Dietary Supplement Shows Promise for Reversing Cardiovascular Aging

A study published in Nature Communications indicates that the daily consumption of the nicotinomide riboside (NR) dietary supplement emulates caloric restriction (CR), reports ScienceDaily . Twelve out of 24 lean and healthy people ages 55 to 79 were given a placebo for six weeks, then administered a 500 mg twice-daily dose of NR chloride, while the other 12 took NR for the first six weeks, followed by placebo. The researchers determined 1,000 mg daily of NR boosted levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) by 60 percent. NAD+ is essential for activation of sirtuin enzymes that play a large role in beneficial CR effects. "The idea is that by supplementing older adults with NR, we are not only restoring something that is lost with aging (NAD+), but we could potentially be ramping up the activity of enzymes responsible for helping protect our bodies from stress," says University of Delaware Professor Chris Martens. The study also found in 13 participants with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension, systolic blood pressure was about 10 points lower following supplementation. The researchers think such CR-mimicking compounds could provide another option, in addition to recommended dietary changes and exercise, for people whose blood pressure is not yet sufficiently elevated to warrant medication but who are still at risk for a heart attack.