We have all felt it. That midday slump that hits harder than it used to, the brain fog that lingers a little too long after your morning coffee, or the recovery from a workout that suddenly takes two days instead of one.
We are told it’s just “getting older,” but science suggests it’s actually your mitochondria running out of fuel—specifically, a molecule called NAD+. If you have been down the rabbit hole of anti-aging supplements, you’ve likely seen Rho Nutrition’s sleek black bottles popping up on your feed, promising to replenish that fuel better than the rest.
If you are someone who hates swallowing handfuls of pills and wants a high-absorption, liquid alternative to the standard capsules, you should buy this product. It is designed for the bio-hacker who wants to bypass the digestive struggle of traditional supplements. However, if you are on a strict budget or have a very sensitive stomach that reacts to rich, oily textures, you might want to stick to a standard powder or capsule. After a month of testing, I can tell you that while the energy boost is real, the delivery method isn’t for everyone.
My Experience With Rho Nutrition NAD+
I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. I’ve tried NMN powders that tasted like sour popcorn and resveratrol pills that did absolutely nothing.
But the concept of “Liposomal NAD+” grabbed me. The idea is that wrapping the NAD+ molecule in a fat layer (the liposome) helps it survive your stomach acid and get straight into your cells.
It sounds great on paper, but I wanted to feel it.
I ordered the bottle, and shipping was surprisingly fast. The first thing you notice is that it’s a liquid.
It comes with a little measuring cup, but let’s be real, I just used a teaspoon. The instructions say to take 4ml daily.1 I decided to take it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, to give it the best fighting chance.
The taste is… interesting. They call it “lemon essence,” and they aren’t lying, but it’s not like drinking lemonade. It’s like a thick, lemon-scented olive oil. Because it’s liposomal, it has a viscous, fatty texture that coats your mouth. The first few days, I actually gagged a little. It wasn’t bad, just unexpected. I learned quickly to chase it with a glass of water immediately.
For the first week, I felt absolutely nothing. In fact, I felt a little worse. I had some mild stomach cramping about 20 minutes after taking it—nothing major, just a “rumble” that let me know something was happening. I almost quit on day five, thinking I had just bought expensive lemon oil.
But then, day 10 hit. I woke up before my alarm. That never happens. I went through my morning emails without that usual “I need more coffee” feeling. It wasn’t a jittery, caffeine-like buzz; it was just a clean, sustained hum of energy. By the third week, the difference was undeniable. My afternoon crash, which usually arrives like clockwork at 3 PM, just didn’t show up. I found myself powering through workouts that usually left me winded.
The biggest surprise was my mental clarity. I usually struggle with word retrieval when I’m tired, but I felt sharper, quicker. It didn’t turn me into a genius, but it felt like someone had wiped the fog off my windshield. However, the cramping never fully went away for me; I had to switch to taking it with a small piece of toast to settle my stomach. If you can get past the texture and the price tag, the engine upgrade you feel is genuinely impressive.
Pros Of Rho Nutrition NAD+
- Superior Liposomal Delivery System: The biggest selling point of Rho is the “Liposomal” technology.2 Standard NAD+ is a large, fragile molecule. If you just eat raw NAD+ powder, your stomach acid destroys most of it before it ever reaches your bloodstream. Rho encapsulates the NAD+ in tiny lipid (fat) bubbles.3 This acts like a Trojan horse, smuggling the nutrient past your digestive juices and allowing for significantly higher absorption rates. You aren’t just paying for expensive urine; you are paying for a delivery vehicle that ensures the active ingredient actually enters your cells.
- Convenient Liquid Format (No More Pills): If you are already taking a multivitamin, fish oil, and magnesium, the last thing you want is another three capsules to swallow. Rho’s liquid form is a massive “pro” for pill fatigue. It’s one quick teaspoon. This is also excellent for older adults or anyone with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) who wants the benefits of longevity supplements without the choking hazard of large, dry capsules.
- Direct NAD+ Supplementation: Most competitors (like Tru Niagen or Elysium) don’t actually contain NAD+. They contain precursors like Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or NMN, which your body then has to convert into NAD+.4 That conversion process requires energy and enzymes that might be sluggish as you age. Rho skips the middleman. It gives you the direct NAD+ molecule. Theoretically, this is a more efficient route, especially if your body’s conversion pathways are compromised by age or stress.
- Noticeable “Clean” Energy Boost: Unlike caffeine, which borrows energy from tomorrow to use today, the energy boost from NAD+ feels restorative. It feels like your battery holds a charge longer, rather than just being over-volted. Users consistently report that this energy doesn’t come with the jitters, anxiety, or crash associated with stimulants. It supports your mitochondria—the power plants of your cells—so the energy feels natural and sustained throughout the day.5
Cons Of Rho Nutrition NAD+
- The “Oily Lemon” Taste and Texture: There is no getting around this: drinking oil is weird. The liposomal formula requires a lipid base (usually sunflower lecithin), which gives the liquid a thick, greasy mouthfeel. While they mask it with lemon and monk fruit, the texture can be off-putting for people with sensitive gag reflexes. It lingers on the tongue. If you are someone who needs their supplements to taste like candy or nothing at all, this will be a daily hurdle for you.
- Premium Price Point: This is not a cheap supplement. Liposomal manufacturing is expensive, and you pay for that technology. A single bottle typically lasts about a month, and the cost is significantly higher than a generic NMN powder you might find on Amazon. It’s an investment. You have to weigh whether the increased absorption is worth the increased hit to your wallet, especially since NAD+ supplements need to be taken consistently to maintain levels.
- Digestive Discomfort For Some Users: While liposomes are supposed to aid absorption, the high concentration of lipids and active NAD+ can be hard on an empty stomach. A significant number of user reviews mention cramping, loose stools, or nausea during the first week of use. It seems to be a “your mileage may vary” situation, but if you have IBS or a sensitive gut, this potent liquid might be a bit too aggressive for your system compared to a buffered capsule.
- Messy Dosing Experience: The bottle design could be better. Pouring a viscous liquid into a tiny spoon or cup every morning often leads to drips running down the side of the bottle. Over time, the bottle gets sticky and oily, leaving rings on your counter. Unlike a pill bottle that stays clean, this requires a quick wipe-down after every use, which is a small but annoying friction point in a daily routine.
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Maintenance Tips For Rho Nutrition NAD+
- Refrigerate After Opening: This is critical. Liposomal formulas are stable at room temperature when sealed, but once you crack that seal and introduce oxygen, the fats can go rancid and the NAD+ can degrade. Keep the bottle in the fridge. Not only does this preserve the potency of the delicate molecules, but it also makes the liquid thicker and slightly more palatable to swallow than when it’s warm and runny.
- Shake Vigorously Before Every Use: The ingredients in liposomal liquids can separate over time, with the oil rising to the top and the heavier nutrients sinking. If you don’t shake it, your first dose might be all oil and your last dose might be super-concentrated sludge. Give it a solid ten-second shake every single morning to ensure you are getting a consistent 100mg dose of NAD+ in your teaspoon.
- Ease Into The Dosage: If you are new to NAD+ boosters, do not start with the full 4ml dose. Start with half a teaspoon (2ml) for the first week. This allows your digestive system to adjust to the high fat content and the influx of coenzymes. If you experience cramping, this “titration” method can save you a lot of discomfort. Once your stomach tolerates it, you can graduate to the full dose.
- Cycle With A Methyl Donor: This is a pro-tip for advanced bio-hackers. When your body uses NAD+, it breaks it down into nicotinamide, which needs to be methylated to be excreted. This can deplete your body’s methyl groups (like TMG). To prevent headaches or fatigue from methyl depletion, consider taking a TMG (Trimethylglycine) supplement alongside your Rho NAD+, or ensure you are eating plenty of methyl-rich foods like eggs and spinach.
- Clean The Cap Threads: To avoid that sticky bottle mess I mentioned in the cons, take a paper towel and wipe the threads of the bottle neck after you pour your dose. If you let the liquid dry there, the cap can get glued shut or become difficult to open the next day. A two-second wipe saves you a lot of frustration later.
Comparison With Other Brands
Rho Nutrition vs. Tru Niagen
Tru Niagen is arguably the most famous name in the game. The key difference is the ingredient: Tru Niagen uses Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a precursor to NAD+, in a crystallized capsule form.6 Tru Niagen has more clinical studies backing its specific molecule (Niagen). However, Rho offers direct NAD+ in a liposomal liquid.7 Tru Niagen is easier to take (just swallow a pill) and generally cheaper per serving, but some argue that Rho’s liposomal delivery offers higher bioavailability. If you want the “proven” path with zero mess, go Tru Niagen. If you want to experiment with direct, high-absorption technology, go Rho.
Rho Nutrition vs. Renue by Science
Renue by Science is the heavy hitter for variety. They offer everything—liposomal gels, sublingual powders, nasal sprays, and capsules. Their “LIPO NAD+ Complete” capsules are a direct competitor to Rho. The main difference is the form factor. Renue offers liposomal NAD+ in a capsule, which solves the taste and texture issue of Rho’s liquid. Renue also tends to be more transparent with third-party testing certificates posted directly on product pages. If you want the benefits of liposomal delivery but can’t stand the taste of lemon oil, Renue’s capsules are the superior choice.
Rho Nutrition vs. Elysium Basis
Elysium Basis was one of the first to market. Like Tru Niagen, it uses a precursor (NR), but it pairs it with Pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant similar to resveratrol. Elysium is a subscription-heavy model and focuses on the “cellular health” duo of NR + Antioxidant. Rho is a singular focus product: just NAD+. If you are looking for a general “anti-aging” stack that includes antioxidant support, Elysium covers more bases. If you are specifically trying to max out your NAD+ levels and don’t care about the added antioxidants (or prefer to take them separately), Rho is the more targeted tool.
Rho Nutrition vs. Quicksilver Scientific
Quicksilver Scientific is the “OG” of liposomal delivery. Their “NAD+ Gold” is very similar to Rho. Both are liquid liposomal pumps. The difference is largely in the formulation nuances and price. Quicksilver uses NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) in many formulas rather than just NAD+, and they often include methyl donors (TMG) in the liquid, which is a huge plus for preventing the methyl depletion side effect. However, Quicksilver is often even more expensive than Rho. Rho acts as a slightly more accessible version of the high-end clinical vibe that Quicksilver offers.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Rho NAD+ replenishes the body’s supply of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, a coenzyme found in every living cell.8 Its primary job is to help convert nutrients into cellular energy (ATP).9 By boosting NAD+ levels, it aims to improve energy levels, sharpen mental clarity, speed up post-workout recovery, and support DNA repair mechanisms that naturally decline as we age.10 Essentially, it helps your cells function like they did when you were younger.
This varies by person. Some users (including myself) report feeling an energy shift as early as 10 to 14 days. For others, specifically regarding deep cellular repair or skin health, it may take 4 to 8 weeks of consistent use. Immediate effects are usually subtle energy improvements, while long-term benefits like better sleep and recovery compound over months.
There is no single “best” because it depends on your biology and preferences.
For Absorption: Rho Nutrition or Renue by Science (Liposomal) are top-tier because they protect the molecule from stomach acid.
For Convenience/Taste: Tru Niagen is the best for a hassle-free, tasteless capsule backed by robust science.
For Budget: Generic NMN powders are the cheapest, though absorption is lower.
For Complete Formula: Quicksilver Scientific is best if you want built-in methyl donors and have a higher budget.
Conclusion
So, is Rho Nutrition NAD+ worth the hype? If you are chasing peak performance and are willing to pay for superior absorption, the answer is yes. The liposomal delivery system makes it one of the most potent options on the market, and the energy clarity it provides is distinct from any caffeine buzz. It feels like a true biological upgrade.
However, if you have a weak stomach or a tight budget, this might be a pass. The oily texture and potential for cramping are real barriers. But for the bio-hacker looking to optimize every percentage of their cellular health, Rho is a powerful tool to add to your arsenal. Just remember to keep it in the fridge and hold your nose when you swallow!