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NiaCel 400

Thorne
4.6
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(1306 ratings)
Niacin 415 mg
Betaine Anhydrous 85 mg
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Score72
A substantial, transparent nicotinamide riboside dose gives the formula a clear cellular-energy role. Small-dose betaine and narrow practical coverage reduce its broader value.
How scoring works
Quantity:60 Capsule(s) • (60 servings)
Goals:
Cardiovascular Support
Skin Health
Heart Health

Score 72

A substantial, transparent nicotinamide riboside dose gives the formula a clear cellular-energy role. Small-dose betaine and narrow practical coverage reduce its broader value.
How scoring works
$74.00($1.23 per serving)
iHerb
$ 74.00
Vitacost
$ 74.00
Pure Formulas
$ 74.00
Vitacost
$ 74.03
Report prices

Analysis

Nicotinamide riboside hydrogen malate at 415 mg provides the main active and gives the capsules a clear purpose. The amount is substantial enough for targeted NAD-precursor supplementation rather than token inclusion.

Betaine anhydrous at 85 mg may support methyl-group balance but is far below a dedicated betaine dose. Both active amounts are disclosed without a proprietary blend.

The simple formula suits users who specifically want nicotinamide riboside. It is less compelling for heart, skin, or weight-gain goals because it lacks direct ingredients for those outcomes and carries a premium daily cost.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking nicotinamide riboside
  • Users focused on cellular-energy support
  • People who prefer a simple two-ingredient capsule
Best for
  • NAD-precursor supplementation
  • Focused cellular-energy routines
  • Transparent active dosing

Pros

  • Substantial nicotinamide riboside amount
  • Fully disclosed quantities
  • Simple two-active formula
  • Convenient capsule supply

Cons

  • Betaine amount is modest
  • Premium serving cost
  • Narrow purpose
  • Limited direct fit for heart, skin, or weight gain

Warnings

  • Nicotinamide riboside may cause nausea or digestive discomfort in sensitive users.
  • Betaine may cause stomach upset, although the amount here is small.
  • The formula provides a concentrated niacin-related precursor, so users already taking similar NAD-support products should avoid unnecessary duplication.

Nutrient quality

76 High impact

The two ingredients use specific forms and avoid obvious padding. Nicotinamide riboside is meaningful, but low-dose betaine and weak configured-goal alignment limit usefulness.

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Ingredient transparency

84 Highest impact

Every active ingredient has a specific amount and no proprietary blend is shown. Complete use directions and non-active ingredients are not supplied.

.

Customer satisfaction

69 High impact

The supplied average is strong, and the rating count is large. Specific firsthand feedback is absent, so recurring complaints and purpose fit cannot be assessed.

.

Value for money

55 Moderate impact

The costly serving is difficult to justify for the configured goals despite a meaningful precursor amount. The compact design avoids filler but remains poorly competitive with goal-specific products.

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Report analysis

Goals

Cardiovascular Support
Cardiovascular Support
Impact
High effect
C+ Goal FitA Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality
Niacin · 415 mg

Niacin provides a relevant route to cardiovascular support. The disclosed amount appears meaningful for that focused role.

The formula remains narrow rather than comprehensive. Vitamin K can oppose warfarin and related vitamin-K-antagonist medicines, so the intake should remain medically coordinated and consistent.

Study evidence
Niacin Supportive 136 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
Moderate effect
D- Goal FitB- Strength of SupportF CoverageB Formula Quality

Nicotinamide riboside is a niacin-related precursor aimed mainly at cellular energy rather than a direct skin barrier nutrient. Evidence for oral nicotinamide riboside improving hydration, collagen structure, or visible skin outcomes remains limited.

The chemical form and amount are clearly disclosed, and the small betaine addition creates a coherent metabolic formula. People seeking direct skin support would find stronger alignment from ingredients that target collagen formation, barrier lipids, or established antioxidant pathways.

Study evidence
Niacin Supportive 61 studies
Heart Health
Heart Health
Impact
Moderate effect
D- Goal FitC+ Strength of SupportF CoverageB+ Formula Quality

Nicotinamide riboside supports NAD-related cellular energy, but it is not the nicotinic-acid form used for lipid modification. Its direct fit for heart health is therefore limited despite a research-relevant precursor amount.

The niacin precursor and betaine amounts are clearly disclosed. Betaine is present at a modest amount, and the formula does not add a direct lipid, vascular, or cardiac-energy active with established cardiovascular outcomes.

Study evidence
Niacin Supportive 105 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Nicotinamide Riboside Hydrogen Malate
415 mg
Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine)
 85 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Report overview
Niacin · 415 mg OverallScore92
A- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Nicotinamide riboside provides a well-aligned niacin precursor at a research-relevant amount. The standard capsule lacks a stated stabilization or protected-release feature, and the ingredient is not identified as a patented or independently verified source. Its cost per serving is comparatively favorable for this type of precursor.

View ingredientView products
Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine) · 85 mg OverallScore87
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB Value

Clearly identified trimethylglycine provides the intended anhydrous betaine form. Its amount offers moderate wellness and methylation support rather than a full performance dose. A substantial nicotinamide riboside precursor and below-median serving cost support fair combination value.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
79 Performance

ResveraCel

Thorne
<p>The same nicotinamide-riboside and betaine base is expanded with phytosome quercetin and trans-resveratrol for stronger skin and cardiovascular alignment. Weight-gain support remains weak, and the added actives increase complexity and cost.</p>
80 Performance

Niacin (Vitamin B3) 500 mg

Solgar
<p>Clearly identified nicotinic acid is more directly aligned with the configured heart and cardiovascular goals. The amount is far above basic needs and may affect flushing, the liver, glucose, or blood pressure, so careful use is essential.</p>
77 Performance

Tru Niagen Unflavored

ChromaDex
<p>Nicotinamide riboside chloride supplies a clearly named NAD precursor in a simple active formula. It omits betaine and is less aligned with cardiovascular goals, but its main active is easier to assess than a multi-ingredient blend.</p>
82 Budget

Sustained-Release Niacin with niaXtend 500 mg

Doctor's Best
<p>Sustained-release nicotinic acid costs far less and aligns more directly with heart and cardiovascular goals than nicotinamide riboside. High-dose niacin may affect the liver and still needs safety guidance despite the controlled delivery.</p>
82 Budget

Niacinamide 500 mg

NOW
<p>A simple niacinamide formula is far less costly and more directly aligned with the configured skin goal. It does not provide nicotinamide riboside or betaine, and the amount is high for routine nutrition.</p>
83 Budget

Betaine Anhydrous

NutraBio
<p>Clearly identified trimethylglycine supplies much more betaine at a substantially lower serving cost. It may fit the configured weight-gain goal better, but it does not provide calories, complete protein, or nicotinamide riboside.</p>
82 Value

No Flush Niacin (Inositol Hexanicotinate) 800 mg

Life Extension
<p>A clearly disclosed no-flush niacin form offers much lower serving cost and comfort-focused vitamin B3 use. It is less direct than nicotinic acid for cardiovascular purposes and does not reproduce the original nicotinamide-riboside and betaine combination.</p>
80 Value

No Flush Niacin 500 mg

Natural Factors
<p>Clearly named inositol hexaniacinate provides a substantial vitamin B3 serving at a much lower cost. The form may be less direct for cardiovascular use, but its simple disclosure makes the value easy to judge.</p>
80 Value

Niacinamide

Thorne
<p>A simple niacinamide formula supports skin-related vitamin B3 use at a much lower serving cost. It lacks betaine and nicotinamide riboside, while the high amount is better suited to selective rather than casual long-term use.</p>
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Role of Niacin in Current Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review.
    Garg A; Sharma A; Krishnamoorthy P; Garg J; Virmani D; Sharma T; Stefanini G; Kostis JB; Mukherjee D; Sikorskaya E · The American journal of medicine · 2017
    Meta-analysis35,206 participants13 studies pooledHeart Health forNiacin
  2. Relationship of lipoproteins to cardiovascular events: the AIM-HIGH Trial (Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome With Low HDL/High Triglycerides and Impact on Global Health Outcomes).
    Guyton JR; Slee AE; Anderson T; Fleg JL; Goldberg RB; Kashyap ML; Marcovina SM; Nash SD; O'Brien KD; Weintraub WS; Xu P; Zhao XQ; Boden WE · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2013
    Randomized trial3,414 participantsHeart Health Cardiovascular Support forNiacin
  3. Effect of Nicotinamide in Skin Cancer and Actinic Keratoses Chemoprophylaxis, and Adverse Effects Related to Nicotinamide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Mainville L; Smilga AS; Fortin PR · Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery · 2022
    Meta-analysis3,039 participants29 studies pooledSkin Health forNiacin
  4. Betaine supplementation fails to improve body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Ashtary-Larky D; Bagheri R; Tinsley GM; Asbaghi O; Salehpour S; Kashkooli S; Kooti W; Wong A · The British journal of nutrition · 2023
    Meta-analysisWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  5. Assessment of the Role of Niacin in Managing Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
    D'Andrea E; Hey SP; Ramirez CL; Kesselheim AS · JAMA network open · 2020
    Meta-analysis35,760 participants17 studies pooledHeart Health Cardiovascular Support forNiacin
  6. Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention in Transplant Recipients.
    Allen NC; Martin AJ; Snaidr VA; Eggins R; Chong AH; Fernandéz-Peñas P; Gin D; Sidhu S; Paddon VL; Banney LA; Lim A; Upjohn E; Schaider H; Ganhewa AD; Nguyen J; McKenzie CA; Prakash S; McLean C; Lochhead A; Ibbetson J; Dettrick A; Landgren A; Allnutt KJ; Allison C; Davenport RB; Mumford BP; Wong B; Stagg B; Tedman A; Gribbin H; Edwards HA; De Rosa N; Stewart T; Doolan BJ; Kok Y; Simpson K; Low ZM; Kovitwanichkanont T; Scolyer RA; Dhillon HM; Vardy JL; Chadban SJ; Bowen DG; Chen AC; Damian DL · The New England journal of medicine · 2023
    Randomized trial158 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  7. One-year longitudinal association between changes in dietary choline or betaine intake and cardiometabolic variables in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea-Plus (PREDIMED-Plus) trial.
    Díez-Ricote L; San-Cristobal R; Concejo MJ; Martínez-González MÁ; Corella D; Salas-Salvadó J; Goday A; Martínez JA; Alonso-Gómez ÁM; Wärnberg J; Vioque J; Romaguera D; López-Miranda J; Estruch R; Tinahones FJ; Lapetra J; Serra-Majem L; Bueno-Cavanillas A; Tur JA; Martín Sánchez V; Pintó X; Gaforio JJ; Matía-Martín P; Vidal J; Mas Fontao S; Ros E; Vázquez-Ruiz Z; Ortega-Azorín C; García-Gavilán JF; Malcampo M; Martínez-Urbistondo D; Tojal-Sierra L; García Rodríguez A; Gómez-Bellvert N; Chaplin A; García-Ríos A; Bernal-López RM; Santos-Lozano JM; Basterra-Gortari J; Sorlí JV; Murphy M; Gasulla G; Micó V; Salaverria-Lete I; Goñi Ochandorena E; Babio N; Herraiz X; Ordovás JM; Daimiel L · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2022
    Cohort study5,613 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  8. Supplemental Vitamins and Minerals for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment: JACC Focus Seminar.
    Jenkins DJA; Spence JD; Giovannucci EL; Kim YI; Josse RG; Vieth R; Sahye-Pudaruth S; Paquette M; Patel D; Blanco Mejia S; Viguiliouk E; Nishi SK; Kavanagh M; Tsirakis T; Kendall CWC; Pichika SC; Sievenpiper JL · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2021
    Meta-analysisCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  9. A Foodborne Outbreak Traced to Niacin Overenrichment.
    Hudson PJ; Vogt RL · Journal of food protection · 2023
    Case-control study21 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  10. Higher serum choline and betaine levels are associated with better body composition in male but not female population.
    Gao X; Randell E; Zhou H; Sun G · PloS one · 2018
    Cross-sectional study1,081 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  11. Exploring the Cardiovascular Impacts of Oral Nicotinamide: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.
    Shoukfeh R; Tisack AM; Lim HW; Mohammad TF · Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2025
    Narrative reviewHeart Health forNiacin
  12. The current state of niacin in cardiovascular disease prevention: a systematic review and meta-regression.
    Lavigne PM; Karas RH · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2013
    Meta-analysis9,959 participants11 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  13. Effect of niacin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease.
    Duggal JK; Singh M; Attri N; Singh PP; Ahmed N; Pahwa S; Molnar J; Singh S; Khosla S; Arora R · Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology and therapeutics · 2010
    Meta-analysis5,137 participants7 studies pooledHeart Health forNiacin
  14. The clinical anti-aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative trial.
    Chiu PC; Chan CC; Lin HM; Chiu HC · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2008
    Randomized trial52 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  15. Effect of Betaine on Reducing Body Fat-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
    Gao X; Zhang H; Guo XF; Li K; Li S; Li D · Nutrients · 2020
    Meta-analysis195 participants6 studies pooledWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  16. Effects of niacin on apo A1 and B levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
    Saboori S; Yousefi Rad E; Tammam J; Thondre PS; Coe S · The British journal of nutrition · 2024
    Meta-analysis12 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  17. Effect of niacin on lipid and lipoprotein levels and glycemic control in patients with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease: the ADMIT study: A randomized trial. Arterial Disease Multiple Intervention Trial.
    Elam MB; Hunninghake DB; Davis KB; Garg R; Johnson C; Egan D; Kostis JB; Sheps DS; Brinton EA · JAMA · 2000
    Randomized trial468 participantsHeart Health Cardiovascular Support forNiacin
  18. The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer.
    Hakozaki T; Minwalla L; Zhuang J; Chhoa M; Matsubara A; Miyamoto K; Greatens A; Hillebrand GG; Bissett DL; Boissy RE · The British journal of dermatology · 2002
    Randomized trial138 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  19. Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone.
    Cholewa JM; Wyszczelska-Rokiel M; Glowacki R; Jakubowski H; Matthews T; Wood R; Craig SA; Paolone V · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition · 2013
    Randomized trial23 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  20. Effect of lipid-lowering therapies on lipoprotein(a) levels: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Xie S; Galimberti F; Olmastroni E; Carugo S; Catapano AL; Casula M; META-LIPID Group · Atherosclerosis · 2025
    Meta-analysis145,314 participants147 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  21. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance.
    Bissett DL; Oblong JE; Berge CA · Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2005
    Randomized trial50 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  22. Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Markers of Metabolic Flexibility, Body Composition, and Anaerobic Performance in Active College-Age Females.
    Waldman HS; Bryant AR; McAllister MJ · Journal of dietary supplements · 2023
    Randomized trial23 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  23. The ARBITER 6-HALTS Trial (Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol 6-HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies in Atherosclerosis): final results and the impact of medication adherence, dose, and treatment duration.
    Villines TC; Stanek EJ; Devine PJ; Turco M; Miller M; Weissman NJ; Griffen L; Taylor AJ · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · 2010
    Randomized trial315 participantsHeart Health forNiacin
  24. Effectiveness of niacin supplementation for patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Xiang D; Zhang Q; Wang YT · Medicine · 2020
    Meta-analysis2,110 participants8 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  25. Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention.
    Breglio KF; Knox KM; Hwang J; Weiss R; Maas K; Zhang S; Yao L; Madden C; Xu Y; Hartman RI; Wheless L · JAMA dermatology · 2025
    Cohort study33,822 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  26. Maternal Betaine and Methylation Potential during Pregnancy Are Associated with Child Growth at Birth and Early Childhood: Results of the Chilean Maternal & Infant Cohort Study-II.
    Trujillo-González I; Barisione G; Bottiglieri T; Reyes M; Garmendia ML; Mujica-Coopman MF · The Journal of nutrition · 2026
    Cohort study150 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  27. The effects of extended-release niacin on carotid intimal media thickness, endothelial function and inflammatory markers in patients with the metabolic syndrome.
    Thoenes M; Oguchi A; Nagamia S; Vaccari CS; Hammoud R; Umpierrez GE; Khan BV · International journal of clinical practice · 2008
    Randomized trial50 participantsHeart Health forNiacin
  28. Niacin improves lipid profile but not endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease on high dose statin therapy.
    Philpott AC; Hubacek J; Sun YC; Hillard D; Anderson TJ · Atherosclerosis · 2013
    Randomized trial66 participantsCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  29. Niacin intake and risk of skin cancer in US women and men.
    Park SM; Li T; Wu S; Li WQ; Weinstock M; Qureshi AA; Cho E · International journal of cancer · 2017
    Cohort study114,116 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  30. Serum betaine is inversely associated with low lean mass mainly in men in a Chinese middle-aged and elderly community-dwelling population.
    Huang BX; Zhu YY; Tan XY; Lan QY; Li CL; Chen YM; Zhu HL · The British journal of nutrition · 2017
    Cohort study1,996 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  31. Differential effect of two nicotinic acid preparations on low-density lipoprotein subclass distribution in patients classified as low-density lipoprotein pattern A, B, or I.
    Superko HR; McGovern ME; Raul E; Garrett B · The American journal of cardiology · 2004
    Randomized trial180 participantsHeart Health forNiacin
  32. Effects of HDL-modifiers on cardiovascular outcomes: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.
    Verdoia M; Schaffer A; Suryapranata H; De Luca G · Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD · 2015
    Meta-analysis69,515 participants18 studies pooledCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  33. Evaluation of anti-wrinkle effects of a novel cosmetic containing niacinamide.
    Kawada A; Konishi N; Oiso N; Kawara S; Date A · The Journal of dermatology · 2008
    Randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forNiacin
  34. Association between dietary betaine intake and overweight or obesity.
    Kuerbanjiang M; Yu W; Shang T; Liu Y; Muheyati D; Lv MX; Jielili M; Han J · Scientific reports · 2024
    Observational study492 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  35. Extended-release niacin therapy and risk of ischemic stroke in patients with cardiovascular disease: the Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcome (AIM-HIGH) trial.
    Teo KK; Goldstein LB; Chaitman BR; Grant S; Weintraub WS; Anderson DC; Sila CA; Cruz-Flores S; Padley RJ; Kostuk WJ; Boden WE; AIM-HIGH Investigators · Stroke · 2013
    Randomized trial3,414 participantsHeart Health forNiacin
  36. Chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinomas and actinic keratoses in adults who were immunocompetent: a systematic review.
    Susanto A; Morgan E; Lindsay D; Collins LG · Clinical and experimental dermatology · 2026
    Systematic review7,355 participants11 studies pooledSkin Health forNiacin
  37. Dietary betaine intake is associated with skeletal muscle mass change over 3 years in middle-aged adults: the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study.
    Long JA; Zhong RH; Chen S; Wang F; Luo Y; Lu XT; Yishake D; Chen YM; Fang AP; Zhu HL · The British journal of nutrition · 2021
    Cohort study1,242 participantsWeight Gain forBetaine Anhydrous
  38. Extended-release niacin vs gemfibrozil for the treatment of low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Niaspan-Gemfibrozil Study Group.
    Guyton JR; Blazing MA; Hagar J; Kashyap ML; Knopp RH; McKenney JM; Nash DT; Nash SD · Archives of internal medicine · 2000
    Randomized trial173 participantsCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  39. Equivalent efficacy of a time-release form of niacin (Niaspan) given once-a-night versus plain niacin in the management of hyperlipidemia.
    Knopp RH; Alagona P; Davidson M; Goldberg AC; Kafonek SD; Kashyap M; Sprecher D; Superko HR; Jenkins S; Marcovina S · Metabolism: clinical and experimental · 1998
    Randomized trial223 participantsCardiovascular Support forNiacin
  40. Effect of niacin on endothelial function: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Sahebkar A · Vascular medicine (London, England) · 2014
    Meta-analysis441 participants7 studies pooledHeart Health forNiacin
  41. A Phase 3 Randomized Trial of Nicotinamide for Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention.
    Chen AC; Martin AJ; Choy B; Fernández-Peñas P; Dalziell RA; McKenzie CA; Scolyer RA; Dhillon HM; Vardy JL; Kricker A; St George G; Chinniah N; Halliday GM; Damian DL · The New England journal of medicine · 2015
    Randomized trial386 participantsSkin Health forNiacin