Nicotinamide riboside combined with exercise to treat hypertension in middle-aged and older adults: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Objective

To evaluate whether combining aerobic exercise with nicotinamide riboside (NR) could enhance blood pressure (BP) control in sedentary older adults with elevated systolic BP.

Study Design

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study in 54 sedentary older adults with hypertension

Dose

1000 mg with (NR+Ex) or without exercise (NR alone)

Duration

6 weeks

Key Outcomes

  • NR+Ex was not more effective than exercise alone in lowering blood pressure. It showed a trend toward increased daytime systolic and diastolic BP, whereas the placebo + exercise group showed small reductions.

  • NR+Ex trended toward a greater reduction in pulse wave velocity (PWV), suggesting possible improvement in arterial stiffness. In contrast, NR alone trended toward increased PWV.

  • Post-hoc analysis showed NR+Ex trended toward greater nighttime reductions in systolic and diastolic BP in participants not on antihypertensive medications.

Clinical, Cardiovascular HealthANAD Staff