Niacin and Nicotinamide Riboside “NR” (FAQs) (Anecdotes) are both forms of Vitamin B3. How are they different?

Niacin:

Niacin is considered a treatment for high cholesterol.

The Mayo Clinic claims doctors sometimes prescribe niacin to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, better known as “good cholesterol.”

“Good cholesterol” functions to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol”. Reduced LDL levels is associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.

The CDC notes rising levels of “bad cholesterol” increases the risk of plaque formation in blood vessels. Plaque build-up and inflammation can make the vessels stiffer, causing high blood pressure. Niacin helps prevent this process by regulating how the liver produces cholesterol.

Niacin also helps support cells under duress, such as kidney cells in chronic conditions. Research shows that Niacin promotes phosphate control in the kidneys.

BUT, Niacin can also cause flushing. Although assumed harmless, flushing can be uncomfortable, causing redness, itchiness, and warmth of the skin.

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR):

Scientists discovered that NR can raise a coenzyme called NAD+ more efficiently than Niacin. 

NAD+ is an essential molecule your body uses to regulate cellular metabolism, aging, and DNA repair.

Scientists at the University of New South Wales uncovered age-associated changes in NAD+ metabolism in humans. Their research showed that NAD+ levels decline by up to 50% between the ages of 40-60. 

They found a strong negative correlation between NAD+ levels and age by observing NAD’s role in fueling the mechanisms needed to combat oxidative stress, a significant contributor to age-associated changes in the body.

Besides inflammation and infection, many processes in our daily lives, such as the breakdown of food, can damage our DNA and cells.

Our metabolism causes this damage in a process called “oxidative stress.” Repair enzymes utilize and deplete NAD+ to fix the damage and prevent permanent complications.

While aging decreases NAD+ levels naturally, other stressors such as sleep deprivation, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and alcohol consumption can also deplete NAD+ levels. 

Supplementing with NR is an efficient way to restore NAD+ levels that may become depleted from everyday stressors.

NR is not known to cause any severe side effects.

RELATED:

  • The 1-Minute Case (Video, No Science!) for taking NAD+ booster Nicotinamide Riboside “NR” (Link)
  • NR (FAQs) (Life Changing Anecdotes)
  • How much NR should you take? (Link)

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