The study findings, recently published in the journal Nature Metabolism New research by Nestlé scientists has revealed the potential dual impact NAD+ supplementation can have on our cellular energy and gut microbiome. This…

The study findings, recently published in the journal Nature Metabolism

New research by Nestlé scientists has revealed the potential dual impact NAD+ supplementation can have on our cellular energy and gut microbiome. This study will help guide the development of future nutrition solutions to support healthy longevity, which has been identified as a key growth platform for the company.

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a key co-enzyme that plays a role in keeping the cells in our bodies functioning properly throughout our lives. It is important for energy production, DNA repair and certain cellular functions. However, our NAD+ levels naturally decrease as we age, and low NAD+ levels are associated with health conditions such as cognitive decline, cardiovascular problems, muscle loss and sleep disturbances. One of the areas most impacted by reduced cellular energy is the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in modulating our health as we age, from immunity to neurological function.

The study findings, recently published in the journal Nature Metabolism, indicate that people who take NAD+ supplementation could experience benefits beyond boosting their NAD+ levels by promoting microbial growth and production of beneficial metabolites.

The researchers compared three NAD+ precursors, NR (nicotinamide riboside), NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), and Nam (nicotinamide), to provide a better understanding of how NAD+ precursors behave in the human body. They found for the first time that a 14-day supplementation of NR and NMN comparably increases circulatory NAD+ concentrations in healthy adults, while Nam supplementation does not. They also observed that NR and NMN interact with gut microbiota, producing nicotinic acid and enhancing microbial activity.

“This is the first clinical study directly comparing different NAD+ precursors showing that NR and NMN supplementation can similarly increase NAD+ levels in healthy adults and may also support gut health,” said Prof. Eline van der Beek, Head of the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences. “These findings deepen our understanding of how NAD+ precursors can support healthy ageing at the cellular level and pave the way for the development of innovative solutions to support healthy longevity.”