Supplement Review

Elysium Basis Review: Can an NAD+ Supplement Replace Hormone Therapy?

An honest look at Elysium Health's Basis supplement: the real science behind NAD+ and Nicotinamide Riboside, what it can and cannot do for men's health, and where hormone optimization fits in.

By Strong Health Editorial Team•Medically Reviewed•Updated March 8, 2026•10 min read

Elysium Health occupies a unique space in the supplement market. Unlike most supplement companies, it was co-founded by a respected MIT biologist (Leonard Guarente) and boasts a scientific advisory board that includes Nobel laureates. Their flagship product, Basis, targets cellular aging through NAD+ precursor supplementation.

But we're reviewing this from a specific angle: men searching for solutions to low energy, declining vitality, and the symptoms that often come with dropping testosterone as they age. Can Basis help, and is it being confused with what hormone therapy actually does?

What Is Elysium Basis?

Basis contains two active ingredients: Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 that serves as a precursor to NAD+, and Pterostilbene, a polyphenol related to resveratrol found in blueberries and grapes.

The premise is scientifically sound: NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme involved in cellular energy production, DNA repair, and the function of sirtuins (proteins associated with longevity and cellular stress resistance). NAD+ levels decline naturally with age, and restoring them is an active area of legitimate scientific research ^[3].

The NAD+ Science: What We Know and What We Do Not

Let's give credit where it's due: the science behind NAD+ is real and compelling in preclinical research. Studies in mice and other organisms have shown that boosting NAD+ levels can improve mitochondrial function, enhance DNA repair, and extend lifespan ^[4].

In humans, the evidence is more limited but still promising. A 2018 study in Nature Communications confirmed that chronic NR supplementation is well-tolerated and does successfully raise NAD+ levels in healthy middle-aged and older adults ^[2]. NR is bioavailable in humans and reaches the blood in a usable form ^[1].

Here's where the gap lies: We know NR raises NAD+ levels. We don't yet have strong human clinical trial data showing that translates to measurable anti-aging outcomes, improved hormone levels, or reversal of age-related decline. The bridge from "raises a biomarker" to "makes you healthier" is still being built ^[5].

NAD+ and Testosterone: A Critical Distinction

Here's where we need to be direct: Elysium Basis doesn't increase testosterone. It's not designed to, and there's no clinical evidence suggesting it does. If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone (fatigue, low libido, brain fog, muscle loss, weight gain), an NAD+ supplement isn't addressing the root cause.

NAD+ does play a supporting role in the cellular processes that underlie endocrine function, and there are theoretical reasons to believe that healthy NAD+ levels contribute to overall metabolic health. But this is far removed from targeted testosterone optimization through physician-supervised TRT.

The danger is in conflation. Men searching for solutions to low-T symptoms may encounter Basis and assume it addresses their hormone issues. It doesn't. That's not a criticism of Basis. It's simply not designed for that purpose.

The Pterostilbene Component

Pterostilbene is a polyphenol compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is structurally similar to resveratrol but has better bioavailability. In animal studies, pterostilbene has shown effects on metabolic health, cholesterol levels, and cellular stress resistance.

The combination with NR is theoretically interesting, the idea is that NR provides the NAD+ precursor while pterostilbene activates sirtuins (the enzymes that use NAD+). This synergistic approach is scientifically reasonable but unproven in human longevity outcomes.

How Basis Compares to Hormone Optimization

Feature	Elysium Basis	Strong Health
Primary Mechanism	NAD+ precursor (Nicotinamide Riboside + Pterostilbene)	Direct hormone optimization via pharmaceutical TRT
Target	Cellular aging and NAD+ decline	Testosterone deficiency and hormonal imbalance
Clinical Evidence	NR raises NAD+ levels; longevity claims unproven in humans	Decades of clinical data; FDA-approved protocols
Effect on Testosterone	No direct evidence of testosterone increase	Clinically significant testosterone restoration
Physician Oversight	None; direct-to-consumer supplement	Direct physician supervision for every patient
Lab Monitoring	Not included; optional at-home tests sold separately	Full 40+ biomarker panel included
Monthly Cost	$40–$60/month subscription	Includes labs, consults, treatment, and monitoring
FDA Status	Dietary supplement; GRAS ingredients	FDA-approved prescription medications
Scientific Advisory	Founded by MIT scientist; strong research pedigree	Physician-led clinical practice

Cost Analysis

Elysium Basis costs $40–$60 per month depending on subscription terms. That is $480–$720 per year for a supplement that raises NAD+ levels but has not been proven to produce measurable health outcomes in clinical trials.

For context, standalone NR supplements from other reputable brands are available for $20–$35 per month. The Elysium premium pays for the brand, the pterostilbene addition, and the scientific advisory team, but the core active ingredient is available elsewhere at a lower price point.

If your primary concern is testosterone-related symptoms, that budget would be more effectively allocated toward thorough blood work and a clinical evaluation: which can actually identify whether your symptoms are hormone-related and guide you to the appropriate treatment.

Could NAD+ and TRT Complement Each Other?

This is an interesting question, and the honest answer is: possibly, but we don't have definitive evidence yet. NAD+ supports cellular energy production and repair mechanisms, which could theoretically complement the benefits of testosterone optimization. Some forward-thinking practitioners are beginning to explore this combination.

At Strong Health, we believe in evidence-based practice. If a patient is interested in NAD+ supplementation alongside their TRT protocol, we discuss the current evidence, the research limitations, and make the decision together. What we don't do is replace proven hormone therapy with speculative supplementation.

The Bottom Line on Elysium Basis

Elysium Basis is one of the more credible supplements on the market. The science behind NAD+ is real, the company has genuine scientific credentials, and NR has been shown to raise NAD+ levels in humans.

However, raising NAD+ levels isn't the same as reversing aging, and it's certainly not the same as treating testosterone deficiency. If you're experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, Basis isn't the answer. Proper diagnostic testing and, if indicated, physician-supervised TRT are the evidence-based path.

If you're already optimizing your hormones and want to explore NAD+ supplementation as a complementary approach to cellular health, discuss it with your physician. But don't confuse cellular health supplements with hormone therapy. They address fundamentally different aspects of aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Elysium Basis increase testosterone?+

No, Elysium Basis is not designed to increase testosterone. It is a NAD+ precursor supplement containing Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Pterostilbene, aimed at supporting cellular health and healthy aging. While NAD+ plays a role in many biological processes, there is no clinical evidence that Basis supplementation directly increases testosterone levels.

Is Elysium Basis legitimate or a scam?+

Elysium Health is a legitimate company with genuine scientific credentials. Co-founded by MIT biologist Leonard Guarente, the company has a credible scientific advisory board. Their core ingredient, Nicotinamide Riboside, has real research behind it showing it can raise NAD+ levels in humans. However, the leap from 'raises NAD+' to 'slows aging' remains unproven in human clinical trials.

What are the side effects of Elysium Basis?+

Elysium Basis is generally well-tolerated. Nicotinamide Riboside has been shown to be safe in multiple human trials at the doses used. Some users report mild gastrointestinal discomfort, flushing, or headaches, particularly when starting. As with any supplement, individuals on medications should consult their physician before use.

How does NAD+ relate to hormone health?+

NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in hundreds of metabolic processes, including those that support mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and cellular energy production. While these processes indirectly support overall health (including the endocrine system), NAD+ supplementation has not been shown to directly improve testosterone levels or correct hormonal deficiencies. Hormone optimization requires targeted treatment.

Is Elysium Basis worth the price?+

At $40 to $60 per month, Elysium Basis is priced at a premium compared to standalone NR supplements. The premium reflects the brand, the proprietary formulation (Basis combines NR with pterostilbene), and the scientific advisory team. Whether it is worth it depends on your goals: if you are looking for general cellular health support and can afford it, it is a credible option. If you are looking to address low testosterone or hormone-related symptoms, it is not the right product.

Can I take Elysium Basis with TRT?+

NAD+ precursors like NR are generally considered safe to take alongside TRT, but you should always discuss supplement additions with your prescribing physician. At Strong Health, we evaluate your complete health picture and can advise whether NAD+ supplementation might complement your treatment plan.

Ready for Evidence-Based Hormone Optimization?

Skip the supplements. Talk to a physician who specializes in testosterone therapy.

References & Citations

[1]Trammell SAJ, Schmidt MS, Weidemann BJ, et al. Nicotinamide riboside is uniquely and orally bioavailable in mice and humans. Nat Commun. 2016;7:12948.
[2]Martens CR, Denman BA, Mazzo MR, et al. Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):1286.
[3]Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol. 2014;24(8):464-471.
[4]Rajman L, Chwalek K, Sinclair DA. Therapeutic Potential of NAD-Boosting Molecules: The In Vivo Evidence. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):529-547.
[5]Dollerup OL, Christensen B, Svart M, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of nicotinamide riboside in obese men: safety, insulin-sensitivity, and lipid-mobilizing effects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(2):343-353.
[6]Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715-1744.