Nicotinamide riboside benefits
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Nicotinamide Riboside and NAD+ Boosting: Health Benefits Overview
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule essential for energy metabolism and cellular health. Research has explored NR’s potential benefits across a range of health conditions, particularly those related to aging, metabolism, and neuroprotection 234.
Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection
Studies in animal models show that NR supplementation can protect against cognitive decline, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve learning and memory, especially in models of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes 134. NR also helps maintain blood-brain barrier integrity and supports healthy gut microbiota, which may further contribute to brain health . These neuroprotective effects are linked to increased NAD+ levels in the brain, which support synaptic plasticity and reduce DNA damage 134.
Metabolic Health and Mitochondrial Function
NR has been shown to enhance oxidative metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and protect against obesity and metabolic dysfunction in animal studies 236. By increasing NAD+ levels, NR activates sirtuin enzymes (SIRT1 and SIRT3), which play key roles in mitochondrial health and energy production 36. In humans, NR supplementation raises NAD+ levels in muscle and may help reduce inflammation, though effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics are less clear 78.
Cardiovascular and Hematopoietic Benefits
Research suggests NR may benefit cardiovascular health by potentially reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness in older adults, though more studies are needed to confirm these effects 27. In animal models, NR supports blood stem cell regeneration, improves recovery after bone marrow injury, and increases the production of immune cells, indicating potential for treating hematological conditions .
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
NR supplementation has been associated with reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in humans, suggesting it may help lower chronic inflammation, which is linked to many age-related diseases 89. This anti-inflammatory effect is one of the more consistent findings in human studies 89.
Maternal and Offspring Health
Supplementing mothers with NR during the postpartum period has been shown in animal studies to enhance lactation, improve offspring development, and provide long-lasting physical and cognitive benefits to the offspring, including better glycemic control and neurogenesis .
Safety and Tolerability
NR is generally well tolerated in humans, with few reported adverse effects, and is considered safe as a nutritional supplement 1247. Its bioavailability is good compared to other NAD+ precursors 124.
Limitations and Human Evidence
While animal studies show promising results for NR in improving metabolic, cognitive, and cardiovascular health, human trials have so far shown only modest benefits, mainly in increasing NAD+ levels and reducing inflammation 789. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for specific diseases in humans .
Conclusion
Nicotinamide riboside is a promising NAD+ precursor with potential benefits for cognitive function, metabolic health, cardiovascular support, inflammation reduction, and maternal-offspring health. While animal studies are encouraging, human evidence is still emerging, and further clinical trials are needed to fully establish its therapeutic value.
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