What Is Nicotinamide Riboside? Other Names: Nicotinamide Ribose, NR, Riboside de nicotinamide

What is Nicotinamide Riboside?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a crucial coenzyme involved in various metabolic processes. It has gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly in enhancing cellular energy metabolism and supporting healthy aging.

Health Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside

Research has shown that NR supplementation can increase NAD+ levels in humans, which may have several health benefits. For instance, it has been observed to improve muscle quality and function in aged individuals, potentially enhancing physical performance and reducing inflammation3 4. Additionally, NR has been studied for its potential to improve metabolic health, although results in human trials have been mixed, with some studies showing no significant effects on insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism2 5.

Safety and Tolerability

NR is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in foods and dietary supplements. Clinical trials have demonstrated that NR supplementation is well-tolerated, with no significant adverse effects reported at various dosages1 2 8. This safety profile supports its use as a dietary supplement for enhancing NAD+ levels.

Potential Applications

Beyond its role in metabolic health, NR is being explored for its potential in addressing age-related conditions and neurodegenerative diseases. It has been shown to increase NAD+ levels in neuronal cells and may influence biomarkers related to neurodegenerative pathology, suggesting a possible role in supporting brain health9.

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Nicotinamide Riboside Mechanism of Action

NR functions as a precursor to NAD+, which plays a vital role in cellular energy production and metabolic regulation. NAD+ is essential for the function of sirtuins, enzymes that regulate cellular health and longevity. By increasing NAD+ levels, NR supplementation may support improved cellular function and energy metabolism1 2 3.

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Adverse Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside

General Safety: Multiple studies have shown that NR supplementation is generally safe in humans, with no significant adverse events reported in clinical trials involving both oral and intravenous administration1 3 8 10. These studies did not find any significant changes in vital signs, blood chemistry markers, or serious adverse events related to NR supplementation.

Exercise Performance: In animal studies, NR supplementation was associated with a decrease in exercise performance. Rats receiving NR showed a tendency towards worse physical performance compared to controls, suggesting potential negative effects on physical endurance2.

Metabolic Effects: In human trials, NR did not improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, or other metabolic health parameters in obese, insulin-resistant men, although it was well-tolerated3 5. This indicates that while NR is safe, it may not provide the metabolic benefits expected in certain populations.

Intestinal and Microbial Changes: In studies involving intra-amniotic administration, NR and its derivatives affected intestinal brush border membrane functionality and altered bacterial populations, increasing certain bacteria like Clostridium and E. coli7. These changes suggest potential impacts on gut health, although the clinical significance in humans remains unclear.

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How has Nicotinamide Riboside Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cardiovascular Health

Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness: NR supplementation has been investigated for its ability to reduce systolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness in older adults, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases1 7.

Cardiac Hypertrophy: In animal models, NR has been shown to alleviate cardiac dysfunction and remodeling associated with pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting a protective effect against heart failure3.

Cardiomyopathy: NR demonstrated cardioprotective effects in models of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy, reducing fibrous tissue formation and improving heart function8.

Metabolic Health

Chronic Kidney Disease: While NR did not improve exercise tolerance in chronic kidney disease patients, it did enhance markers of mitochondrial metabolism and lipid profiles, indicating potential metabolic benefits4.

Diabetes Risk in Cancer Survivors: A pilot study found that NR, combined with exercise, was feasible and well-tolerated in childhood cancer survivors at risk for diabetes, although significant metabolic improvements were not observed5.

Safety and Tolerability

NR supplementation has been generally well-tolerated across studies, with no serious adverse events reported. It effectively increases NAD+ levels, which are crucial for cellular metabolism and function2 6 7.

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Common Complaints Associated with Nicotinamide Riboside Use

Adverse Events: In an 8-week study involving overweight but otherwise healthy adults, no significant differences in adverse events were observed between those taking NR and those on a placebo. Additionally, there were no reports of flushing, a common side effect associated with some vitamin B3 supplements1.

Cholesterol and Metabolism: NR did not elevate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or disrupt 1-carbon metabolism, suggesting a favorable safety profile in terms of metabolic effects1.

Long-term Safety: A 12-week study in obese, insulin-resistant men also reported no serious adverse events from NR supplementation. Safety blood tests remained normal throughout the study period, further supporting the safety of NR at doses up to 2000 mg per day2.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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