Limited evidenceLongevity & antioxidants

Trigonelline

An alkaloid from coffee and fenugreek identified as an NAD+ precursor. The founding paper is impressive laboratory science, but no human supplementation trial has yet tested whether taking it does anything.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

NAD+ precursor and muscle function Limited evidence
A 2024 Nat Metab paper showed trigonelline raises cellular NAD+ through the nicotinate route and improved muscle function in worms, mice and human myotubes. The human element was observational: lower circulating trigonelline was associated with sarcopenia in older adults, which does not establish that supplementing helps.
Energy, ageing and cognition Limited evidence
Marketing claims about energy and healthy ageing extrapolate from the same preclinical NAD+ mechanism. As of now there is no published randomized controlled trial of trigonelline supplementation in people.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo human dose has been established. Products generally supply 50–100 mg/day, a label dose with no trial behind it. Dietary intake from coffee is on the order of tens of milligrams per cup, mostly degraded by roasting.

SafetyNo human supplementation safety data at supraphysiological doses. Trigonelline is consumed in coffee and fenugreek without evident harm at dietary levels. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; fenugreek-derived products can affect blood glucose.

Scientific references

Trigonelline is an NAD(+) precursor that improves muscle function during ageing and is reduced in human sarcopenia
Membrez M, Migliavacca E, Christen S — Nat Metab, 2024

Where to buy

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