ThornevsElysium Basis

Thorne's longevity line centers on raising NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for mitochondrial energy production and DNA repair that declines with age. ResveraCel delivers nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 form the body converts into NAD+, which in turn fuels "sirtuin" enzymes linked to cellular maintenance. The formula adds trans-resveratrol and quercetin phytosome (intended to support sirtuin activity and absorption) plus betaine to support methylation, since NAD+ metabolism consumes methyl groups. In plain terms: NR is the raw material that tops up your NAD+ tank; the other ingredients are meant to help that tank get used efficiently. This is a plausible mechanism, but a mechanism is not the same as a proven health outcome.

Each two-capsule serving delivers 250 mg of nicotinamide riboside, a vitamin B3 form the body converts into NAD+, a coenzyme essential to mitochondrial energy production and DNA repair that naturally declines with age. The 50 mg of pterostilbene is included as a polyphenol intended to support sirtuin signaling pathways tied to cellular stress response.

The strongest evidence is narrow but consistent: NR reliably raises NAD+. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 120 adults aged 60-80 testing an NR-plus-pterostilbene formula found whole-blood NAD+ rose roughly 40% at the recommended dose and about 90% at double dose by week 4, sustained over the 8-week trial (Dellinger et al., npj Aging, 2017). A 2025 eClinicalMedicine long-COVID trial using 2000 mg/day NR raised NAD+ about 2.6-3.1 fold, yet showed no statistically significant improvement in its primary cognition outcome or in fatigue, sleep, or mood versus placebo; exploratory analyses hinted at some symptom improvement in those who took NR for at least 10 weeks, but this was not a confirmed result. Resveratrol's longevity benefits remain unproven in humans: comprehensive reviews cite poor bioavailability and no conclusive clinical evidence for anti-aging outcomes. So: NAD+ goes up; downstream "live longer/feel younger" benefits are not yet demonstrated.

In an 8-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 120 healthy adults aged 60-80 published in npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease, the recommended dose raised whole-blood NAD+ by roughly 40% versus placebo (and ~90% at double dose), sustained over the study period with no serious adverse events. The evidence establishes that Basis reliably increases NAD+; it does not yet demonstrate clinical longevity or disease outcomes.

In clinical trials, NR-based formulas were well tolerated with no serious adverse events; mild, uncommon effects included gastrointestinal upset (nausea, bloating), more frequent at higher doses. Resveratrol at high doses can cause GI symptoms and, because it may mildly inhibit platelet aggregation and certain drug-metabolizing enzymes, can theoretically increase bleeding or interact with medications. Quercetin is generally well tolerated. There are no documented serious safety signals at label doses, but long-term, high-dose safety data are limited, so periodic check-ins with a clinician are sensible. This is general information, not medical advice.

Generally well tolerated; the published trial reported no serious adverse events. Mild, infrequent effects can include nausea, headache, or warmth/flushing typical of the niacin family. Stop and consult a clinician if you notice an unexpected reaction.

As of 2026, ResveraCel runs about $58-60 for a one-month supply (60 capsules at the standard 2-capsules-once-daily serving), with roughly 10% off via Thorne's subscription. Third-party retailers (Amazon, iHerb, Vitacost, and the Mayo Clinic Store) price it similarly, occasionally a few dollars less. Supplements are not covered by insurance, but US buyers can typically pay with HSA/FSA funds. Thorne's separate Biological Age test is about $95, and note that the required blood panel is an added, separate cost you arrange yourself.

As of 2026, $50/month on subscription or $65 for a one-time 30-day pouch directly from Elysium; prepaid annual plans reduce the per-month cost. Not covered by insurance.

Best for generally healthy adults, often 40+, who want a high-purity NAD+ precursor and value third-party certification (athletes benefit from NSF Certified for Sport options). Avoid or get medical clearance if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or kidney disease, or take blood thinners or blood-pressure medication, since resveratrol can affect clotting and drug metabolism. People on chemotherapy or with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult an oncologist before using resveratrol-containing products. It is a supplement, not a treatment for any diagnosed disease.

Marketed to healthy adults seeking cellular-aging support. Not intended for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, and people with liver conditions or on prescription medications should consult a clinician first. This is educational information, not medical advice.