The invention relates to compositions of nicotinoyl ribosides and nicotinamide riboside derivatives and their methods of use. In some embodiments, the invention relates to methods of snaking nicotinoyl ribosides. In some embodiments, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and nutritional supplements containing a nicotinoyl riboside. In further embodiments, the invention relates to methods of using nicotinoyl ribosides and nicotinamide riboside derivatives that promote the increase of intracellular levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in cells and tissues for improving cell and tissue survival.