Written by the Welzo Longevity Team | Medically reviewed by Dr Zeeshan Afzal, practising doctor, Welzo medical content team | Last updated: July 2026
Our editorial and fact-checking process is described in our editorial policy. This article is informational and is not medical advice.
If you have spent any time researching NAD+ supplements, two names come up again and again: Elysium Basis, the science-led American brand co-founded by an MIT biologist, and the newer wave of high-dose NMN supplements such as the Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000. Both sit inside the wider category mapped out in our pillar guide to longevity supplements, and for this molecule specifically the full grounding is in our NMN benefits, side effects and dosage guide. If you already know what you want, you can buy NMN supplements in the UK, browse the full range of anti-ageing and longevity supplements, or go straight to NMN Pro 1000.The two products chase the same goal — restoring the cellular molecule NAD+ that declines as we age — but they use different active ingredients, different doses, different price points and different regulatory routes. This Elysium Basis review puts them head-to-head using published clinical data, ingredient transparency, real-world cost and independent expert commentary, so you can decide which fits your budget and your goals.
Quick answer: Elysium Basis is a well-researched, premium NAD+ supplement combining nicotinamide riboside (NR) and pterostilbene, backed by a peer-reviewed human trial. Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 uses a single high-dose nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) ingredient at a fraction of the monthly cost for UK buyers. Basis wins on brand pedigree and published in-house evidence; Welzo NMN wins on dose transparency, single-ingredient simplicity and value.
Both products aim to raise NAD+, the coenzyme your cells use for energy production, DNA repair and the activity of longevity-associated enzymes called sirtuins. The core difference is the active ingredient: Basis delivers NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside plus the polyphenol pterostilbene, while Welzo delivers a high dose of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nothing else. Here is how they compare at a glance.
| Feature | Elysium Basis | Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient(s) | Nicotinamide riboside (NR) 250 mg + pterostilbene 50 mg | Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) 1000 mg |
| Daily serving | 2 capsules | 2 capsules |
| Servings per bottle | 30 (60 capsules) | 30 (60 capsules) |
| Published human trial on the exact formula | Yes — npj Aging & Mechanisms of Disease, 2017 | NMN human trials exist; not on this specific product |
| Founder pedigree | Co-founded by MIT biologist Leonard Guarente | UK health platform, single-ingredient focus |
| Third-party tested / COA | Yes (uses branded ChromaDex ingredients) | Yes — published Certificate of Analysis |
| Typical monthly cost | ~US$40–$60 (approx. £32–£48 + possible UK import) | £26.99 (multi-buy from ~£22.99/bottle) |
| UK regulatory route | NR chloride is an authorised novel food | NMN is a novel food "under assessment" (widely sold) |
| Best for | Buyers wanting the most-studied precursor + brand reassurance | UK buyers wanting a transparent, high-dose, better-value NMN |
Elysium Basis is a daily NAD+ supplement marketed to "promote well-being at the cellular level." It is the flagship product of Elysium Health, a company that positioned itself apart from the crowded supplement market by leaning on academic credibility rather than marketing hype.
Elysium Health was co-founded by Leonard Guarente, a molecular biologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) whose lab has studied sirtuins and ageing for decades. The company promotes a scientific advisory board that has included Nobel laureates, and it collaborates with universities on its research. This pedigree is a large part of why many reviewers treat Basis as one of the more credible products in the category.
Writing an independent assessment, US physician Dr Angel Rivera, M.D. concluded that Basis is among the more credible supplements on the market, noting that the NAD+ science is real, the company has genuine scientific credentials, and NR has been shown to raise NAD+ levels in humans (Strong Health, 2026). That endorsement is measured rather than glowing — a recurring theme with Basis.
Each daily two-capsule serving of Basis provides:
Pterostilbene is included because it is thought to work synergistically with NR in preclinical models. If you want to understand how pterostilbene differs from the more familiar resveratrol, our comparison of resveratrol vs pterostilbene breaks it down. It is worth being candid: the human evidence for pterostilbene's standalone longevity benefits is far thinner than the evidence that NR raises NAD+.
The Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 takes the opposite design philosophy: one active ingredient, dosed high, with nothing else in the formula competing for attention or margin.
Welzo markets the product on transparency: a high, clearly stated dose; a published third-party test and Certificate of Analysis; and manufacture to UK and EU quality standards. For readers deciding where to purchase, our guides on buying NMN in the UK and finding the cheapest reputable NMN put the pricing in context.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme present in every cell. It is essential for turning food into cellular energy, for DNA repair and for the function of sirtuins and PARP enzymes involved in maintenance and repair. Research consistently shows that NAD+ levels fall with age in animals and humans, and this decline is one of the mechanisms researchers connect to the broader hallmarks of ageing. The logic behind every product in this article is the same: supply a precursor, and the body can manufacture more NAD+. For a plain-English overview, see our NAD+ supplement guide.
Basis has a genuine advantage here: a peer-reviewed human trial on the exact commercial formula. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 healthy adults aged 60–80, published in npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease in 2017, participants took either placebo, the recommended dose of the NR-plus-pterostilbene combination (called NRPT), or a double dose, daily for eight weeks. Whole-blood NAD+ rose by approximately 40% at the recommended dose and around 90% at the double dose after four weeks, while placebo showed no change (Dellinger et al., npj Aging, 2017).
Since then, the same NR-plus-pterostilbene combination has been examined in independent trials touching on fatty-liver markers, experimental muscle injury, blood pressure and menopausal symptoms — a broader research footprint than most consumer supplements can claim. It is important to read that footprint honestly: raising NAD+ is well demonstrated, but a measurable extension of human lifespan or reversal of ageing has not been proven for any NAD+ supplement.
NMN sits one step closer to NAD+ in the salvage pathway than NR. Multiple human trials have shown that oral NMN reliably raises blood NAD+ and is well tolerated over the short term, with studies exploring effects on insulin sensitivity, muscle function and aerobic performance. As with NR, the bigger "anti-ageing" promises remain unproven in people. If you have seen sceptical headlines, our honest take — is NMN a scam? — separates the marketing from the data.
This is the crux of the Basis-vs-NMN debate, and the honest answer is that it is not settled. Advocates of NR (including Dr Brenner) point out that NR has more published human trials and that NMN must be converted before it can enter many cells. Advocates of NMN point to a dedicated intestinal transporter (Slc12a8) identified in animal studies and to NMN's position as the more direct precursor. Encouragingly, a 2026 head-to-head comparison reported that NMN and NR produced broadly comparable increases in NAD+.
In practice, both precursors work at raising NAD+; the "best" one depends on price, dose, tolerance and which evidence base you weight more heavily. For a deeper dive, read our detailed comparisons of Tru Niagen (NR) vs NMN and NMN vs creatine.
Neither product is a stimulant, so do not expect a caffeine-like hit. Both are aimed at gradual, cellular-level support, and reported benefits are subtle and individual.
Long-term Basis users commonly report improvements in day-to-day energy and a general sense of well-being, though many acknowledge these effects are hard to separate from lifestyle. The most objective, proven effect is the measured rise in NAD+. Benefits, where noticed, tend to appear gradually over roughly six weeks or more.
Welzo positions NMN Pro 1000 to support cellular energy, healthy NAD+ levels, normal metabolic function and physical and cognitive vitality. Some users report improvements in energy and focus within two to four weeks, with more noticeable benefits typically developing after eight to twelve weeks of consistent use. If you are wondering about timelines generally, see how long supplements take to work.
Important regulatory note: in the UK, NMN carries no authorised health claim, so no brand can legally tell you it will boost your energy or reverse ageing. Statements here describe what the ingredient is studied for, not guaranteed outcomes.
The label directs two capsules once daily, taken in the morning with breakfast (the 2017 trial dosed at breakfast). That delivers 250 mg NR and 50 mg pterostilbene.
Two capsules daily (1000 mg NMN), preferably in the morning with food. Morning dosing is generally recommended for NMN to align with your natural circadian rhythm — our guide on when to take NMN and the question of taking NMN with food explain why. Dosing can also be tailored by life stage; see NMN dosage by age.
Both NR and NMN can consume methyl groups as the body processes surplus nicotinamide, which is why some users add trimethylglycine (TMG) as a methyl donor. Basis does not include TMG; neither does the single-ingredient Welzo NMN. Whether you need it is individual — read do I need TMG with NMN? and, if so, our guide to buying TMG in the UK. Welzo also offers a combined NMN & TMG stack if you prefer it in one purchase.
In the 2017 trial there were no serious adverse events; the company has reported that the main non-serious effect possibly related to the product was mild diarrhoea, and only at the high (double) dose. NR itself has a good short-term human safety record. As always, these data cover healthy adults over relatively short durations.
Human trials of NMN have reported good short-term tolerability, with occasional mild digestive upset. Sensible practice is to start with the recommended dose rather than exceeding it — see NMN and overdose risk and what happens if you stop taking NMN. Neither product is suitable for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone taking medication or managing a health condition should speak to a doctor or pharmacist first.
For UK buyers, cost is where the two products diverge most sharply. Elysium Basis is priced in US dollars and sold primarily through the company's own website, so UK customers may also face currency conversion and potential import costs.
| Cost factor | Elysium Basis | Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Single-purchase price / month | ~US$60 (≈£48) | £26.99 (currently reduced from £39.99) |
| Best subscription / multi-buy price | ~US$40–$50/month | From ~£22.99/bottle (3-bottle multi-buy) |
| Approx. annual cost | ~US$480–$720 (≈£380–£570) | ~£276 (or less on multi-buy) |
| Active mg per day | 250 mg NR + 50 mg pterostilbene | 1000 mg NMN |
| UK shipping | Varies; may include import | UK dispatch; free over £50 |
On a straight cost-per-month basis, Welzo NMN is significantly cheaper for UK shoppers, and it delivers a much larger milligram dose of active ingredient — though remember NR and NMN are different molecules, so milligrams are not directly interchangeable. Part of the Basis premium pays for the pterostilbene, the branded ChromaDex ingredients and the brand's scientific reputation. If value is your priority, our breakdown of a cheap longevity stack and why supplements can be expensive are useful further reading.
Both brands take quality seriously, but in different ways. Basis relies on well-characterised, patented branded ingredients (Niagen NR and pTeroPure pterostilbene), which gives consistency and a documented safety file. Welzo publishes a downloadable Certificate of Analysis for its NMN and states it is third-party tested to verify identity, purity and the absence of contaminants — the two things that matter most when buying NMN, given how variable this market can be. Whichever you choose, checking for a COA and avoiding vague proprietary blends and unnecessary fillers is the single best quality safeguard.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Peer-reviewed human trial on the exact formula (≈40% NAD+ rise) | Premium price, especially for UK buyers |
| Strong scientific pedigree (MIT co-founder, advisory board) | Pterostilbene's standalone human benefits less proven |
| Adds pterostilbene for potential synergy | Lower NR dose than some standalone NR products |
| Well-characterised branded ingredients | Mainly sold via US website; possible import/shipping |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High, fully disclosed 1000 mg NMN dose | No trial on this specific finished product |
| Single ingredient — no blends or fillers | No added pterostilbene (buy separately if wanted) |
| Published COA, third-party tested, vegan capsules | NMN is a UK novel food still "under assessment" |
| Much lower monthly cost; UK dispatch | Newer brand than Elysium in this niche |
…you want the NAD+ precursor with the deepest human research base, you value the reassurance of an academically pedigreed brand and published in-house trial, you specifically want pterostilbene included, and the higher price is not a barrier.
…you are a UK buyer who wants a transparent, high-dose, single-ingredient NMN at a much lower monthly cost, with fast UK shipping and a published Certificate of Analysis. It is also the simpler starting point if you are new to longevity supplements or building a minimal stack.
Elysium Basis is worth it if you value a peer-reviewed formula and a strong scientific brand, and can accept the premium price. It is clinically shown to raise NAD+ by about 40% at the recommended dose. If your priority is cost and a higher disclosed dose of active ingredient, a transparent NMN product such as Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 offers similar NAD+-boosting goals for less.
Each daily two-capsule serving of Basis contains 250 mg of nicotinamide riboside (NR, branded Niagen) and 50 mg of pterostilbene (branded pTeroPure), a polyphenol related to resveratrol. Both are combined because they are thought to act synergistically to support NAD+.
For its stated mechanism — raising NAD+ — yes: a 2017 randomised controlled trial in 120 adults showed a roughly 40% increase in blood NAD+ at the recommended dose. What has not been proven in humans is that this translates into longer lifespan or reversed ageing. Any everyday "feel better" effects are subtle and vary between individuals.
Not definitively. Basis uses NR plus pterostilbene and has a published trial on its exact formula; NMN is a more direct NAD+ precursor with its own human evidence. A 2026 head-to-head found NR and NMN raised NAD+ comparably. "Better" depends on price, dose and which evidence base you weight more heavily. See our Tru Niagen vs NMN comparison for detail.
Basis is priced in US dollars at roughly US$40–$60 per month (about £32–£48), sold mainly through Elysium's own website, so UK buyers may also incur conversion and import costs. By comparison, Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 is £26.99 per month with UK dispatch and free shipping over £50.
In its clinical trial there were no serious adverse events; the main reported non-serious effect was mild diarrhoea, and only at the double dose. NR has a good short-term safety record. It is not suitable for children or during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and you should consult a doctor if you take medication or have a health condition.
Both are NAD+ precursors and forms related to vitamin B3. NMN is structurally one phosphate group larger than NR and sits one step closer to NAD+ in the pathway. NR crosses cell membranes readily and has more published human trials; NMN is a more direct precursor with a dedicated intestinal transporter identified in animal studies. In practice, both raise NAD+.
They target the same NAD+ pathway, so most people choose one rather than both to avoid unnecessary cost and overlap. There is no established benefit to stacking two precursors, and doing so increases methylation demand. If you are considering combining supplements, read can you take supplements together? and speak to a healthcare professional.
NAD+ levels rise within weeks — the trial measured increases at four weeks. Any perceptible everyday benefits, where they occur, tend to build gradually over six weeks or more. Because the main effect is at the cellular level, many users cannot "feel" it without a blood test. The same gradual timeline applies to NMN.
Yes — for buyers who want a NAD+ precursor without the premium price. Welzo Ultra Purity NMN Pro 1000 delivers a fully disclosed 1000 mg of single-ingredient NMN, is third-party tested with a published Certificate of Analysis, ships from the UK, and costs roughly half as much per year as Basis. It lacks pterostilbene, which you can add separately if you want the synergy Basis offers.
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