Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): A Key to Health and Longevity

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): A Key to Health and Longevity

In the quest for enhanced health and vitality, nicotinamide riboside (NR) has emerged as a promising supplement for promoting longevity and cognitive function.

As a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a critical coenzyme for cellular energy production and cellular function and homeostasis, NR offers a range of benefits from improved physical performance to cognitive enhancement and mitochondrial health.1,2

What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)?

Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, is a key building block for NAD+, a molecule vital for energy production, DNA repair, and cellular communication.3

As we age, NAD+ levels naturally drop, leading to decreased energy, cognitive decline, and signs of aging. Taking supplements with precursors like NR can help restore NAD+ levels, supporting overall cellular health and promoting longevity..2,3,6-10

Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside

NAD+ is made from building blocks like nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinamide riboside (NR), nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and the amino acid tryptophan. Recent studies show that the gut microbiome plays an important role in how NAD+ is processed and how these building blocks interact with the bacteria in our gut.2,5,9

Studies have shown that supplementing with NAD+ precursors can help prevent and manage age-related conditions. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has demonstrated potential benefits for heart and liver health, cognitive function, muscle strength and endurance, as well as metabolism and weight management through improved insulin sensitivity.2,4,5,9

Among the available precursors, NR is often preferred due to its higher oral bioavailability and fewer reported side effects.1

Enhancing Mitochondrial Function and Energy Levels

NR plays a key role in supporting mitochondrial function, which is crucial for overall energy production. Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of cells, generating energy to fuel the body. NAD+ is essential for mitochondrial health and, by boosting NAD+ levels, NR improves the efficiency of energy production, leading to increased vitality and stamina.1,8

Improved mitochondrial function not only enhances daily energy levels but also supports cellular health, metabolism and resilience to stress – key factors in promoting longevity.1,8

NR and Longevity: Boosting NAD+ for Cellular Repair

One of the main contributors to ageing is the gradual decline in cellular repair mechanisms. NR increases NAD+ levels, which activate proteins known as sirtuins. These proteins play a significant role in promoting longevity by supporting DNA repair, regulating inflammation and enhancing cellular resilience.2,4,8-11

By maintaining higher NAD+ levels, NR helps to:

  • Support healthy ageing: NR enables cells to repair DNA damage more effectively and reduce inflammation, potentially slowing the ageing process.5,8,9
  • Delay age-related diseases: Higher NAD+ levels have been linked to reduced risks of age-related conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and heart issues.8,9

Cognitive Benefits of NR: Improving Focus, Memory and Protecting Cognition

Cognitive decline with ageing can be exacerbated by declining NAD+ levels and impaired mitochondrial function in the brain. NR helps mitigate these effects by improving mitochondrial efficiency, leading to better brain function and overall cognitive health.1,6,8,9

How NR supports cognition:

  • Boosts brain energy: By improving mitochondrial function, NR enhances the brain's energy metabolism, supporting focus and memory.
  • Protects against neuroinflammation: NR helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which can lead to cognitive decline.
  • Enhances memory and focus: With better brain energy and reduced inflammation, NR can improve memory retention and concentration.
  • Reduces age-related cognitive decline: Studies suggest that NR may protect against conditions like Alzheimer's disease by maintaining healthy cognitive function as we age.

NR for Muscle Recovery, Endurance and Physical Performance

NR also plays a critical role in enhancing physical performance and muscle recovery, particularly as we age. By boosting NAD+ levels, NR supports the energy demands of muscles during exercise, improving endurance and reducing fatigue. Enhanced mitochondrial function means muscles recover more quickly after physical exertion, allowing for better performance over time.1,8,9

On the Pathway to Increased Lifespan and Healthspan

Nicotinamide riboside is a powerful supplement that supports longevity, cognitive function, and physical performance by increasing NAD+ levels. Its ability to enhance mitochondrial function, improve energy levels and support cellular repair makes it a key ally in the fight against ageing by increasing lifespan as well as healthspan.

Whether you're focused on maintaining youthful energy, protecting your cognition or boosting your physical capabilities, NR offers a scientifically backed solution to promote overall health and vitality.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it’s right for you.

 

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This article was written by Stephanie Berglin, Nutritionist and Herbalist. 

 

References:

  1. Biţă A, et al. Nicotinamide Riboside, a Promising Vitamin B3 Derivative for Healthy Aging and Longevity: Current Research and Perspectives. Molecules 2023;28(16):6078. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10459282/pdf/molecules-28-06078.pdf
  2. Iqbal T, Nakagawa T. The therapeutic perspective of NAD+ precursors in age-related diseases. Biochem Biophysical Res Comm 2024;702:149590. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006291X24001256?via%3Dihub
  3. Covarrubias AJ, et al. NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021;22(2):119-141. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7963035/pdf/nihms-1678290.pdf
  4. Yoshino J, et al. NAD+ Intermediates: The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab 2018;27(3):513-528. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5842119/pdf/nihms919895.pdf
  5. Palmer RD, et al. Precursor comparisons for the upregulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. Novel approaches for better aging. Aging Med (Milton) 2021;4(3):214-220. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8444956/pdf/AGM2-4-214.pdf
  6. Orr ME, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of nicotinamide riboside in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Geroscience 2024;46(1):665-682. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10828186/pdf/11357_2023_Article_999.pdf
  7. Alegre GFS, Pastore GM. NAD+ Precursors Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): Potential Dietary Contribution to Health. Curr Nutr Rep 2023;12(3):445-464. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10240123/pdf/13668_2023_Article_475.pdf
  8. Vreones M, et al. Oral nicotinamide riboside raises NAD+ and lowers biomarkers of neurodegenerative pathology in plasma extracellular vesicles enriched for neuronal origin. Aging Cell 2023;22(1):e13754. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9835564/pdf/ACEL-22-e13754.pdf
  9. Sharma C, et al. Emerging Role of Nicotinamide Riboside in Health and Diseases. Nutrients 2022;14(19):3889. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9571518/pdf/nutrients-14-03889.pdf
  10. Martens CR, et al. Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Nat Commun 2018;9(1):1286. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5876407/pdf/41467_2018_Article_3421.pdf
  11. Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol 2014;24(8):464-471. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4112140/pdf/nihms590720.pdf

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