best NAD+ Supplements 2026 -- how Elysium compares to other NAD+ products
• NAD+ Therapy Complete Guide -- the full science behind NR and NMN
• Best Longevity Supplements 2026 -- NAD+ in the broader anti-aging stack
• Spermidine Supplement Review -- another longevity supplement targeting autophagy
• Best Biohacking Gadgets 2026 -- the tech side of longevity optimization

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Elysium Basis actually raise NAD+ levels? Yes. The NRPT clinical trial demonstrated a ~40% increase in NAD+ at the recommended dose over 8 weeks. This finding is consistent with multiple other studies showing that oral NR supplementation raises blood NAD+ levels.

How long does it take Elysium Basis to work? NAD+ elevation begins within days of starting supplementation. The NRPT trial measured significant increases at the 4-week and 8-week marks. Subjective effects (energy, recovery) may take 2-4 weeks to notice, if they are noticeable at all. Many users report no subjective change despite the biomarker improvement.

Is Elysium Basis safe? The NRPT trial reported no serious adverse events over 8 weeks, with a clean safety profile across liver, kidney, and metabolic markers. NR has been well-tolerated in multiple published studies. Long-term safety data (years of use) is not yet available. Consult your physician before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications.

Should I take Basis or Tru Niagen? It depends on your priorities. Basis offers a unique NR + pterostilbene combination tested in a product-specific clinical trial. Tru Niagen offers more NR per dose at a lower price with NSF certification. Both are legitimate products. Our view: if the pterostilbene synergy appeals to you and cost is secondary, choose Basis. If you want maximum NR at the best value, choose Tru Niagen.

Can I just eat blueberries for pterostilbene? Technically, yes -- pterostilbene is found in blueberries. Practically, no. You would need to eat approximately 400-500 cups of blueberries daily to match the 50mg dose in Basis. Supplementation is the only practical way to reach therapeutic levels.

Does NAD+ supplementation slow aging? In animal models, NAD+ restoration has been shown to extend lifespan and improve markers of aging. In humans, NAD+ supplementation raises NAD+ levels and improves some biomarkers, but we do not yet have published evidence showing it extends human lifespan. The research is promising but premature for definitive claims.

Will I feel different on Basis? Some users report improved energy and better recovery. Others notice nothing subjectively. Our tester experienced subtle energy improvements starting around week three. The absence of noticeable effects does not mean the supplement is not working -- NAD+ operates at the cellular level, and many benefits may not be subjectively perceptible.

Where to Buy

• Brand Direct: $60/month ($50/month annual) -- Buy from Elysium Health
• Amazon: Price varies -- Buy on Amazon

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Affiliate Disclosure: Freak Naturals may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article. This does not affect our editorial independence — we recommend products based on research and testing, not commissions.