Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule essential for cellular metabolism and energy production. The rationale for its use in Parkinson's Disease (PD) stems from emerging scientific research linking mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired NAD+ metabolism to neurodegenerative processes observed in PD. Preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated that boosting NAD+ levels using NR or related compounds can improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and, in some cases, ameliorate dopaminergic neuron loss characteristic of PD. For example, some mouse studies have shown that NR supplementation can protect against neurotoxicity and improve motor function. However, evidence in humans is extremely limited. As of mid-2024, there are only a few early-phase clinical trials investigating the safety and potential effects of NR in PD patients, with results largely pending. The available human data do not yet demonstrate a clear clinical benefit. There is no tradition of NR use for PD, as its discovery and use as a supplement are recent. In summary, while the use of NR in PD is scientifically motivated, evidence is preliminary and limited to preclinical findings, with minimal direct validation in humans. Therefore, current evidence supporting NR for PD rates very low, and it should not be considered a validated or established therapy for this condition.

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