Resveratrol vs Nicotinamide Riboside
Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene)
The polyphenol behind the sirtuin era of longevity research and one of the most heavily trialled supplements in this database: over 150 completed registered studies, results that conflict by population and dose rather than pointing one way, and no trial of lifespan or any hard clinical outcome in people.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)
A well-studied vitamin B3 form and NAD+ precursor that reliably raises NAD+ levels in humans, widely used in longevity supplement stacks.
| Attribute | Resveratrol | Nicotinamide Riboside |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Longevity | Longevity |
| FDA status | Dietary supplement; not an approved drug. Labels may carry structure/function claims with the DSHEA disclaimer, but not disease treatment or prevention claims | Sold as a supplement; not an approved drug |
| Half-life | About 9 hours for resveratrol plus its sulfate and glucuronide conjugates after an oral dose; free parent compound is cleared far faster | Short |
| Molecular weight | 228.24 Da | 255.2 Da |
| Mechanism | Proposed as an allosteric activator of the NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, with downstream AMPK and PGC-1alpha signalling that mimics parts of calorie restriction. That direct-activation claim is disputed: groups at Amgen (2009) and Pfizer (2010) showed the measured activation depends on a fluorophore-tagged assay peptide and disappears with native substrates, while Sirtris and Sinclair's group argue in Science (2013) that activation is real but requires substrates carrying specific hydrophobic motifs and a single SIRT1 residue, Glu230. Independently of sirtuins, resveratrol has documented antioxidant activity, endothelial nitric oxide and flow-mediated dilation effects, and inhibition of CYP3A4, CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 at gram doses. | Converts to NAD+ through the salvage pathway, restoring NAD+ that declines with age and supporting mitochondrial and repair enzymes. |
| Legal status (US) | Sold as a dietary supplement; not an approved drug | Sold as a dietary supplement |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Resveratrol and Nicotinamide Riboside?
Resveratrol: The polyphenol behind the sirtuin era of longevity research and one of the most heavily trialled supplements in this database: over 150 completed registered studies, results that conflict by population and dose rather than pointing one way, and no trial of lifespan or any hard clinical outcome in people. Nicotinamide Riboside: A well-studied vitamin B3 form and NAD+ precursor that reliably raises NAD+ levels in humans, widely used in longevity supplement stacks.
Which has stronger research evidence, Resveratrol or Nicotinamide Riboside?
Resveratrol is rated Moderate and Nicotinamide Riboside is rated Moderate for evidence level in this database. Evidence level reflects the quality of published research, not a recommendation.
Are Resveratrol and Nicotinamide Riboside FDA-approved?
Resveratrol: Dietary supplement; not an approved drug. Labels may carry structure/function claims with the DSHEA disclaimer, but not disease treatment or prevention claims. Nicotinamide Riboside: Sold as a supplement; not an approved drug.
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Evidence levels reflect the quality of published research, not a recommendation. This comparison is educational and is not medical advice.