Article: Nicotinamide Riboside Improved Mood and Behavior in Depression: Preclinical Findings

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Depression Neurological Health Preclinical Psychological Health

Nicotinamide Riboside Improved Mood and Behavior in Depression: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

This study found that low levels of NAD+, a molecule essential for brain energy and cell function, may contribute to depression-like symptoms. Mice with reduced activity of the enzyme NAMPT, which helps make NAD+, showed decreased motivation, poor memory, and social withdrawal, along with lower levels of key brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. When stressed rats were given nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a vitamin B3 derivative that increases NAD+ levels—their mood and behavior improved. NR treatment increased NAD+ production in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, raised levels of BDNF and CREB, which support brain cell growth, and reduced stress hormone activity. The results suggest that restoring NAD+ levels with NR can improve mood, energy metabolism, and cognitive function, highlighting a potential new approach to treating depression.

Journal

Brain Sciences

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Cellular Health

Host Nicotinamide Feeds Gut Microbiome to Support NAD+ Metabolism: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis Researchers found that gut bacteria play an important role in how the body produces NAD+, a molecule that helps cells create energy and stay healthy. When we eat vitamin B3 forms like nic...

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Clinical

Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation Raises NAD+ and Lowers Alzheimer's-Associated Biomarkers: Clinical Findings

Objectives To evaluate if NR could augment neuronal NAD+ levels and impact markers of neurodegeneration and insulin-signaling in plasma-derived human neuronal extracellular vesicles (NEVs). Journa...

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