Nicotinamide riboside
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "nicotinamide riboside"
Consensus Meter
Nicotinamide Riboside: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a crucial coenzyme in various metabolic processes. NR has garnered significant attention due to its potential health benefits, particularly in enhancing NAD+ levels, which tend to decline with age and metabolic stress .
Effects on Skeletal Muscle and Aging
NAD+ Metabolome Enhancement
Research has shown that NR supplementation can significantly elevate the NAD+ metabolome in aged human skeletal muscle. A study involving 12 aged men demonstrated that a daily intake of 1g NR for 21 days increased nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide clearance products, indicating enhanced NAD+ metabolism. This elevation in NAD+ levels is crucial for maintaining cellular energy and metabolic functions.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
In addition to boosting NAD+ levels, NR supplementation has been found to reduce circulating inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. This could be particularly beneficial for aging populations, where chronic inflammation is a common issue.
Metabolic Health and Obesity
Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Metabolism
Despite promising results in animal models, human trials have shown mixed outcomes regarding NR's effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. A 12-week study on obese, insulin-resistant men found no significant improvements in insulin sensitivity, glucose disposal, or oxidation with NR supplementation. Similarly, another study reported no changes in insulin sensitivity or mitochondrial function in overweight and obese individuals after 6 weeks of NR supplementation.
Body Composition and Energy Expenditure
However, NR has shown some positive effects on body composition and energy expenditure. In a study involving overweight and obese participants, NR supplementation increased body fat-free mass and sleeping metabolic rate, although it did not significantly affect other metabolic health parameters.
Neuroprotection and Cognitive Health
Brain NAD+ Synthesis
NR has also been investigated for its neuroprotective properties. Studies suggest that NR can enhance NAD+ synthesis in the brain, potentially offering protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. This is likely due to NR's ability to stimulate brain NAD+ synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining neuronal health and function .
Safety and Bioavailability
Clinical Trials and Safety
Multiple clinical trials have confirmed the safety of NR supplementation. A study involving doses up to 2000 mg/day over 12 weeks reported no serious adverse events, indicating that NR is well-tolerated in humans. Additionally, NR has been shown to be uniquely and orally bioavailable, with dose-dependent increases in blood NAD+ levels observed in both mice and humans.
Bioavailability Challenges
Despite its benefits, there are challenges related to NR's bioavailability. Research is ongoing to develop more effective NR derivatives and formulations to enhance its absorption and efficacy.
Conclusion
Nicotinamide riboside holds promise as a supplement for enhancing NAD+ levels, with potential benefits for aging, metabolic health, and neuroprotection. While it has shown significant effects in preclinical studies, human trials have yielded mixed results, particularly concerning metabolic health improvements. Nonetheless, its safety and bioavailability make it a viable candidate for further research and potential therapeutic applications. Future studies should focus on optimizing its bioavailability and understanding its long-term effects on human health.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic