Before considering Elysium Basis or any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. Information provided here is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice.
What is Elysium Basis?
Elysium Basis is a daily supplement developed by Elysium Health, a company co-founded by aging researcher Dr. Leonard Guarente. The product is formulated to increase and sustain levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme found in every cell of the body that plays a crucial role in metabolism and cellular repair. The supplement contains two key ingredients: a proprietary form of nicotinamide riboside (NR-E) and pterostilbene (PT), a powerful antioxidant similar to resveratrol. The underlying scientific hypothesis is that by replenishing declining NAD+ levels, Basis can support cellular function and potentially mitigate some aspects of age-related decline.
The Science Behind Elysium Basis
Elysium Health has published several studies in peer-reviewed journals to back its claims. The most prominent trial, published in Nature Partner Journals: Aging and Mechanisms of Disease in 2017, was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 120 healthy adults aged 60-80. The results demonstrated that:
- Participants taking Basis saw their cellular NAD+ levels increase by an average of 40% after 30 days, with the increase sustained at 60 days.
- Those taking a double dose experienced an even higher increase, up to 90% at 30 days.
- No increase in NAD+ was observed in the placebo group.
Another clinical trial, published in Hepatology, studied the effects of Basis supplementation in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While the primary endpoint—a reduction in hepatic fat—was not met, taking Basis did lead to a significant decrease in circulating levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), suggesting a potential benefit for markers of hepatic inflammation. A smaller pilot study in ALS patients also suggested some potential benefits, though a larger trial is needed for confirmation.
However, it is crucial to understand the limitations of this research. These studies primarily measure the supplement's ability to boost a biomarker (NAD+). They do not provide definitive evidence that increasing NAD+ levels translates into measurable, long-term health outcomes like increased lifespan or overall vitality in humans.
Key Ingredients in Detail
- Nicotinamide Riboside (NR-E): As a precursor to NAD+, this molecule is efficiently converted by the body to increase NAD+ levels within cells. The proprietary form is claimed to have a superior safety profile.
- Pterostilbene (PT): A potent antioxidant found in blueberries, pterostilbene is structurally similar to resveratrol and may work synergistically with NR to activate sirtuin proteins, which are dependent on NAD+.
Potential Downsides and Criticisms
Despite Elysium's emphasis on scientific rigor, the supplement industry operates with far less regulatory oversight than pharmaceuticals. Critics, including academics, have voiced concerns that the company's marketing relies heavily on the credentials of its scientific advisory board and flashy branding to sell a product whose long-term human benefits are unproven. In 2017, a legal dispute arose between Elysium and its former ingredient supplier, ChromaDex, regarding intellectual property and marketing, highlighting the competitive and sometimes contentious nature of the market.
Safety Profile of Basis
Clinical trials have generally found Basis to be safe and well-tolerated. In the 2017 trial, no serious adverse events were reported. A later study mentioned mild diarrhea as a possible side effect, though the percentage of participants affected was not disclosed. For the individual ingredients, like nicotinamide riboside, side effects in studies have been mild and may include nausea, bloating, or headaches. However, most human studies have been relatively short in duration and involved small sample sizes, so comprehensive long-term safety data is not yet available. As with any supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Elysium Basis vs. Key Competitors
For those considering an NAD+ boosting supplement, it's helpful to compare Basis with other popular options. The market includes a variety of formulations, and delivery methods. Here is a comparison of Elysium Basis with a few notable alternatives:
| Feature | Elysium Basis | Tru Niagen® | Omre NMN + Resveratrol | Thorne NiaCel 400 | Wonderfeel Youngr™ NMN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) + Pterostilbene (PT) | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) | Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) + Resveratrol | Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) | NMN + Resveratrol + Apigenin + Hydroxytyrosol |
| Precursor Type | NR | NR | NMN | NR | NMN |
| Synergy | Claims synergistic effect between NR and PT | Single-ingredient focus | Claims synergistic NAD+ boost with NMN and Resveratrol | Single-ingredient focus | Multi-ingredient 'longevity stack' approach |
| Credibility | Backed by human trials measuring NAD+ increase | Backed by ChromaDex research; NSF Certified | Based on research of NMN and Resveratrol combination | NSF Certified for Sport; respected clinical brand | Based on research of NMN and other compounds |
| Value | Higher price point; subscription model | More accessible entry-level NR option | Competitive pricing for NMN + Resveratrol stack | Higher dose NR option; premium price | High dose, premium price for comprehensive stack |
Note: Supplement formulations and specific amounts of ingredients can vary by product and brand.
Conclusion: So, Does Elysium Basis work?
Yes, Elysium Basis has been clinically proven to effectively increase NAD+ levels in healthy adults, a fact supported by its own published research. The science indicates that its two active ingredients, nicotinamide riboside and pterostilbene, work as intended to raise this cellular coenzyme. However, the critical question is whether raising NAD+ levels with a supplement translates into tangible, clinically significant long-term health benefits for humans. On this point, the evidence is still developing and currently inconclusive.
For consumers, this means that while Basis functions as a biomarker-booster, subjective experiences and objective results may vary. Some users report anecdotal improvements in energy and well-being, while others notice little to no effect. The high cost and reliance on a subscription model are also factors for consideration. Ultimately, Elysium Basis is a promising supplement within the burgeoning field of longevity science, but it is not a proven 'anti-aging' medication. It increases a key cellular marker, but whether that translates into a noticeable or measurable improvement in health or lifespan remains to be robustly demonstrated in large-scale human trials. For those interested in exploring NAD+ supplementation, Basis offers a scientifically-backed approach, but a degree of caution and realistic expectations are warranted. For an alternative source discussing the clinical study, see Dellinger et al. 2017.
