Nicotinamide Riboside Prevents Nicotine and Coca-Cola™-Induced Fatty Liver: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Both nicotine—found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes—and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)—a sweetener in many soft drinks—are known to harm liver health. This study tested whether combining nicotine exposure with HFCS-sweetened Coca-Cola™ would worsen fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) in mice, and whether nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3–derived NAD+ booster, could protect against it. Mice given nicotine and HFCS showed higher calorie intake, excess fat accumulation in the liver, and increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. These effects were linked to disrupted NAD+ metabolism and overactivation of lipid synthesis pathways. Supplementation with NR restored NAD+ and SIRT1 levels, reduced oxidative damage, improved mitochondrial function, and prevented fatty liver development. The results suggest that nicotine and sugary drinks have additive harmful effects on the liver, increasing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and that NR may offer a protective strategy against these combined metabolic stresses.

Journal

Frontiers in Endocrinology