The Science Behind Basis: NAD+ and Cellular Health
At the core of Elysium Health's Basis supplement is the science of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD+. This coenzyme is present in every cell of the body and is critical for hundreds of metabolic processes, including energy creation and maintaining healthy DNA. The issue is that NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which is thought to contribute to the cellular aging process.
Basis contains two primary ingredients intended to counteract this decline: nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene (PT). The NR acts as a precursor, which the body can convert into NAD+. Pterostilbene, a polyphenol found in blueberries, serves as an antioxidant that may also support cellular health. Together, these ingredients are designed to raise and maintain NAD+ levels, activating a class of proteins called sirtuins that are involved in regulating cellular health.
Clinical Evidence: What the Studies Show
Elysium Health has conducted and published several studies regarding Basis. The most cited is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from 2017, published in npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease. This study, which involved 120 healthy adults aged 60-80, found that taking the recommended dose of Basis increased cellular NAD+ levels by an average of 40% after 30 days, a level that was sustained at 60 days. A double dose increased levels by 90% at 30 days.
Summary of Clinical Trial Findings:
- Participants: 120 healthy adults aged 60–80.
- Methodology: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
- Duration: 8 weeks.
- Results: Recommended dose increased cellular NAD+ levels by an average of 40% after 30 days.
- Safety: No serious adverse events were reported, though non-serious side effects like mild diarrhea were noted at high doses.
While the science confirms that Basis effectively boosts NAD+ levels, it is crucial to note the distinction between raising NAD+ and proving specific health or anti-aging benefits. No human study has definitively proven that elevated NAD+ levels, through supplementation, directly translate into a slowed aging process or extended lifespan. The supplement industry is less regulated than the pharmaceutical industry, and Elysium's marketing has faced some criticism over the interpretation of its scientific backing.
Comparing Basis to Other NAD+ Supplements
The market for NAD+ boosting supplements includes competitors like Tru Niagen, which also uses nicotinamide riboside, and various NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) products. Basis stands out for its combination of NR and pterostilbene, which Elysium claims works synergistically.
| Feature | Basis (Elysium) | Tru Niagen | Other NMN Supplements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient(s) | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), Pterostilbene | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) | Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) |
| Cost (approx.) | ~$50-$60/month (depends on subscription) | ~$30/month (depends on subscription) | Varies widely |
| Supporting Research | Published human clinical trials confirming NAD+ boost | Extensive research, including human clinical trials | Varies; some high-purity options exist |
| Additional Ingredients | Pterostilbene for antioxidant support | None | Can contain various other ingredients |
| Regulatory Status | Third-party tested, NSF Certified for Sport | FDA GRAS-certified | Can vary significantly; check for third-party testing |
What About Side Effects and User Experience?
For healthy adults, Basis is considered safe and well-tolerated when taken as directed. The clinical trial from 2017, for instance, reported no serious adverse events. As previously mentioned, a separate report mentioned mild diarrhea as a possible non-serious side effect at higher doses. As with any supplement, consulting a physician is recommended before starting a new regimen, especially for those who are pregnant, nursing, or have pre-existing medical conditions.
User experiences with Basis are varied. Some customers report noticeable benefits, such as increased energy or better muscle recovery. Others, however, experience no discernible surface-level effects, which Elysium Health acknowledges is a possibility given that the supplement works at a cellular level beneath the surface. A portion of negative feedback online centers not on efficacy, but on customer service issues, particularly around subscription management.
User-Reported Experiences:
- Positive Reviews: Some users report increased energy and better muscle recovery.
- Neutral Reviews: Some users report feeling no immediate difference, which is consistent with the company's claim that benefits are cellular.
- Negative Reviews: A few users have reported issues with subscription services and cancellations.
Conclusion: Does Basis Deliver on Its Promises?
The answer to "does Basis by Elysium work?" is multifaceted. From a purely scientific perspective, the clinical evidence is strong that the supplement successfully increases NAD+ levels in the body. This is a significant achievement and a positive indicator for cellular health. However, the connection between this increase and tangible anti-aging or health-span benefits in humans remains a subject of ongoing research, not a proven fact.
For consumers, the decision hinges on their expectations. If you are looking for a supplement clinically proven to boost NAD+ levels safely, Basis offers a compelling option backed by solid research. If you anticipate immediate, dramatic, or surface-level anti-aging effects, the science does not yet support that level of expectation. Ultimately, Basis represents a promising step in longevity science, offering cellular support, but it should be viewed as an investment in long-term wellness rather than a miracle cure for aging. You can read the 2017 clinical trial findings in npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease.
