Can nicotinamide riboside improve brain function, fatigue, sleep, and mood in people with long-COVID?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far suggests that nicotinamide riboside might help improve brain function, fatigue, sleep, and mood in people with long-COVID. The evidence we've reviewed leans toward a possible benefit, though our analysis is based on limited data.
Our current analysis shows that one assertion supports the idea that taking 2000 mg of nicotinamide riboside daily for 10 weeks could lead to small improvements in thinking clearly, feeling less tired, sleeping better, and feeling less down in people with long-COVID . This assertion is supported by 66.0 studies or data points, with no studies or data points refuting it . However, we note that the total number of assertions analyzed is just one, meaning the body of evidence we are working from is narrow at this stage.
We do not yet have enough evidence to say how strong or consistent these effects are across different people. We also cannot determine whether the improvements are due to the supplement itself or other factors. Our analysis only reflects what has been reported so far, and new data could change our understanding over time.
It’s important to remember that “might help” does not mean it will work for everyone, nor does it confirm a cause-and-effect relationship. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward a potential benefit, but we remain cautious in interpreting the strength of this signal.
Practical takeaway: Some early data suggest that nicotinamide riboside could make some long-COVID symptoms feel a bit better for some people, but it’s too soon to say for sure — and if you’re considering trying it, talk to your doctor first.