A very expensive pill for old age

It is known that reducing calories in the daily diet has a positive effect on well-being and prevents the development of signs of aging of the body. But due to the state of health, many cannot and should not limit themselves in food.

Researchers from the University of Colorado at Boulder have proven that long-term daily intake of nicotinamide riboside (nicotinamide mononucleotide, NMN) leads to effects that are similar to calorie restriction.

The study involved 24 practically healthy volunteers with normal body weight aged 55 to 79 years. The ratio of men and women was approximately equal.

One group of participants received a placebo for the first six weeks, and the next six weeks – the drug niagen containing NMN, twice a day at a dosage of 1000 mg / day. The second group received NMN in the first half of the study and placebo in the second.

All participants donated blood samples at the beginning of the study and after each stage.

There were no complaints about the tolerability of the drug, no serious side effects were also reported.

The researchers found that taking NMN at 1000 mg per day led to a 60% increase in the level of its derivative, nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD+). It is a coenzyme that activates sirtuins – "proteins of youth". The same effect was described earlier in studies on reducing calories in the diet to prolong an active life.

In the course of the study, systolic blood pressure (SAD) decreased by 10 mm Hg or more in 13 people with the first degree of arterial hypertension. Statistical calculations have shown that such a decrease in SAD reduces the risk of myocardial infarction by 25%.

The authors admit that the study is pilot in nature, it is not large enough and long enough to talk about some far-reaching conclusions. But the results obtained give a good help for further work in this direction.

It remains to add that biologically active additives with NMN are currently on sale, they are allowed for use. But treatment can cost a pretty penny: the cost of the drug is about 1 ruble per 1 mg, and the authors of this and other similar studies do not indicate the frequency and duration of courses.

Article by C. R. Martens et al. Chronic nicotinamide riboside supplementation is well-tolerated and elevates NAD+ in healthy middle-aged and older adults published in the journal Nature communications.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on CU Boulder Today: A pill that staves off aging? It's on the horizon.