We know there’s significant interest in NAD+ boosting vitamin supplement Nicotinamide Riboside “NR” (FAQs) (Reviews) as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease (Link). It appears the same can now be said for NR and Parkinson’s. The following are results of a Phase 1 clinical trial published yesterday (Note: A Phase 2 study is already underway):

Principal Investigator: Charalampos Tzoulis, PhD on Twitter:

In a news release from the University of Bergen, Dr. Tzoulis said:

“We are very excited about these results. This trial represents a novel approach in experimental PD-therapy. We believe that augmenting the brain’s NAD metabolism will not only target and rectify disease-related processes specific to PD, but may also optimize neuronal metabolism and fortify neurons, rendering them more resilient against age-related stress and neurodegenerative diseases. The results of the trial are highly encouraging and nominate NR as a potential neuroprotective therapy for PD, warranting further investigation in larger trials. A phase II study is already ongoing at our Center”

Here’s a quick summary of the results of the clinical study:

“The goal of this randomized, double-blinded phase I trial was to establish whether NAD-metabolism can be augmented in the brain of individuals with Parkinson’s disease, by ingesting NR, an NAD-precursor. A total of 30 individuals with early Parkinson’s disease received either 1000mg NR or placebo for a total of 30 days. The study showed that NR supplementation significantly increased NAD levels in the patient brain, and resulted in altered cerebral metabolism and decreased markers of inflammation in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Moreover, a mild but significant improvement of Parkinson’s disease symptoms was seen in participants who showed substantially increased brain NAD levels, and this correlated with the change in the brain’s energy metabolism pattern.”

Related:

  • What’s the Latest on the Parkinson’s Study Using B3 Vitamin Supplement Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)? (Link)
  • Should Those Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease Supplement with Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)? (Link)
  • “NR” and Alzheimer’s (FAQs)
  • “NR” (FAQs) (Consumer Reviews)

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