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Basis by Elysium

Basis by Elysium

Overall Rating

3.0

43 Customer Reviews

Summary

Basis is a dietary supplement from Elysium that is designed to promote healthy aging at the cellular level by boosting your NAD+.

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Basis by Elysium Review: What You Should Know

By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

Updated on: Mar 16, 2020

Elysium claims that Basis will promote healthy aging at the cellular level by boosting your Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+).

More specifically, taking 2 Basis capsules daily is intended to:

  • Promote healthy cellular aging
  • Activate sirtuins, proteins that regular cellular health
  • Boost energy
  • Maintain healthy DNA
  • Help Sustain cellular functions

According to Elysium, these effects are made possible by the combination of just two ingredients.

While the proposed benefits of Basis certainly sound desirable, can this supplement actually help you achieve them?

In this article, we’ll review the available research, if any, that backs Elysium’s claims. But first, let’s discuss the roles of NAD+.

What Is NAD+?

NAD+ is a molecule that plays a significant role in how your body creates energy.

When you eat, your body digests and absorbs the nutrients available in each meal and uses them to fuel the Citric Acid Cycle – a series of reactions that generate NADH.

In turn, this form of NAD is used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the energy your body needs for every chemical reaction.

Your NAD+ levels diminish over time; low levels may be associated with reduced energy, poor sleep, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or even some forms of cancer.

Effectiveness of Ingredients

Though Basis combines two ingredients in each serving, the real star of the show is nicotinamide riboside (NR).

Pterostilbene (PT) – 50mg

PT is similar in structure to resveratrol, the phenol found in grapes that is responsible for the antioxidant effects of wine. Similarly, PT may offer anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving effects.

Most of the available scientific support has been in laboratory and animal models, however.

The available support in human subjects often pairs PT with NR. This combination was found to elevate cholesterol levels, while NR alone did not.

While this side effect can be harmful in those with cardiovascular disease, Basis has been tested as a stand-alone product – we’ll talk more about the adverse events reported in this study later.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) – 250mg

NR is related to vitamin B3 and is found naturally in small amounts in milk. Its ability to boost NAD has been well-studied.

The NR in Basis is an NAD+ precursor; once ingested, it is converted to NAD+ through a series of reactions.

In earlier laboratory studies, NAD+ precursors demonstrated an ability to elevate NAD+ levels. Next, the efficacy of oral formulations was displayed in animal models.

This work was eventually applied to human subjects.

In 8 healthy individuals, NR was given at doses ranging from 250–2000mg. These doses safely and effectively boosted NAD+ levels.

In another study, 2000mg of NR daily for 12-weeks boosted NAD+ in obese men, though it did not improve insulin sensitivity, resting energy expenditure, or body composition.

So far, the research points to an ability for NR to boost NAD+ in laboratory models, animals, and human subjects, though the benefit of this action is still unclear.

The Basis Randomized Trial

Basis was studied as a stand-alone product in a recent randomized trial.

Healthy subjects aged 60–80 received either placebo, 250/50mg (NR/PT), or 500/100mg. Both Basis doses increase NAD+, though higher doses were associated with greater increases.

They also found that Basis may benefit liver function and mobility in elderly patients.

Safety

The ingredients offered in Basis have been well-studied. Additionally, Basis was tested as a stand-alone product.

Information for safety is available for multiple dosing regimens, though only for up to 3-months and in those 40-80 years old. Nonetheless, NR dosing up to 2000mg was safe.

Concerning Basis, mild adverse effects were described. These included nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and abdominal pain.

While this supplement is generally safe, more research is necessary to characterize the long-term use of NR fully. Speak with your doctor before use to limit unwanted effects.

Pricing

Right now, Basis is only available directly from the Elysium site. They offer several purchasing options, and all orders ship free.

If you’re interested in single-bottle orders, you’ll pay $60 each. If you plan on using Basis monthly, there are more cost-effective options.

Elysium also offers an auto-ship plan. You can choose to pay $50 monthly, $270 for 6-months, or $480 for the year.

Lastly, you should be aware that all orders are considered final sale. Based on Elysium’s terms and conditions, you’ll have difficulty getting a refund. Further inquiries can be addressed by contacting customer support at care@elysiumhealth.com or (888) 220-6436.

Alternatives

Though NAD+ boosting supplements are a more recent phenomenon, there is a handful currently available.

TRU Niagen is one example. At $40, you’ll save about $20 when compared to a single bottle purchase of Basis. Also, TRU Niagen provides 50mg more NR in each dose.

Life Extension offers another option. They offer 30 capsules of NAD+ Cell Regenerator for just $18. Keep in mind that Basis and TRU Niagen offer 2.5–3x the NR found in each capsule of NAD+ Cell regenerator.

You may need 2 or 3 capsules to see benefits, which means your 30-day supply will only last 10-15 days.

The Bottom Line

Publishing a study with human subjects works in Elysium’s favor, though the results mainly support its ability to elevate NAD+ levels in healthy individuals aged 60–80. These individuals may also experience enhanced liver function and mobility.

Whether or not boosting NAD+ can translate into the other claims made by Elysium remains unclear, however.

More work is needed to characterize the effects of NAD+ boosting supplements like Basis. As the hype seems to be ahead of the research, a more cost-effective NAD+ boosting supplement may be a better starting point.

Basis is likely safe to use, though speaking to your doctor before use is a good idea. Your symptoms may be caused by a condition that requires more than a dietary supplement to manage, so take steps to identify the source before treating them.

Customer Reviews

3.0 Stars out of 43 Reviews
5 Star:25% 4 Star:20% 3 Star:11% 2 Star:11% 1 Star:30%
53% Recommend This Company
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Posted on Oct 28, 2017

Circumstances have changed and I won't buy Elysium product

By Annie, USA, Verified Reviewer

I am updating the review to low since Elysium isn't purchasing their Niagen from ChromaDex anymore. And, the product sold by Elysium is now alleged to be contaminated with the toxin Toluene. Read online from attorney Shelly Albaum.

I gained tremendous benefit from the usage of Niagen and Pterostilbene combo. Elysium used to source them through ChromaDex. My purchases are now from Amazon.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 98 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 1, 2017

From couch sitter, age 60 (heart attack) to athlete

By Frank Westall, California, Verified Reviewer

In 2016 I had a major heart attack (called the Widow Maker). Prior to that (5 years) I had my second major open heart surgery (valve replacement). At the age of 59, I was overweight (268 lbs) and trying to recover from the heart attack. I was on depression meds, cholesterol meds, blood pressure meds, and a plethora of other meds. My short term memory was like Swiss Cheese, my ability to walk up stairs was like running a marathon. Every joint hurt and I would have night sweats and cramping. To say I was a mess would be an understatement.

So after 30 years of being sick, I started to research all the supplements that helped with memory and physical recovery, which led to researching aging. This, in turn, led to Basis, among other products. Of course, I understood that exercise was needed, but previously I had tried and failed over the last three decades. So I figured if I ate well, took supplements and tried a product like Basis that would be enough.

I did start to take Basis and eventually started to exercise slowly. When exercising, I noticed after about eight weeks my pain was there, but my recovery was faster than in the past. Plus my memory seemed better. I slowly started to do strength training and after six months of exercise and Basis (and traditional supplements) felt pretty good. At that time I decided to stop taking Basis and for the following six months I continued to exercise. After about two weeks I noticed it was a little harder and took longer and longer to recover. In addition, my family started to make fun of memory issues (again). So I decided to order Basis again.

This time though I increased the amount to double, and after three weeks I definitely noticed the change. My exercise routine was increased, along with the amount of weights. After eight months I entered into my first Powerlifting competition and after 30 years of little to no exercise, two open heart surgeries, a major heart attack, being severely overweight and being 61, I won the California State Powerlifting Championship and set two state records. I am now training for the USPA National Championship and will try to qualify for the IPF World Championships.

Did Basis make me stronger? No. What it did do is somehow allow me to have the same degree of recovery as when I was in my 20's. I am stronger now and with clearer thinking than I was 25 years ago. Of course, there is no one single pill that will reverse aging, but if taking Basis and the proper supplements in conjunction with diet and strength training, is any proof of success then I am proof of that.

By the way, my squat is 405 lbs, my deadlift if 500 lbs and my bench press is 260 lbs. You can look me up on Facebook in the group Strength Athlete Spirit.

Frank Westall.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 28 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 31, 2017

Absolutely, go for it!

By Marina S., Pennsylvania, Verified Reviewer

I have been taking Elysium basis for ten months now. I experienced an immediate change in my energy levels. No more crashing after 2 pm. After about 20 days I noticed my eyesight improving. I had been having trouble seeing from afar, and I noticed while driving that I could see clearly much further within a few days.

Still skeptic and thinking that I was biased to 'notice things,' I continued to take the supplement for the second month. Having taken digestive enzymes before, I noticed a similar temporary 'side effect,' the skin on your hands and face becomes extremely dry and wrinkly while the body begins to get rid of accumulated toxins. I continued to moisturize to counteract the effects. That is why I knew something was happening at the cellular level.

After about three months of taking the supplement, my short and long term memory improved greatly. I am studying part time while working full time and I began experiencing a hard time retaining what I read. Next, I saw my face and body muscles tightening and my skin glowing. I don't work out, and occasionally take 30 minutes walks around town.

Overall I can say with certainty that this supplement reversed the functions of my body to the time I was on my 20's. I took this one step further and got blood work done to see what the supplement was doing at a cellular level. My bad cholesterol went down 36 points without me changing a thing about my diet or exercise routine. My glucose level in the blood lowered by 20%. Any health indicators of blood count and enzymes improved markedly compared to my previous lab tests two years ago.

I am subscribed to a monthly order I am seriously considering buying this for my parents.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 28 People Have Voted

Posted on Apr 10, 2018

No effect at all

By Craig Roth, Florida, Verified Reviewer

As a Microbiologist and Doctor, I was intrigued by the claims. My wife and I both took two capsules daily at the same time in the morning. Neither of us can say it had any noticeable effect on us at all. We are still as tired as ever, LOL. No extra energy or pep.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 27 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 12, 2016

I've been taking Basis daily for 6 months

By Dave, Arizona, Verified Reviewer

I'm 46 and I've decided to try Basis for 1 year and then decide whether to continue.

I can't say I feel any different or that I know that it is working. I can however say that I haven't been sick in that time (unusual for me) and I feel great.

I have no evidence that I feel great because of Basis and Basis does not claim to boost immunity so my health is probably a coincidence.

I have started running again and I do feel like I have more energy. Whether this is because I'm taking better care of myself or because of Basis, it is impossible to say.

I do have to say their customer service is excellent.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 25 People Have Voted

Posted on Sep 1, 2016

Basis: Maybe Excellent, Maybe Not

By john kannerly, Copiague, MA, Verified Reviewer

I am taking the recommended dosage of two Basis caps per day. I noticed an almost immediate positive effect after just a few days, but I'm well acquainted with the placebo effect (Google it), and I am a bit of a hypochondriac, so I'm going to give myself six months before reevaluating where I am in some specific benchmark areas: General energy level; Recovery time after heavy activity; Degree of wakefulness during waking activities; Quality of sleep; and Ability to rise in the morning without that awful "sleep hangover" feeling. I plan to take Basis for the year either way, as I think that should be a sufficient amount of time for change at the cellular level to manifest. If I continue to feel good and getting better, I will continue taking it! The capsules are not large and are easy to take, with no unpleasant odors, tastes, or afterburn in the gastric tract. As a previous poster mentioned, I take them with a full glass of water - always a good idea.

I should add that I am a chronically ill person, having suffered an auto accident that left me with permanent disabilities for which I take daily medications. I have seen and felt the negative effect these daily medications have had over the past few years, and I'm not looking for a fountain of youth in Basis, but rather looking to supplement my own body's ability to rebound, and to raise my general level of health, so that perhaps I do not need to take as many daily medications in order to have a reasonable level of energy and recovery for an overweight 54 year old man, which is me. I'm also working on incorporating some better lifestyle changes - cleaning up the diet, getting some daily exercise - in short, I'm taking Basis not as a panacea for my own body's aging, but rather as a part of a plan to implement better pathways to feeling good as a part f my daily program of life. I hope that makes sense. I do think anyone taking Basis in the belief that it is some mystical, miracle cure is bound to be disappointed, because that kind of thing just doesn't exist. Good health is a journey, not a destination, and you get there by taking each day as you go, making positive decisions regarding your health one step at a time.

Good luck to everyone giving this a try - I hope you find some improvement in the way you feel!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 25 People Have Voted

Posted on Jul 31, 2016

Three week experience

By Joel Dunn, Cypress, Texas, Verified Reviewer

I am a male, 65 years old. I am over weight and have the usual problems that come with it. My experience after three weeks is interesting.

1. I sleep a lot better.

2. My dreams are more vivid and I remember them clearly.

3. My thought processes is keener.

4. I am starting to become more active. My base line for activity started out as a coach potato.

Now for the record I am not jumping over tall buildings or running a marathon. I plan to continue with the program and see where it takes me. I will update my review if I feel there is anything I can add.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 24 People Have Voted

Posted on Dec 26, 2017

Reaction

By C L Millsap, USA, Verified Reviewer

I had a bad reaction taking this and developed severe pain in my arms. I'm on Aspirin therapy, so I'm guessing this caused a reaction. After stopping, the pain went away, so I would not take this if you're on meds like me.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 24 People Have Voted

Posted on Apr 22, 2018

Elysium beware

By Vince Olech, Alexandria, VA, Verified Reviewer

I ordered Elysium after reading about it and many reviews. It seemed like a good idea. As a science type approach to my supplements, the only variable was the addition of Elysium to my daily routine. I don't know if cellular energy is supposed to be painful, but after a couple of days, I noticed aches and pains in parts of my body that don't normally experience that; shoulders, neck, legs. Some days it felt as though everything just hurt.

And it didn't help with my sleeping. My strength actually declined and going to the gym and/or running was becoming a chore not the enjoyable adventure of pushing myself as before.

I continued, thinking maybe it was just my body getting used to a new substance. However, I got tired of feeling like you know what.

I stopped taking Elysium after about three weeks (that was two days ago), and I am starting to feel "normal" again. The gym tonight was awesome; that aggressive approach that is actually fun.

I don't know if this is a unique perhaps side effect that only happened to me, but I thought enough of it to write this review to give folks another viewpoint.

I am very physically active, have been since my teens; I am now in my 50's and am not slowing down.

As for the one star, it wouldn't let me leave no stars. No supplement should make anyone feel that bad.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 24 People Have Voted

Posted on May 20, 2016

Neutral feelings

By Judith Sutton-Fagan, New York, Verified Reviewer

I am taking Basis by Elysium for three months now, and I do not feel any change, neither negative or positive. I almost feel like I'm more tired, but don't know if that is from Basis, which it probably is NOT. They told me the cells inside my body would be experiencing the effect of Basis, but there is no way I can be sure. I'm continuing to take it, just because I hope it is working, and I was impressed with the scientific team that worked on it.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 23 People Have Voted

Posted on Aug 19, 2016

Feel good

By Nate, Los Angeles, CA, Verified Reviewer

I am 65 year old man. I have been taking the product for a couple of months. I clearly have more energy and my memory and ability to focus is very much enhanced. Something is going on.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 20 People Have Voted
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