Are there any side effects of taking Basis?

While Elysium Health's Basis is generally considered safe in clinical trials, some users have reported experiencing mild side effects. This article delves into the known potential risks of taking Basis, including those related to its active ingredients, Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Pterostilbene (PT).

Quick Summary

This overview details the potential adverse effects associated with taking the NAD+ precursor supplement, Basis, highlighting common mild symptoms reported by users and risks tied to its core ingredients. It also outlines safety precautions, potential drug interactions, and when to seek medical advice for more severe symptoms.

Key Points

• Mild Diarrhea Reported: A clinical trial on Basis identified mild diarrhea as a possible side effect, though only at a high dose.

• Risk of Elevated LDL Cholesterol: One of the ingredients, Pterostilbene, may increase 'bad' cholesterol levels, especially at higher doses.

• Blood Pressure Concerns: The Nicotinamide Riboside in Basis may cause blood pressure to drop, posing a risk when combined with blood pressure medications.

• Consult a Doctor: Individuals with existing liver conditions, metabolic disorders, or a history of cancer should consult a healthcare provider before use.

• Mostly Mild Side Effects: Most reported adverse reactions to Basis are mild, such as nausea, bloating, and fatigue, and often subside with continued use.

• Clinical Safety Confirmed in Studies: An Elysium Health clinical trial found no serious adverse events for healthy adults taking the recommended dose of Basis over eight weeks.

• Drug Interactions Are Possible: The active ingredients can interact with other drugs, including those for blood pressure and certain chemotherapy agents.

Understanding the Ingredients in Basis

Elysium Health's Basis supplement combines two primary ingredients designed to boost cellular NAD+ levels: Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Pterostilbene (PT). Understanding the individual side effect profiles of these two compounds is key to assessing the overall safety of Basis. NR is a form of vitamin B3 and an efficient precursor to NAD+, while PT is a powerful polyphenol and antioxidant found in blueberries.

Mild and Common Side Effects

According to clinical studies and user reports, the side effects associated with Basis are typically mild and not widespread. The most common issues are usually gastrointestinal in nature. During one trial, the only non-serious adverse event linked to Basis was mild diarrhea, and this was only reported in participants taking a double dose. Mild digestive complaints such as nausea, bloating, and stomach discomfort are also occasionally reported by users of NAD+ precursors like NR. These symptoms often subside as the body adjusts to the supplement.

Potential Side Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Mild digestive upset, including nausea, bloating, and stomach pain, is the most frequently cited side effect.
• Headaches and Fatigue: Some users have reported experiencing headaches or unusual fatigue, though these effects are usually temporary.
• Skin Reactions: Mild skin irritation, itching, or excessive sweating have been reported, although flushing is less common with NR than with other forms of vitamin B3.

Potential Side Effects of Pterostilbene (PT)

• Increased LDL Cholesterol: A human clinical trial on pterostilbene found it may increase LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, particularly at higher doses. This risk may be mitigated by taking it with a grape extract.
• Increased Appetite: Some participants in a study reported an increase in appetite when taking pterostilbene.
• Muscle Pain: Mild muscle pain was also noted in a clinical trial involving pterostilbene.

Important Drug Interactions

Both NR and PT can potentially interact with other medications, making it crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting Basis, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Interactions with Blood Pressure Medications

NR can affect how the body regulates blood pressure, and when combined with antihypertensive drugs, it could cause blood pressure to drop too low, resulting in dangerous hypotension. This is a particular risk for older adults or those already on blood pressure medication.

Cholesterol and Other Conditions

Since pterostilbene has been shown to potentially increase LDL cholesterol, those taking cholesterol-controlling medications should be monitored closely. Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, metabolic disorders, or a history of cancer should exercise caution with NAD+ boosters.

Comparison of Potential Side Effects: Basis Ingredients vs. Other Supplements

Potential Side Effect	Basis (NR & PT)	Niacin (Vitamin B3)	Resveratrol
Flushing	Very rare with NR.	Common and can be severe at doses over 50 mg.	Not common with standard doses.
Gastrointestinal Distress	Mild nausea, bloating, or diarrhea possible.	High doses can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.	Mild upset stomach reported in some cases.
Elevated Liver Enzymes	Reported in some NAD+ supplement users.	Can cause liver toxicity at high doses.	Some concerns at very high doses in animal studies.
Increased LDL Cholesterol	Some risk from pterostilbene, potentially mitigated by grape extract.	Not typically associated with increased LDL.	No common reports of increased LDL.
Blood Pressure Effects	NR may cause blood pressure to drop, especially with medication.	High doses can cause hypotension.	No known significant effects on blood pressure.
Long-term Safety Data	Clinical trials are limited in duration, so long-term effects are still under investigation.	Long-term data exists, but high-dose safety is a concern.	Limited human data, mostly based on shorter studies.

What to Do If You Experience Side Effects

1. Stop Use: If you experience any persistent or concerning symptoms, the first step is to discontinue the supplement.
2. Contact Your Doctor: Mild, temporary symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if symptoms last for more than a few days, or if they are severe, consult your healthcare provider.
3. Watch for Severe Symptoms: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms, such as significant changes in heart rate, swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of liver problems like yellowing skin or dark urine.
4. Consider Dosage: Starting with a lower dose and taking the supplement with food may help to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Basis Safety

While Elysium Health’s Basis has been shown to be safe and effective at boosting NAD+ levels in human clinical trials, it is not without potential side effects. The side effect profile is primarily tied to its ingredients, Nicotinamide Riboside and Pterostilbene, with most adverse reactions being mild and gastrointestinal in nature. More serious risks, such as potential drug interactions and effects on cholesterol, warrant caution, especially for individuals with underlying health issues. Anyone considering Basis should consult a doctor, particularly if they are taking other medications or have a history of cancer, liver, or metabolic conditions. Monitoring your body's response and being aware of the red flags for more serious complications are crucial steps for safe supplementation.

Authoritative Source

For additional scientific context on the ingredients, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides extensive research databases on substances like nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene. For Elysium's own clinical trial data, see their site.

https://www.elysiumhealth.com/pages/science-behind-basis

References

• Elysium Health. The Science Behind Basis. https://www.elysiumhealth.com/pages/science-behind-basis
• WebMD. Nicotinamide Riboside – Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1560/nicotinamide-riboside
• Goldman Laboratories. NAD Supplement Side Effects: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore. https://goldmanlaboratories.com/blogs/blog/nad-supplement-side-effects
• National Institutes of Health (NIH). Analysis of Safety from a Human Clinical Trial with Pterostilbene. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3575612/
• Lifespan.io. Pterostilbene: Benefits, Side Effects, and Research. https://www.lifespan.io/topic/pterostilbene-benefits-side-effects/
• Vitality Pro. What is Pterostilbene? Benefits, Dosage, and Risks. https://vitality-pro.com/pterostilbene/benefits-dosage-side-effects-pte/
• Taylor & Francis Online. Full article: ALSUntangled 42: Elysium health’s “basis”. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21678421.2017.1373978

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of taking Basis?

The most common reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, bloating, and mild diarrhea. These symptoms usually go away as your body adjusts to the supplement.

Can Basis increase my cholesterol levels?

Yes, one of the ingredients, pterostilbene, has been shown in some studies to potentially increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol. It is recommended to monitor your cholesterol if you take this supplement.

Is it safe to take Basis with blood pressure medication?

It is not recommended to take Basis with blood pressure medication without a doctor's supervision. The nicotinamide riboside in Basis can potentially lower blood pressure, and when combined with medication, could cause an unsafe drop.

Who should avoid taking Basis?

People with a history of cancer, pre-existing liver conditions, or metabolic disorders should be particularly cautious. Pregnant and nursing women are also advised against taking the supplement.

What are the serious red flags I should watch for?

You should stop taking Basis and seek immediate medical help if you experience severe symptoms like persistent nausea, severe headaches, allergic reactions (swelling, hives, breathing issues), signs of liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes), or significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate.

Can I reduce the risk of side effects?

Yes, you can minimize risk by starting with a lower dose, taking the supplement with food, and choosing a reputable, third-party tested brand. Most importantly, consult with a healthcare professional before beginning.

How long do side effects typically last?

For mild side effects, any discomfort often resolves within a few days as your body gets used to the supplement. If symptoms persist longer than that, you should contact a healthcare provider.