Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is in the spotlight for its health and anti-aging benefits. With any health fad, safety is key. Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with taking nicotinamide riboside? Knowing the pros and cons helps you make the right choice about NR. We’ll look at what research says to find out if NR is really safe. Let’s elaborate on Nicotinamide Riboside Supplement Side Effects in detail.
Key Takeaways
- Studies have found that nicotinamide riboside supplementation is generally well-tolerated in both animal and human trials123
- No serious adverse effects have been reported with NR supplementation at recommended dosages3
- Dosages up to 1,000 mg per day have been used in studies without safety concerns3
- The FDA has granted Niagen, an NR supplement, generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status3
- Potential interactions with other NAD+ precursors like niacin, NMN, or NADH should be avoided3
What is Nicotinamide Riboside?
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a special type of vitamin B3. It is very important for making NAD+ in our bodies4. NAD+ is key for over 500 different reactions. These include making cell energy, fixing DNA, and communicating with hormones4.
Definition and Overview of Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide riboside is nature’s own vitamin B3. It can easily turn into NAD+ in our bodies5. NR is more effective at boosting NAD+ levels than other B3 forms. Since NAD+ tends to drop as we get older, NR is a great supplement for health4.
Role of NAD+ in Biological Processes
NAD+ is essential for our body’s key functions4. It helps with making energy, fixing DNA, and keeping our body in balance4. As we age, our NAD+ levels go down, which may lead to health problems4.
“Over 500 enzyme reactions in the body are dependent on oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which can also be derived from tryptophan.”4
Potential Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) might bring several health perks. It quickly changes into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in our bodies6. NAD+ helps with energy, DNA fix, and sirtuins that support aging well6.
Adding NR can spike NAD+ by 2.7 times versus other boosts6. More NAD+ action helps fix DNA, lower swelling, and handle stress better as you age6.
Activates Enzymes for Healthy Aging
High NAD+ from NR can turn on helpful enzymes for aging6. These enzymes keep cells healthy, aiding overall aging well6. NR also blocks some inflammation paths, which can keep aging linked inflammation down6.
“Nicotinamide riboside supplementation can increase NAD+ levels by up to 2.7 times compared to other NAD+ precursors.”
Potential Benefit | Mechanism | Supporting Evidence |
---|---|---|
Increased NAD+ production | NR is easily converted into NAD+ within the body | 6 |
Activation of sirtuins and other enzymes | Elevated NAD+ levels activate enzymes linked to healthy aging | 6 |
Reduced inflammation | NR has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties | 6 |
Clearly, nicotinamide riboside can up NAD+ levels effectively. It activates important enzymes for aging well and might cut age-linked inflammation6. These actions help boost overall health from NR6.
Nicotinamide Riboside for Brain Health
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a type of vitamin B3. It shows great promise in helping our brains stay healthy. This potential comes from NAD+, a molecule it helps create, which is vital for brain functions. NAD+ falls as we age, and its drop is connected to brain issues like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s7.
Protecting Brain Cells from Damage
Research suggests that NR can boost NAD+ in our brains. This boost might shield our brain cells from harm. In a study, older adults who took NR showed higher NAD+ in their blood7.
They also had lower levels of harmful markers like Aβ42, suggesting less brain cell damage. This could be a sign that NR helps battle issues like neuroinflammation and insulin resistance7.
Potential Role in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
NR’s benefits were seen with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in animal tests8. In a small Parkinson’s trial, NR boosting cerebral NAD+ showed promise9. Now, a larger study looks at NR’s impact on early Parkinson’s stages8.
We still need more human studies. But, NR looks hopeful in tackling age-related brain problems. Its knack for raising NAD+ and tweaking cell damage markers is under keen study7.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside
Aging is a top risk for heart disease, which is the main cause of global deaths10. By raising NAD+ levels with nicotinamide riboside (NR), heart health could improve10. NR has shown in people to ease the hardening of the aorta and drop high blood pressure. These are key heart disease risks101112.
The benefits might come from NAD+’s role in controlling blood flow and lowering swelling10. More studies are needed. But, the early signs are that NR might help keep the heart healthy as we age10.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside | Findings |
---|---|
Aortic Stiffness | NR supplementation has been shown to reduce aortic stiffness in human studies10. |
Blood Pressure | NR supplementation can lower systolic blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 25%1112., |
Vascular Function | The benefits of NR on cardiovascular health are thought to be related to its role in regulating vascular function and reducing inflammation10. |
Much more study is needed to grasp the full impact of nicotinamide riboside. Yet, what we know now hints that it might be very good for the heart. It could be key in keeping our hearts strong as we grow older10.
Other Potential Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside
Aside from helping our brains and hearts, early studies show nicotinamide riboside (NR) might do even more good. It could aid weight loss and make our bodies burn energy better. It might even lower cancer dangers and help with jet lag, making it an exciting find for experts.
Weight Loss and Metabolism
In tests with animals, NR seemed to boost how fast they burn energy and lose weight13. One study with obese men found it was safe and may improve sensitivity to insulin and how fats are used13.
Others have shown that NR is safe and helps boost an important molecule in our body for middle-aged and older folks13. Yet, more studies are needed to be sure about the benefits for people.
Cancer Risk Reduction
Nicotinamide riboside could lower the risk of cancer, too. It promotes healthy cell repair and less damage from harmful substances14. That could mean fewer chances of getting certain cancers.
Jet Lag and Circadian Rhythm
NR might also help with jet lag and sleep issues14. It supports our natural sleep and wake cycle, which is good news for those who travel a lot or find it hard to sleep regularly.
Healthy Muscle Aging
NR showed promise in older mice, making their muscles stronger and more efficient14. As we age, keeping our muscles fit is crucial. NR might help us stay active and feeling good as we get older.
NR’s benefits range from managing weight to lowering cancer risks and keeping muscles healthy. More studies will help us understand and make the most of this promising compound for our health.
nicotinamide riboside supplement side effects
Overall, nicotinamide riboside (NR) supplements seem quite safe. NR is a kind of vitamin B3 found in foods like milk and some veggies15. It helps our bodies make NAD+, which is important for many things like energy and keeping our cells healthy15. But, as we get older, our NAD+ levels can drop, making it harder for our cells to work well15.
A well-known NR supplement, Tru Niagen, suggests taking 300mg each day15. So far, using NR supplements, even at levels up to 1,000mg, doesn’t seem to cause big problems15. The FDA says one NR supplement, called Niagen, is safe15.
If you know you’re allergic to NR, don’t take it15. Also, it’s best not to mix NR with other NAD+ makers like niacin or NMN because we’re not sure what might happen15. Women pregnant or breastfeeding, and kids, should talk to a doctor before using NR15.
Even though NR is usually well-tolerated, watch out if you have health issues or take certain medicines. High amounts of another form of vitamin B3, nicotinamide, can cause problems like upset stomach and liver issues16. Make sure to follow the suggested doses and talk to your doctor first if you’re thinking of trying NR.
In a nutshell, studies show NR could be good for your cells, brain, and how your body uses energy15. But, it’s always smart to be careful, especially if you’re dealing with health problems or take other medicines16. Being aware of possible side effects and how NR might mix with what you’re already taking can help you make the most of NR supplements.
Dosage and Recommendations
The standard dose for nicotinamide riboside (NR) is usually 250-300 mg daily17. This equals taking 1-2 capsules every day, based on the brand you choose15. The FDA advises not to go over 180 mg a day for someone weighing 60 kg (132 lbs).
This is 3 mg for every kg of their weight each day12. Yet, in Europe, the highest recommended amount is 900 mg each day. In the UK, it’s a bit lower at 500 mg daily.
NR supplements come mainly as tablets or capsules. You can find these at health food stores, online, or with specific brands15. Always pick products that others have tested. It’s good to talk to a doctor or a nutrition expert before you start any supplement.
There are specific recommendations for nicotinamide in the Dietary Reference Intakes for B vitamins17.
The European Nicotinamide Diabetes Intervention Trial (ENDIT) wanted to stop type 1 diabetes from starting17.
Supplement Form | Typical Dosage | Availability |
---|---|---|
Nicotinamide Riboside Capsules | 250-300 mg per day | Health food stores, online retailers, direct-to-consumer brands |
To sum up, the common nicotinamide riboside dose is 250-300 mg each day. You can find these in tablet or capsule form at different places. Talking to a healthcare expert is a must to make sure your NR supplement is both safe and of high quality171512.
Safety Considerations
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is safe for most people, with no big side effects found16. But, we’re not sure about its safety for long-term use yet16. Most tests were short and had few people16.
Don’t take NR if you’re allergic to it16. And it’s best to avoid mixing NR with other NAD+ boosters like niacin or NMN. We don’t know how they might act together16.
Long-Term Safety Data
NR seems safe for a short while, but we need more study on its long-term effects16. For pregnant women, those breastfeeding, or kids, talking to a doctor first is wise16.
Interactions and Precautions
It might not be good for people with some health issues, like gallbladder or kidney problems16. Also, be careful mixing it with certain drugs, including carbamazepine and blood thinners16.
Choose NR supplements that are third-party tested, and talk to a healthcare pro about the pros and cons16. Most people can use nicotinamide safely at the recommended doses. But, taking too much, over 3,000 mg a day, can cause problems like upset stomach and liver issues16.
“Nicotinamide was effective in reducing phosphorus levels in people undergoing hemodialysis in a review of 12 studies. Nicotinamide supplements helped boost heart-protective HDL cholesterol in individuals undergoing hemodialysis.”16
Remember, we’re still checking NR’s long-term safety. Always talk to a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
Dietary Sources of Nicotinamide Riboside
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 found in some foods18. It makes up about 40% of all the NAD+ precursors in cow’s milk18. You can also find NR in other foods, usually in smaller amounts.
Dairy products, like cow’s milk, are a main source of NR18. Yeast and beer also have some, but not as much as dairy18. To get enough NR for its health benefits, you might need to take supplements along with eating these foods.
Besides NR, other nutrients in food can also boost your NAD+ levels. Tryptophan, nicotinic acid, and niacinamide are some examples4. Meat, dairy, grains, fruits, and veggies are good sources of these nutrients4.
The amount of niacin you need can change based on your age and if you’re a man or a woman. For example, men over 18 need 16 mg, while women need 14 mg a day19. The U.S. FDA says adults and kids over 4 should aim for 16 mg daily19.
Eating the right foods can help with your NAD+ levels. But, sometimes extra help from NR or other supplements is needed for the best results. Always talk to a doctor before taking new supplements.
Regulatory Status and Oversight
In the United States, the FDA says Niagen is safe20. It did this by looking at safety info. This means NR is safe to add to food based on what we know.
But, the FDA isn’t as strict with supplements as with drugs. So, some supplements may not be what they say on the label.
Europe says you should take no more than 900 mg of NR a day. The UK suggests even less, with a 500 mg max21. These places checked the safety data and made these rules to keep people safe.
FDA and GRAS Status
The FDA thinks Niagen is okay to use in food and drinks20. But it’s important to know not all NR supplements have their okay.
The FDA doesn’t watch over supplements like they do with drugs. So, choosing ones from trusted brands is smart.
European and UK Guidelines
In Europe, you shouldn’t take more than 900 mg of NR a day. The UK says the limit is 500 mg21. These limits are to make sure you use NR safely.
Different places have their own rules for NR. It shows we should check if what we’re getting is safe and good quality21. The FDA and European, UK rules are guides for safer use. But, always buy from trusted sources and talk to a doctor, especially if you have health issues202122.]
Research Limitations and Future Studies
The research on nicotinamide riboside (NR) shows promise. Yet, it has some limitations to deal with23. Most studies were done with animals or a few people over a short time24. It’s not clear if the body really uses all the increased NAD+ from NR, or if it’s mostly wasted23.
We need more big, long human studies to check for sure. These studies would help us know if NR is safe and really works for age-related diseases and brain problems24.
It’s also important to check the best way to use NR and if it’s okay with other pills24. A small study on Parkinson’s patients showed good results with NR. They took 1500 mg twice a day and felt no bad side effects. Another test with 3000 mg a day for 4 weeks had similar good results24. But, we still don’t know the safety of the 3000 mg dose for a long time24.
A different study looked at how NR in food affected mice’s sleep. It found that NR made the mice sleep less deeply. It’s like a person going from 8 hours of sleep to 6.6 hours. This means NR might help sleep and daily sleep patterns, but this must be verified with more studies on humans25.
Overall, we need bigger and longer studies on nicotinamide riboside. These would tell us more about its safety and use23. As we learn more about NR, we must tackle these challenges. Only then can we really know what NR can do for our health and wellness24.
Conclusion
Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is showing promise as a supplement. It might help with healthy aging and lower the risk of age-related illnesses. NR boosts NAD+, a key coenzyme, which could help our brains, hearts, and muscles26527.
Though NR research looks good, we need more data from big human studies27. It seems safe, causing few side effects27. Still, talk to your doctor before adding a new supplement, especially if you are sick or take other medicines27.
Pick top-notch, third-party tested NR supplements for your safety and health. Current studies point to several benefits. But we’re waiting for more research to fully grasp how NR helps us age well and fight off diseases26527.
FAQ
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Source Links
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- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43514-6 – NR-SAFE: a randomized, double-blind safety trial of high dose nicotinamide riboside in Parkinson’s disease – Nature Communications
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