If you’ve spent any time looking into why we get old—and how to maybe slow that train down—you’ve run into the term NAD+. It’s everywhere. Specifically, you’ve probably seen Elysium Basis, that sleek blue bottle that looks more like a high-end tech product than a vitamin. It’s the poster child for the "longevity" movement.
But here’s the thing. Most people buying it don't actually know what it’s doing inside their cells. They just know some Nobel Prize winners are involved.
Honestly, the science of Elysium Basis isn't about "anti-aging" in the way a face cream is. It’s about cellular energy. Think of NAD+ as the fuel for your cell’s engine. As you hit your 40s, 50s, and 60s, your tank starts running low. You aren't just "getting tired"; your cells are literally losing the ability to repair themselves. That’s where Basis tries to step in.
What is Elysium Basis anyway?
Basically, Basis is a combination of two specific ingredients: Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Pterostilbene.
NR is a precursor to NAD+. Your body takes that NR and converts it into NAD+ through a series of chemical reactions. The second ingredient, Pterostilbene, is a polyphenol found in blueberries. It’s like a more bioavailable version of resveratrol—the stuff people talk about when they say red wine is healthy.
Elysium Health didn't just throw these together randomly. They aimed for a synergistic effect. While the NR boosts the levels of NAD+, the Pterostilbene is there to activate sirtuins. These are "longevity genes" that protect your DNA and regulate cellular health. It's a two-pronged attack on the aging process at a microscopic level.
The big question: Does it actually work?
We have to be careful here. "Works" is a loaded word.
If you take Elysium Basis, you probably won't feel like Superman the next morning. It’s not a caffeine pill. However, a peer-reviewed study published in Nature Communications (2017) actually looked at Basis specifically. The researchers found that people taking the recommended dose saw a sustained increase in their NAD+ levels by about 40%.
That’s huge.
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It proves the supplement gets into the bloodstream and does what it says on the tin. But—and this is a big "but"—increasing NAD+ levels in the blood is one thing. Proving that it makes you live longer is a much taller order. Humans live a long time. We can't run a 100-year clinical trial to see if the group taking Basis outlives the group taking a placebo.
We rely on "surrogate markers." We look at things like inflammation, sleep quality, and cellular repair.
Why the Nobel Laureates matter (and why they don't)
Elysium is famous for its Scientific Advisory Board. We're talking about guys like Leonard Guarente from MIT, who is a titan in the field of aging research. Having eight Nobel Prize winners on your board is a massive flex. It gives the brand a level of prestige that your average pharmacy-shelf vitamin just doesn't have.
But let's be real. A Nobel Prize in Chemistry doesn't mean the supplement is a magic pill. It means the science behind the mechanism is sound. The mechanism is real. The biology is legitimate. Whether that translates to you feeling "younger" is still a bit of a subjective gamble.
The controversy you should know about
Nothing in the supplement world is ever totally smooth. Elysium has been through the ringer with legal battles, specifically with a company called Chromadex.
Chromadex used to supply the NR for Basis. Then things got messy. Lawsuits flew back and forth regarding patents and supply agreements. For a while, the "longevity" community was divided. Some people moved over to Tru Niagen (which is Chromadex’s own supplement).
Why does this matter to you? Because it highlights how competitive this space is. This isn't just about health; it's about billions of dollars in potential "age-reversal" tech.
Is it worth the $60 a month?
This is where it gets personal. Honestly, if you are 22 years old, your NAD+ levels are likely fine. Taking Basis would be like pouring water into a glass that's already 95% full. It’s a waste of money.
But if you’re over 45?
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That's when the natural decline really starts to accelerate. Many users report better "recovery" times. Not just from the gym, but from long workdays or jet lag. It’s a subtle shift. You might notice you’re less "foggy" in the afternoons.
One thing to keep in mind: Pterostilbene has occasionally been linked to a slight increase in LDL (the "bad") cholesterol in some specific study participants. It wasn't a universal effect, but if you already struggle with high cholesterol, you should probably chat with your doctor before jumping on the Basis train.
How to actually take Elysium Basis for results
If you decide to try it, don't just pop a pill whenever you remember. Consistency is the only way this works.
- Take it in the morning. Most people find that boosting NAD+ coincides better with the body's natural circadian rhythms when done early.
- Commit to three months. You won't see cellular changes in a week. Most of the clinical data measures changes after 30 to 60 days of daily use.
- Watch your lipids. As mentioned, keep an eye on your bloodwork if you're prone to high cholesterol.
- Don't ignore the basics. A supplement won't fix a diet of processed sugar and zero sleep. NAD+ works best when it's supporting a healthy system, not trying to rescue a failing one.
The Final Reality Check
The Elysium Basis NAD+ supplement is arguably the most scientifically vetted longevity supplement on the market right now. It isn't snake oil. It legitimately raises NAD+ levels. Whether that translates to an extra five years of life or just a bit more pep in your step during your 50s is the great unknown.
For many, that's a gamble worth taking. For others, it’s an expensive vitamin.
If you're serious about cellular health, the next step isn't just buying a bottle. It’s tracking your own biomarkers. Get a blood test. Check your baseline. Take the supplement for 90 days. Check again. That’s the only way to know if the "blue bottle science" is actually working for your specific biology.
Focus on your biological age markers, like C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation, alongside your NAD+ journey to get a full picture of your cellular health.