Update 4/16/23. Nestlé Celltrient Cellular Energy is said to reawaken your vitality by boosting the energy molecule, NAD levels in older cells. Declines in NAD are thought to play a role in the aging process. The key ingredient in Celltrient Energy is nicotinamide riboside, a form of niacin (vitamin B3). So does Celltrient Energy reverse aging, improve your energy levels and help you lead a better quality of life? In this unbiased review, you'll discover the ingredients in Celltrient Energy and the research on it and nicotinamide riboside.
Celltrient Energy Benefits
The Nestlé company says there are two main benefits to using this supplement:
- Boosts NAD+ levels and helps to restore your cells' natural ability to transform food into energy
- Provides an excellent source of Vitamin C and B vitamins to support energy metabolism
What Is NAD +
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) is an important molecule found in all the cells of your body. It plays a critical role in energy production and some think the aging process too. As we get older, the NAD levels in our cells decline.
As our cellular level of NAD decreases, it reduces the activity of sirtuins, enzymes that play a role in the aging process. As NAD levels fall and sirtuins stop working properly, our cells cease to function optimally.
The result: aging and aging-related disease. Or so the theory goes. So, the idea is by raising NAD levels, your cells become revitalized to their younger state. In theory, this means you might be revitalized too.
Sounds great. So is there any proof? Keep reading…
Celltrient Energy Drink Ingredients
So what kind of Nestlé nutrition are we looking at? From the Nutrition Facts label, 1 packet (5 grams) has the following nutrition information
| Calories | 20 | |
| Nutrients | Percent Daily Value | |
| Total fat | 0 | |
| Sodium | 15 mg | 1% DV |
| Total Carbs | 3 g | 1% DV |
| Protein | 2 g | 4% DV |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg | 50% DV |
| Thiamine (vitamin B1) | 0.4 mg | 35% DV |
| Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 0.5 mg | 40% DV |
| Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) | 0.6 mg | 35% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg | 80% DV |
| Biotin | 8 mcg | 25% DV |
| Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) | 1.2 mg | 25% DV |
In this table, mcg = micrograms; mg = milligrams
Other Ingredients
The label lists these other ingredients too:
- Whey protein isolate (milk)
- Brown rice syrup
- Citric acid
- Maltodextrin
- Nicotinamide riboside chloride (tru Niagen)
- monk fruit extract
It also has less than 2% of ascorbic acid, natural flavors stevia leaf extract, Paprika oleoresin (for color), soy lecithin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine HCL, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, vitamin B12.
The active ingredient in this list is #5 – nicotinamide riboside. It also goes by the name Tru Niagen. This is a form of niacin (vitamin B3).
Celltrient Energy Research
The Celltrient supplement- itself – does not appear to have any clinical research. In other words, it looks like Nestlé researchers have not published any studies to see if it does what it's said to do. But this does not mean it does not work. There IS research on the key ingredient, nicotinamide riboside (Tru Niagen).
Let's look at that next.
Tru Niagen Human Research Summary
Tru Niagen is the key ingredient in Celltrient Energy drink. This compound, which is a form of niacin, has been studied for several years. Most of the research has been conducted on rats, mice, and isolated cells. Here is a summary of the human research that could be located. Keep in mind Tru Niagen and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are the same thing.
Study 1
In one of the first studies, the company that makes this nutritional ingredient has demonstrated it can be absorbed by humans. That's good news. They further showed that doses of 100 mg, 300 mg, and 1000 mg result in ever-increasing elevations of NAD+ levels. In other words, 1000 mg raises NAD levels more than 100 mg. Other investigations have likewise noted improved NAD+ levels after people used the supplement.
Study 2
In this human trial, 24 middle-aged and older people were given 1000 mg of nicotinamide riboside (Tru Niagen) for 6 weeks or a placebo. Results showed Tru Niagen significantly elevated cellular NAD+ levels by 60% compared to a placebo.
Study 3
In this investigation, researchers gave 12 older men (70-80 years of age ) 1000 mg of nicotinamide riboside or a placebo for 3 weeks. Treatment with the supplement raised NAD metabolites in muscle and reduced markers of cell inflammation such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6. Muscle strength in these men did not improve. Of interest, 4 of the men in this study reported an improvement in libido. More study of Tru Niagen and libido is needed.
Study 4
The mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells. They generate a lot of energy. The mitochondria need NAD+ to function optimally. Animal research has noted NR improves mitochondria function and the number of mitochondria. But what about humans?
In a 3 month-long study involving 40 men with prediabetes, 2000 mg of Tru Niagen failed to improve mitochondria function in the muscles. More specifically, the supplement:
- Did not improve how well muscle mitochondria worked
- Did not raise mitochondria NAD+ levels
- Did not appear to increase the number of mitochondria in the muscles
- Did not reduce fat inside muscle fibers
- Did not improve insulin sensitivity (important for diabetics)
- Did not seem to affect muscle sirtuin activity
- Ironically, an enzyme called NAMPT which is needed to make NAD+ decreased by 14%.
To be clear, while the supplement did not seem to benefit the muscle cells, it also did not appear to harm them either. No detrimental effects were detected.
Study 5
Researchers recruited 13 overweight men and women and gave them 1000 mg of nicotinamide riboside or a placebo for 6 weeks. None of the people had diabetes. After the study, those taking the supplement were said to have small but clinically significant improvements. Here's a summary:
- Improved muscle NAD metabolites
- Improved sleeping metabolic rate (basal metabolic rate)
- Elevated acetylcarnitine levels
- Better body composition (small improvement)
- No change in body weight
- No improvement in mitochondria function
- No improvement in insulin sensitivity
- No change in blood pressure, heart function, energy production, or cellular inflammation
- More women saw greater body composition improvements than men. This suggests if Tru Niagen really burns fat, it may be more useful to women. More research is needed on this topic.
How Much NR Does Celltrient Energy Have?
Each 5-gram packet contains 250 mg nicotinamide riboside (Tru Niagen).
What Is Age-Associated Cellular Decline?
Age-associated cellular decline, as the name suggests, refers to a loss of cell function as we grow older. But here's the thing: age-associated cellular decline is NOT an official medical term. There is no ICD medical billing code for this condition. It's a made-up medical phrase invented by the Nestlé company. They even created an educational website – MyAACD.org – which discusses the relationship between low NAD levels and cell aging.
To be fair, our cells do slow down as we grow older. Whether or not boosting NAD+ with Celltrient supplements to reverse this process is worthy of discussion.
Nicotinamide Riboside Videos
My Youtube channel contains several videos showing the results of NR human clinical studies. Here are some of the videos:
- Can NR lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Exercise effects of NR supplements
- Can NR improve gut health
- Nicotinamide riboside and cancer
- NR and cancer part 2
How Much Does It Cost
The price for 1 box containing 14 packets is $34.99. If you use 1 packet per day for a month, you'll need two boxes. The price is then $70 per month.
Celltrient Energy FAQ
1 What Flavors Does It Come In?
It comes in Orange and Summer Cherry flavors. Both flavors contain the same amount of NAD+ boosting ingredient, nicotinamide riboside.
2 Any Added Sugars?
Celltrient Energy has no added sugars. I spoke with a registered dietitian at Nestlé who tells me the 3 grams of carbohydrate comes from brown rice syrup and does not count as added sugars.
3 Does It Have Caffeine?
The supplement is caffeine-free.
4 Does It Contain Milk?
Celltrient Energy drink has both milk and soy. Nicotinamide riboside was originally discovered in cow's milk.
5 Is It Celltrient Vegan?
No. Celltrient Energy contains whey protein.
6 How Do You Take It?
The directions call for mixing 1 packet in 8 oz of water. You can use more or less water to adjust the taste. Drink immediately.
7 Does Celltrient Cause Flushing?
Niacin supplements are known to cause unpleasant flushing of the skin in some people. The skin turns red, feels warm, and may itch. Since nicotinamide riboside is a form of niacin, does it cause flushing too? Human studies do not show this happens. I also did not experience flushing during my 30 day experiment with Tru Niagen.
8 What If My NAD+ Levels Are High?
In one human study it was speculated Tru Niagen might work best in those with low NAD+ levels. Since regular exercise is also known to raise NAD+ levels, it can be speculated that physically active people may not need this supplement. See how to raise NAD levels naturally.
9 Is NR the same thing as NMN?
Not really. NMN is nicotinamide mononucleotide. This is another molecule that can raise NAD+ levels. It's also a supplement too. Like Tru Niagen, NMN is popular in the anti-aging supplement world. There is no NMN in Celltrient supplements. See the NMN review for more insights.
10 Does Celltrient Drink Raise NMN Levels?
In one human study, 1000 mg of Tru Niagen did raise NMN levels but the amount was not clinically significant. NMN supplements are also available. See my videos on NMN clinical research study results.
Who Makes Celltrient Supplements?
Nestlé makes it. Yes, the same Nestlé behind such familiar brands as Kit-Kats, Toll House cookies, Gerber baby foods, Purina pet food, Cheerios and many others. Nestlé is a Swiss company that's been in business since 1867.
Customer Service
Call Nestlé customer service at 800-849-3016 if you have questions about Celltrient supplements. The customer service is very good. They can even refer you to registered dietitians for more advanced product questions.
Where Can You Buy Celltrient Energy?
You can purchase it directly from Nestlé at Celltrient.com and it's available on Amazon too.
Any Side Effects?
While Celltrient Energy drink has not been clinically tested for side effects, human research on Tru Niagen has demonstrated no significant adverse effects. That's good. Some mild side effects reported include bloating and nausea. Most people experience no side effects. If you decide to try this supplement here are some things to consider. This list is not complete.
- Start with less for the first week to see how you respond
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before surgery unless your doctor tells you otherwise
- Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- It's not known how nicotinamide riboside – the key ingredient in Celltrient Energy – interacts with medications
- Ask your doctor if you have hemochromatosis (iron overload disease). Celltrient Energy has a good amount of vitamin C which can raise iron levels, especially if combined with other vitamin C-containing supplements.
Where Does Nestlé Get NR From?
Nestlé obtains nicotinamide riboside from the ChromoaDex corporation, a dietary supplement and food ingredient company located in California. ChromoaDex holds several patents on nicotinamide riboside and has supported research on the compound for several years.
What is MitoPure?
MitoPure is the name given to Urolithin A, a metabolite formed by gut bacteria when they eat phytonutrients called egalitarians which are found in pomegranate and other foods. Urolithin A is said to help recycle old mitochondria in a process called mitophagy. The MitoPure ingredient is found in the Celltrient Strength supplement. MitoPure is a product of the Swiss company, Amazentis.
What Do I Suggest
While The NR ingredient in Celltrient Energy has its share of research, if you are looking for a broad-spectrum supplement with several human studies, I suggest this:
Celltrient Energy Pros & Cons
Here are my opinions. Yours may differ.
| Pro | Con |
| Made by a respected company | Expensive |
| Clinical research on key ingredient | Conflicting human studies |
| Easy to use | Health benefits of raising NAD need more study |
| Will likely raise NAD levels | Not proven to extend human lifespan |
Does Celltrient Energy Work?
Nestlé Celltrient Energy drink contains nicotinamide riboside, which studies have shown can raise NAD levels in humans. While this is good, keep in mind the aging process is complicated. The health benefits of higher cell NAD+ levels has not yet convinced me. Despite what you may have heard, nobody knows why we grow old. And nobody has yet reversed aging in people. But we are getting closer. Time will tell how supplements like Celltrient Energy fit into the big picture.