Understanding the Science Behind Elysium Health
Elysium Health markets its products based on the science of longevity and cellular aging. The company's flagship product, Basis, is built around boosting a coenzyme called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), which plays a critical role in cellular metabolism and repair. As we age, our natural NAD+ levels decline, and Elysium's supplements are designed to counteract this process.
The primary ingredients in Basis are Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, and pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant similar to resveratrol. The theory is that by providing precursors like NR, the body can more effectively produce NAD+, thereby supporting cellular functions, energy, and overall health. This approach is grounded in longevity research, much of which has been conducted in animal models, showing that sirtuin activity—which depends on NAD+—can influence lifespan.
The Efficacy of Elysium Basis
Elysium's strongest evidence for its product's function comes from its own sponsored clinical research. A 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving adults aged 60-80 confirmed that taking Basis increased cellular NAD+ levels by an average of 40% after 30 days. A 2020 toxicology study also concluded that the proprietary NR-E in Basis was safe.
However, there is a crucial distinction between demonstrating an increase in a biomarker and proving a direct health benefit. While Basis successfully raised NAD+ levels, neither this study nor any other publicly available human study has definitively proven that this increase translates to anti-aging benefits, longer lifespan, or improved health outcomes in humans. Critics point out that claiming longevity benefits based on the company's scientific advisory board and biomarker data is a significant leap of faith.
Other Elysium Products: Signal, Matter, and Index
Beyond Basis, Elysium offers a range of other products targeting specific aspects of health:
- Signal: Contains NMN, another NAD+ precursor, but faces regulatory scrutiny. The FDA has raised questions about NMN's status as a dietary supplement because it has been investigated as a new drug.
- Matter: Features a B-vitamin complex developed in partnership with the University of Oxford. A clinical study showed it could slow age-related brain atrophy in certain regions by an average of 86% in older adults with mild memory concerns.
- Index: An at-home epigenetic test that uses a saliva sample to calculate a person's biological age. While the technology is promising, the science of using averaged epigenetic analysis to determine biological age is still developing.
Scientific Concerns and Criticisms
Despite Elysium's affiliations with respected scientists, including Nobel laureates on its advisory board, the company has faced criticism. Some scientists and observers have questioned whether the company leverages its academic connections for marketing purposes without sufficient clinical evidence to back broad health claims. Because supplements are not subject to the same rigorous FDA approval process as drugs, they don't require proof of efficacy for specific health conditions, only safety.
Elysium has also been embroiled in legal battles with competitors over patents. Lawsuits with ChromaDex and W.R. Grace regarding the NR ingredient in Basis have resulted in mixed outcomes, with Elysium sometimes prevailing on specific claims and other times facing damages or liability.
User Experiences and Customer Feedback
User experiences with Elysium products are highly varied. While some customers on the company's website and elsewhere report noticeable benefits, such as increased energy or improved well-being, many others report experiencing no tangible effects. It is important to note that many positive reviews are on the company's own site, while third-party review sites like Trustpilot show lower ratings and mention issues with subscriptions rather than product efficacy. This mixed feedback highlights the difficulty of perceiving subtle cellular-level changes and the potential for individual results to vary significantly.
Comparison: Elysium Health vs. Other NAD+ Supplements
For those considering NAD+ supplements, Elysium Basis is one of several options. Here is a comparison to help weigh alternatives.
| Feature | Elysium Basis | Omre NMN + Resveratrol | Thorne NiaCel 400 | Tru Niagen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) + Pterostilbene | Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) + Resveratrol + BioPerine | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) |
| Primary Precursor | NR | NMN | NR | NR |
| Dosing (Daily) | 250mg NR + 50mg Pterostilbene (per serving) | 500mg NMN + 500mg Resveratrol (per serving) | 400mg NR (per serving) | Varies (300mg+) |
| Key Features | Clinically proven to raise NAD+; NSF Certified for Sport | Higher doses; NMN is a more direct NAD+ precursor pathway | High potency NR; trusted clinical brand | Cheaper NR alternative |
| Cost (Monthly) | $40-$60 | Approx. $60 | Competitive to Elysium | From $30+ |
The Financial Aspect: Is Elysium Health Cost-Effective?
Elysium Health products are expensive, with Basis costing $40-$60 per month depending on the subscription. Other products like the Index test are also pricey, at $299-$499. Given the lack of definitive proof for broad health benefits and the existence of more affordable alternatives, some consumers may question the cost-effectiveness. For many, the high cost is a significant barrier, especially since long-term use is recommended to maintain elevated NAD+ levels. While the company cites high-quality ingredients and research, the financial investment requires a personal assessment of the perceived value versus the scientific uncertainty.
Conclusion: Does Elysium Health Work? The Verdict
The answer to whether Elysium Health works is complex and depends on how you define 'work.' From a scientific standpoint, its flagship product, Basis, has been shown to be effective at its stated goal of increasing NAD+ levels safely. For other products like Matter, specific cognitive benefits have been demonstrated in targeted populations. However, if 'work' means providing a proven anti-aging or lifespan-extending benefit for the average person, the evidence is not yet there. The mixed user reviews and high cost add further complexity to the decision. Ultimately, for those comfortable with the cost and willing to take a 'leap of faith' based on the promising, but still-emerging, science of longevity, Elysium Health offers well-researched, high-quality supplements. For others, it may represent a significant financial investment in a benefit that remains unproven in humans.
Potential risks of NAD+ supplements
While Elysium's products are generally considered safe, some potential risks and considerations are worth noting:
- Lack of FDA Oversight: The FDA does not rigorously approve supplements like drugs, meaning claims are not always fully vetted.
- Off-target Effects: NAD+ is involved in many cellular processes. Manipulating its levels could potentially have unintended consequences, though no serious side effects were reported in Elysium's trials.
- Limited Long-term Safety Data: Clinical trials have been of relatively short duration, and long-term safety data are still emerging.
For most people, the decision to try Elysium Health comes down to their personal interpretation of the available scientific data, their budget, and their appetite for a potentially unproven benefit. For specific cognitive issues, Matter may be a more evidence-backed option, but the longevity claims of products like Basis remain speculative.
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For more on the science of aging and NAD+, see the article: "Is the science behind aging supplements real?" on WIRED: https://www.wired.com/2016/07/confused-elysiums-anti-aging-drug-yeah-fda/
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NAD+ Boost Confirmed: Clinical trials show Elysium's Basis can significantly increase NAD+ levels in the body.
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Anti-Aging Unproven: There is currently no conclusive human clinical evidence linking Elysium's supplements to increased lifespan or direct anti-aging effects.
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Cost vs. Alternatives: Elysium's products are expensive, and cheaper alternatives are available with different formulations, like those from Tru Niagen or Omre.
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Scientific Backing: While Elysium is advised by a prestigious scientific board, critics argue this is sometimes used to market products with unproven health claims.
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Mixed User Feedback: Customer reviews are mixed, with some users reporting increased energy while others note no noticeable difference.
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Biomarkers vs. Benefits: It's crucial to distinguish between proof of increased biomarkers (e.g., NAD+) and evidence of actual long-term health or longevity benefits.
Conclusion: A High-End Supplement for the Biohacker
Elysium Health occupies a premium space in the longevity supplement market. Its strongest selling points are its robust, in-house clinical research validating the efficacy of increasing biomarkers like NAD+ and its association with leading scientists. However, the high price point, mixed user reviews on perceived effects, and the speculative nature of linking biomarker changes to lifespan extension in humans all warrant careful consideration. For the health-conscious individual who can afford the cost and wants to align with cutting-edge (though not yet fully proven) longevity research, Elysium offers a well-formulated, transparent option. For those seeking guaranteed results or working with a smaller budget, exploring the broader market of NAD+ precursors and other alternatives is advisable.
