Nicotinamide Riboside Increases Platelet NAD+ but Does Not Extend Their Lifespan: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 derivative and precursor to NAD+, has been shown in many studies to extend the lifespan of cells and tissues by improving energy metabolism and cellular repair. However, whether NR could similarly prolong the survival of platelets, the tiny blood components responsible for clotting, had not been tested. In this study, researchers added NR to human platelet concentrates and monitored them for 23 days to assess metabolic activity, functionality, and storage stability. NR treatment caused a dramatic tenfold increase in intracellular NAD+ levels, demonstrating that platelets can effectively convert NR into NAD+. Despite this surge in NAD+, NR did not enhance platelet function or longevity. Platelet count, size, glucose use, and aggregation ability declined over time at similar rates in both NR-treated and untreated samples. Markers of apoptosis (cell death) such as cytochrome c, Bcl-xL, and caspase-3 remained unchanged, and transfusion studies in mice confirmed that platelet lifespan was unaffected by NR supplementation. These findings show that while platelets can metabolize nicotinamide riboside, simply raising NAD+ levels does not extend their survival or improve function. This suggests that NR’s anti-aging effects may depend on more complex cellular mechanisms that are absent in platelets, which lack a nucleus and many repair pathways.

Journal

Transfusion