Supplements aimed at boosting NAD+ levels, a molecule associated with energy and cellular repair and used by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Bryan Johnson, may instead fuel cancer growth and hinder treatment, according to new research.
These NAD+ precursor supplements, including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and niacinamide/nicotinamide (NAM), are forms of vitamin B3 that the body converts into NAD+. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, which is linked to various age-related issues. While proponents suggest these supplements can improve energy regulation and metabolic markers, experts caution they are not a cure-all for aging and cannot replace fundamental health practices like sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
The research, conducted at Case Western Reserve University, focused on pancreatic cancer cells and their reaction to chemotherapy drugs. When NAD+ supplements were introduced, the cancer cells became more resilient, demonstrating increased energy and reduced susceptibility to treatments. The supplements appeared to lower oxidative stress within cancer cells, suppress DNA damage, and inhibit cell death—mechanisms that chemotherapy relies on to combat cancer.
Researchers believe that cancer cells can hijack the same cellular pathways that NAD+ precursors aim to support in healthy individuals. Consequently, the benefits intended for normal cellular function may inadvertently bolster the survival and resistance of cancerous cells. This finding is particularly concerning as NAD+ precursor supplements often target older populations, who are at a higher risk for cancer. Furthermore, some cancer patients turn to these supplements to mitigate the side effects of chemotherapy, potentially with adverse effects on their treatment.
"This research is a critical reminder that ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe, especially in the complex biology of cancer treatment," stated lead author Jordan Winter. The study's authors are urging physicians to routinely inquire about their cancer patients' use of NAD+ precursors due to the potential risks involved.