Best NAD Booster Supplements: Top 9 Picks for 2026

Table of Contents

• Quick Comparison: Best NAD Booster Supplements at a Glance
• How We Evaluated These NAD+ Supplements
• NAD+ Benefits: Why These Supplements Matter for Longevity
• NMN vs NR Supplements: Which NAD Precursor Is Right for You?
  • NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): Key Advantages
  • NR (Nicotinamide Riboside): Key Advantages
• The 9 Best NAD Booster Supplements Reviewed
  • 1. Tru Niagen – Best Overall NR Supplement
  • 2. Elysium Health Basis – Best NR + Pterostilbene Combo
  • 3. Thorne NiaCel 400 – Best for Athletes
  • 4. Renue By Science Lipo NMN – Best for Absorption
  • 5. Quicksilver Scientific NAD+ Platinum – Best Comprehensive Formula
  • 6. Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity – Best Multi-Ingredient Formula
  • 7. Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator – Best Budget Pick
  • 8. Double Wood Supplements NMN – Best for Transparency
  • 9. Jarrow Formulas NMN – Best for Vegans
• NAD Booster Dosage: How Much Should You Take Daily?
• NAD Supplement Side Effects and Safety Considerations
• Which NAD Booster Supplement Should You Choose?
• Conclusion

Last Updated: April 25, 2026

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) declines by roughly half between your 20s and 60s, and the best NAD booster supplements are designed to reverse that trajectory at the cellular level. This guide from Ascend Vitality breaks down exactly which products deliver on that promise, which ones overpromise, and how to pick the right NAD precursor for your specific goals. Below, we cover the top 9 picks for 2026, compare NMN vs NR in plain terms, and give you a decision framework that most guides skip entirely.

Here’s what most NAD supplement reviews get wrong: they treat all precursors as interchangeable. They’re not. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) follow different absorption pathways, suit different budgets, and perform differently depending on your age and health goals. The distinctions matter more than most buyers realize.

Quick Picks:

• Best Overall: Tru Niagen – clinically studied NR with NSF Certification
• Best Comprehensive Formula: Quicksilver Scientific NAD+ Platinum – liposomal delivery with sirtuin activators
• Best Budget Pick: Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator – patented NIAGEN at the lowest entry price
• Best for Athletes: Thorne NiaCel 400 – NSF Certified for Sport with superior absorption
• Best for Vegans: Jarrow Formulas NMN – fully plant-based and straightforward

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Quick Comparison: Best NAD Booster Supplements at a Glance

The table below covers the core specs you need before reading the full reviews.

Supplement	Key Ingredient	Starting Price	Best For	Third-Party Tested
Tru Niagen	NR (Nicotinamide Riboside)	$32.95/mo (sub)	General wellness, aging	NSF Certified for Sport
Elysium Health Basis	NR + Pterostilbene	$50/mo (sub)	Antioxidant support	NSF Certified for Sport
Thorne NiaCel 400	NR Hydrogen Malate	$74.99	Athletes	NSF Certified for Sport
Renue By Science Lipo NMN	Liposomal NMN	$64.95	Maximum absorption	ISO 17025 accredited
Quicksilver Scientific NAD+ Platinum	Liposomal NMN + Resveratrol	$80.74	Comprehensive longevity	Yes
Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity	NR + Resveratrol + Broccoli Sprout	$59.90	Multi-ingredient support	Yes (reputable brand)
Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator	NIAGEN (patented NR)	$18.00	Budget-conscious users	Yes
Double Wood Supplements NMN	NMN	$48.95	Transparency-focused buyers	Yes (COA available)
Jarrow Formulas NMN	NMN	$27.65	Vegans/vegetarians	Yes

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How We Evaluated These NAD+ Supplements

Picking the best NAD booster supplements requires more than scanning ingredient labels. Every product in this list was evaluated across five criteria: ingredient quality and form, third-party testing and certification, delivery mechanism and bioavailability, price per effective dose, and transparency of the manufacturer.

Third-party certification carries the most weight. NSF Certified for Sport is the gold standard for supplement purity, meaning each batch is tested for contaminants and banned substances. Products without any independent verification were excluded regardless of marketing claims.

Delivery mechanism matters more than most buyers expect. A standard NMN capsule and a liposomal NMN capsule contain the same molecule, but their absorption profiles differ significantly. Liposomal formulations protect active compounds from digestive enzymes, which translates to more of the ingredient reaching systemic circulation.

Price per effective dose, not price per bottle, is the metric that actually matters. A $20 bottle with 100mg per capsule requiring four daily capsules costs more per therapeutic dose than a $50 bottle delivering 300mg in a single capsule.

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NAD+ Benefits: Why These Supplements Matter for Longevity

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every living cell, serving as the central molecule in energy metabolism and cellular repair. Without adequate NAD+ levels, mitochondrial function degrades, DNA repair slows, and cellular energy production declines, which are the hallmarks of biological aging.

The core benefits associated with maintaining healthy NAD+ levels include improved mitochondrial function, support for DNA repair mechanisms, better cognitive performance, and enhanced endurance during physical activity. Sirtuins, a family of proteins linked to longevity, depend directly on NAD+ to function. When NAD+ drops, sirtuin activity drops with it.

Oxidative stress accelerates NAD+ depletion. Poor diet, alcohol, sedentary behavior, and aging itself all reduce NAD+ synthesis. Dietary supplementation with NAD precursors like NMN or NR offers a direct pathway to replenish what the body no longer produces efficiently.

The longevity angle here is genuine, not marketing language. Researchers studying aging pathways consistently identify NAD+ as a critical variable in cellular health. Boosting NAD+ through supplements, exercise, and dietary choices represents one of the most evidence-adjacent approaches to supporting healthy aging currently available.

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NMN vs NR Supplements: Which NAD Precursor Is Right for You?

The NMN vs NR debate is the most important decision point for anyone buying NAD booster supplements. Both are NAD precursors that the body converts into NAD+, but they take different routes to get there.

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): Key Advantages

NMN sits one step closer to NAD+ in the biosynthesis pathway compared to NR. The practical implication is that NMN may convert to NAD+ more efficiently in certain tissues, particularly liver and muscle. Products like Renue By Science Lipo NMN and Double Wood Supplements NMN have built their formulas around this efficiency argument.

NMN is also the precursor studied most extensively in the context of metabolic function and physical performance. Liposomal NMN, specifically, addresses the bioavailability limitation that standard NMN capsules face, since the molecule is relatively large and susceptible to breakdown before absorption.

The main drawback: NMN supplements tend to cost more per milligram than NR options, and the human research base, while growing, is still less extensive than the NR literature.

NR (Nicotinamide Riboside): Key Advantages

NR has the stronger human clinical trial record. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated that NR supplementation raises blood NAD+ levels measurably. Tru Niagen and Elysium Health Basis are both built on NR, and both have NSF Certified for Sport status, which reflects a level of quality control that many NMN products cannot yet match.

NR is also generally more affordable per effective dose. The patented NIAGEN form of NR, used by Life Extension and Tru Niagen, appears in more human trials than any other NAD precursor.

The practical verdict: For most people prioritizing evidence and cost, NR is the safer starting point. For those focused on metabolic performance and willing to pay a premium for advanced delivery, liposomal NMN is the stronger choice.

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The 9 Best NAD Booster Supplements Reviewed

1. Tru Niagen – Best Overall NR Supplement

Tru Niagen is the most thoroughly studied NR supplement on the market, and for most people seeking a reliable NAD booster, it’s the correct starting point. The active ingredient is Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride, sold under the NIAGEN trademark, which appears in more human clinical studies than any other NAD precursor form.

NSF Certified for Sport certification means every production batch is independently verified for purity and absence of banned substances. That level of accountability is rare in the supplement industry and matters whether you’re an athlete or not.

Pricing: Starting at $32.95/month with subscription (300mg, 30 capsules)

Pros:

• Strongest human research backing of any NAD supplement
• NSF Certified for Sport, third-party verified
• Available in 150mg, 300mg, and 1000mg doses

Cons:

• Basic formula contains only NR, no synergistic ingredients
• Premium pricing compared to generic NR products

Best for: Anyone starting NAD supplementation who wants the most evidence-backed option without overcomplicating the formula.

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2. Elysium Health Basis – Best NR + Pterostilbene Combo

Elysium Health Basis pairs Nicotinamide Riboside with Pterostilbene, a compound structurally similar to Resveratrol but with superior bioavailability. The combination targets both NAD+ replenishment and sirtuin activation simultaneously, which is a more complete approach to the longevity pathway than NR alone.

The formula was developed with input from Leonard Guarente, Ph.D., a prominent aging researcher at MIT. That scientific pedigree shows in the formulation logic: Pterostilbene acts as a sirtuin activator, and sirtuins require NAD+ to function, so pairing the two makes biochemical sense.

Pricing: $50/month with subscription, $60 one-time purchase

Pros:

• NSF Certified for Sport
• Pterostilbene adds antioxidant and sirtuin-activating benefits
• Clinically studied combination

Cons:

• Higher price point than standalone NR products
• Monthly subscription model may not suit all buyers

Best for: People who want NR plus antioxidant support in a single, well-certified formula.

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3. Thorne NiaCel 400 – Best for Athletes

Thorne is one of the few supplement companies trusted by professional sports organizations, and NiaCel 400 reflects that standard. The NR Hydrogen Malate form used here is designed for superior absorption compared to standard NR chloride, and the inclusion of Betaine Anhydrous (Trimethylglycine) supports methylation, a process that becomes critical when NAD+ metabolism is running at high capacity.

NSF Certified for Sport certification is non-negotiable for competitive athletes. Thorne holds that certification here, which means coaches and sports medicine practitioners can recommend it without liability concerns.

Pricing: $74.99 for 60 capsules

Pros:

• NSF Certified for Sport, gold standard for athletic use
• Highly absorbable NR Hydrogen Malate form
• Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO

Cons:

• Highest price per serving among NR-only options
• No additional longevity-pathway ingredients beyond NR and Betaine

Best for: Competitive athletes and active individuals who need certified purity and optimized absorption.

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4. Renue By Science Lipo NMN – Best for Absorption

For buyers convinced by the NMN argument but frustrated by bioavailability concerns, Renue By Science Lipo NMN addresses the core problem directly. The liposomal delivery system encapsulates NMN in phospholipid particles, protecting it from digestive breakdown and improving cellular uptake.

Standard NMN capsules face absorption challenges because the molecule is relatively large. Liposomal encapsulation is the most validated solution to that problem, and Renue By Science uses powder-based liposomes rather than liquid, which extends shelf stability.

Third-party testing is conducted through ISO 17025-accredited labs, and manufacturing follows NSF-certified processes. That’s a credible quality chain even without a product-level NSF certification.

Pricing: $64.95 for 60 capsules

Pros:

• Liposomal delivery significantly improves NMN absorption
• ISO 17025-accredited third-party testing
• Supports systemic NAD+ levels in liver and muscle tissue

Cons:

• More expensive than standard NMN capsules
• Liposomal products require careful storage

Best for: Buyers who want NMN specifically and won’t compromise on bioavailability.

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5. Quicksilver Scientific NAD+ Platinum – Best Comprehensive Formula

Quicksilver Scientific NAD+ Platinum is the most complete longevity formula in this list. The liquid liposomal delivery combines NMN with Resveratrol, Quercetin, Riboflavin, and Methylcobalamin, targeting NAD+ generation, sirtuin activation, methylation support, and antioxidant defense in a single product.

The liquid format allows flexible dosing, which matters when you’re working with multiple active compounds at once. Absorption through the oral mucosa begins before the formula even reaches the stomach, which is a meaningful advantage over capsule-based products.

The main limitation is practical: it requires refrigeration after opening and doesn’t ship outside the contiguous U.S. For buyers who can work within those constraints, nothing else in this list covers as many longevity pathways simultaneously.

Pricing: $80.74 for 3.38 fl oz (100ml)

Pros:

• Superior bioavailability through liposomal liquid delivery
• Addresses multiple longevity pathways (NAD+, sirtuins, methylation)
• Flexible dosing with liquid format

Cons:

• Requires refrigeration
• Does not ship internationally or outside contiguous U.S.
• Highest price point in this list

Best for: Serious longevity-focused buyers who want one product covering multiple cellular health pathways.

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6. Pure Encapsulations NR Longevity – Best Multi-Ingredient Formula

Pure Encapsulations built its reputation on hypoallergenic, clean-label supplements, and NR Longevity reflects that philosophy. The formula pairs NIAGEN (patented NR) with Trans-Resveratrol and Broccoli Sprout Concentrate, creating a multi-ingredient approach to cellular health that goes beyond NAD+ replenishment alone.

According to Pure Encapsulations product information, the Broccoli Sprout Concentrate supports the body’s antioxidant defense systems through Nrf2 pathway activation, complementing the direct NAD+ support from NR. Trans-Resveratrol adds sirtuin-activating properties similar to Pterostilbene in the Elysium formula.

Pricing: $59.90 for 60 capsules

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic, free from common allergens
• Trans-Resveratrol and Broccoli Sprout add antioxidant depth
• Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegetarian-friendly

Cons:

• Not explicitly NSF Certified for Sport
• Higher price due to multi-ingredient complexity

Best for: Buyers with sensitivities who want a clean-label, multi-ingredient NAD support formula.

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7. Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator – Best Budget Pick

Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator uses NIAGEN, the same patented NR form found in premium products, at a starting price of $18.00 for 30 capsules. That’s the most accessible entry point for clinically studied NAD supplementation on this list.

The trade-off is dose. At 100mg per capsule, users targeting higher daily doses (300mg+) will need multiple capsules, which erodes the cost advantage at higher intake levels. For someone starting with a conservative 100-150mg daily dose to assess tolerance, this is genuinely good value.

Pricing: $18.00 for 30 vegetarian capsules (100mg)

Pros:

• Uses patented NIAGEN NR, the most studied NAD precursor
• Lowest starting price for a clinically validated NR product
• Non-GMO, vegetarian capsules

Cons:

• Low per-capsule dose requires multiple capsules for higher intakes
• No synergistic ingredients

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a proven NR ingredient without paying a premium for brand positioning.

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8. Double Wood Supplements NMN – Best for Transparency

Double Wood Supplements publishes Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for their NMN products, which is the clearest transparency signal a supplement company can offer. Buyers can verify the actual NMN content, purity, and absence of contaminants before purchasing.

Manufacturing happens in cGMP-certified U.S. facilities, and the formula targets NAD+ support in liver and muscle tissue with specific mention of SIRTUIN gene activation. At $48.95 for 60 capsules of 250mg NMN, the price-to-dose ratio is competitive among NMN products.

Pricing: $48.95 for 60 capsules (250mg each)

Pros:

• COAs publicly available for batch verification
• cGMP-certified U.S. manufacturing
• Competitive price per milligram for NMN

Cons:

• No liposomal delivery for enhanced absorption
• Standard capsule format limits bioavailability compared to liposomal options

Best for: Buyers who prioritize supply chain transparency and want to verify exactly what they’re taking.

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9. Jarrow Formulas NMN – Best for Vegans

Jarrow Formulas NMN is fully vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-GMO, making it the cleanest option for plant-based buyers. The tablet format delivers 125mg of NMN per serving to support mitochondrial function and NAD+ replenishment.

The dose is on the lower end at 125mg per tablet, which may require stacking multiple tablets for users targeting 250-500mg daily. Jarrow is a reputable, long-established supplement brand with consistent quality standards, which matters when the product category is as unregulated as NAD precursors.

Pricing: $27.65 for 60 tablets

Pros:

• Vegan and vegetarian certified
• Reputable, established brand with consistent quality
• Affordable entry price for NMN

Cons:

• Lower dose per tablet (125mg)
• No advanced delivery mechanism

Best for: Vegans and vegetarians seeking a straightforward, affordable NMN supplement from a trusted brand.

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NAD Booster Dosage: How Much Should You Take Daily?

NAD booster dosage varies significantly by product form, individual goals, and age. Most human studies on NR have used doses between 250mg and 1,000mg daily. NMN research has explored similar ranges, with many practitioners starting at 250-500mg daily and adjusting based on response.

A common approach is to start at the lower end of the therapeutic range, typically 150-300mg for NR or 250mg for NMN, and assess tolerance over 4-6 weeks before increasing. Many users report noticeable changes in energy levels and cognitive performance within 2-4 weeks at these doses.

According to research on NAD precursor dosing, age is a relevant factor: older adults may benefit from higher doses because NAD+ synthesis efficiency declines with age. A 60-year-old aiming to restore NAD+ levels to a younger baseline may require a higher daily dose than a 35-year-old using NAD supplementation for performance optimization.

Timing also matters. NAD precursors are generally better absorbed in the morning with or without food, though liposomal formats perform best on an empty stomach. Splitting the dose (morning and midday) is a strategy some practitioners use for higher daily intakes above 500mg.

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NAD Supplement Side Effects and Safety Considerations

NAD supplement side effects are generally mild and dose-dependent. The most commonly reported effects include flushing, nausea, and mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher doses or when taken on an empty stomach.

Flushing is more commonly associated with Nicotinic Acid (Niacin) than with NR or NMN. NR and NMN have significantly better tolerability profiles than niacin, which is why most modern NAD booster supplements use NR or NMN rather than direct nicotinic acid supplementation.

The long-term safety data for NR is the most developed among NAD precursors. Multiple human trials have run for several months without identifying serious adverse effects at doses up to 1,000mg daily. NMN has a shorter human research history, though animal studies and early human trials suggest a comparable safety profile.

A practical concern that most reviews skip: NAD supplementation can affect methylation cycles. High NAD+ throughput increases demand for methyl donors. Some formulas, like Thorne NiaCel 400, include Betaine Anhydrous to address this. If you’re taking a formula without methylation support, ensuring adequate dietary intake of B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, is worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

As documented in NIH Office of Dietary Supplements information on niacin, nicotinamide (a related compound) is generally well-tolerated, though very high doses can cause liver stress. NR and NMN are distinct from nicotinamide in their metabolic handling, but the principle of dose-dependent risk applies across the NAD precursor family.

People with liver conditions, those taking medications that affect NAD metabolism, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a physician before starting any NAD supplement.

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Which NAD Booster Supplement Should You Choose?

The right NAD supplement depends on three variables: your primary goal, your budget, and how much you care about delivery mechanism.

For most people starting out: Tru Niagen at 300mg is the evidence-backed default. The research is solid, the certification is real, and the dose is therapeutic.

For athletes: Thorne NiaCel 400 is the only choice if NSF Certified for Sport status is a requirement. The NR Hydrogen Malate form and Betaine Anhydrous inclusion make it the most performance-oriented NR product on this list.

For maximum bioavailability: Renue By Science Lipo NMN (if you prefer NMN) or Quicksilver Scientific NAD+ Platinum (if you want a comprehensive longevity formula) both address absorption at the delivery mechanism level, not just the ingredient level.

For budget-conscious buyers: Life Extension NAD+ Cell Regenerator uses the same patented NIAGEN ingredient as premium products at roughly a third of the cost. The dose is lower, but the ingredient is legitimate.

For vegans: Jarrow Formulas NMN is the cleanest plant-based option with a reputable brand behind it.

The one thing to avoid: choosing a NAD supplement based solely on marketing claims without checking for third-party testing. The supplement industry is under-regulated, and the gap between label claims and actual content can be significant in untested products. Stick to brands with NSF certification, COAs, or ISO-accredited testing.

According to ConsumerLab supplement testing methodology, a meaningful percentage of supplements fail to contain the labeled amount of active ingredient when independently tested. Third-party certification is not optional in this category.

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Conclusion

Choosing among the best NAD booster supplements comes down to matching the right precursor, dose, and delivery mechanism to your actual biology and goals. The science behind NAD+, cellular energy, mitochondrial function, and healthy aging is real, but the supplement market is noisy enough to make smart selection genuinely difficult.

At Ascend Vitality, the focus is on medically-supported health pathways that connect you with real clinical guidance, not just product recommendations. If you’re approaching NAD supplementation as part of a broader strategy for weight management, hormonal health, or longevity, working within a structured care program ensures your supplementation choices are aligned with your full health picture. Get started with Ascend Vitality and access targeted online care that treats NAD optimization as one component of a comprehensive vitality strategy, not a standalone fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best form of NAD to take as a supplement?

The best NAD booster supplements typically use either NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) or NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) as precursors to raise NAD+ levels. NR has more human clinical studies behind it, while NMN is a more direct precursor with promising early research. Liposomal forms of both may offer improved bioavailability. Your best choice depends on your budget, goals, and whether you prefer a standalone precursor or a formula with synergistic ingredients like Resveratrol or Pterostilbene.

What is the difference between NMN and NR supplements?

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and NR (Nicotinamide Riboside) are both NAD+ precursors that support cellular energy and healthy aging. NR is one step further from NAD+ in the biosynthesis pathway and has a larger body of human clinical research. NMN is one step closer to NAD+ and may act more quickly in certain tissues. Both can effectively raise NAD+ levels, but NMN products tend to cost more, particularly liposomal versions designed for enhanced absorption.

What are the side effects of taking NAD supplements?

Most people tolerate NAD booster supplements well at recommended doses. Reported side effects are generally mild and may include nausea, flushing, headache, or digestive discomfort, particularly at higher doses. These effects are more commonly associated with Nicotinic Acid (Niacin) than with NR or NMN. People with underlying health conditions, those on medications, or pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before starting NAD supplementation.

How much NAD should I take daily?

Typical NAD booster dosage ranges from 150mg to 1,000mg per day depending on the precursor form and individual goals. Most NR supplements are studied at 300mg-500mg daily, while NMN is commonly taken at 250mg-500mg. Starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing is a sensible approach. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and consider speaking with a dietitian or healthcare professional, especially if combining NAD supplements with other longevity compounds like CoQ10 or Urolithin A.

Who should not take NAD supplements?

NAD booster supplements are generally considered safe for healthy adults, but certain groups should exercise caution. These include pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people with liver conditions, those taking medications that affect metabolism, and anyone with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions. Because research on long-term safety is still emerging, individuals under 18 and those with chronic illnesses should consult a healthcare provider before adding NAD+ precursors like NMN or NR to their wellness routine.