Nicotinamide Riboside Protects Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

NAD+ is a crucial molecule required for the activity of sirtuin enzymes, which regulate energy use and cellular health. Because of this, adjusting NAD+ levels has become an important way to influence metabolism and protect against disease. Previous research showed that reducing the activity of NAD-consuming enzymes like PARP-1 and CD38 increases NAD+ availability, activates SIRT1, and guards against metabolic problems. In this study, researchers tested whether boosting NAD+ through nicotinamide riboside (NR)—a natural vitamin and NAD+ precursor—could have similar benefits. They found that NR supplementation in mammalian cells and mice raised NAD+ levels, activated SIRT1 and SIRT3, and improved oxidative metabolism, helping protect against the harmful effects of a high-fat diet. These findings suggest that NR could be used as a nutritional supplement to support mitochondrial function and reduce metabolic or age-related disorders.

Journal

Cell Metabolism