Maternal Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation Supports Postpartum Recovery and Offspring Brain Health: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Metabolic stress can disrupt the balance of NAD+ molecules in the body. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) helps restore NAD+ levels and protect against such stress. This study tested whether NAD metabolism changes in mothers after giving birth and whether boosting NAD+ with NR benefits both mothers and their babies. After birth, mothers’ livers show reduced NAD metabolism, but NAD+ levels in the mammary gland increase dramatically to support milk production. NR and lactation work together to increase prolactin hormone and support milk-making processes. Mothers given NR produce more milk, nurse more, and pass important nutrients and brain-supporting factors (like BDNF) to their babies. The pups from NR-fed mothers have better blood sugar control, grow larger, and show improved brain development. As adults, these offspring show better physical fitness, less anxiety, improved memory, and healthier brain cell growth. This suggests that boosting NAD+ in mothers after birth may give lasting benefits to their children.

Journal

Cell Reports