Many people take dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals to support their health.
But a recent study from the University of Missouri suggests that taking high levels of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, could actually increase the risk of serious disease, including cancer.
This comes as a surprise because previous studies have suggested that NR may have benefits related to heart, metabolic, and brain health.
However, the new study shows that taking high levels of NR could increase the risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer and cause cancer to metastasize or spread to the brain.
Once cancer spreads to the brain, the results can be deadly because no viable treatment options exist at this time.
This is why it is so important to investigate the potential side effects of dietary supplements like NR before they are used in people who may have different types of health conditions.
Since NR is a known supplement for helping increase levels of cellular energy, the researchers wanted to investigate its role in the development and spread of cancer.
Cancer cells feed off of that energy with their increased metabolism, so the team compared and examined how much NR levels were present in cancer cells, T cells, and healthy tissues.
The results of the study suggest that it is important to have careful investigations of potential side effects for supplements like NR prior to their use in people who may have different types of health conditions.
This highlights the importance of being cautious when taking dietary supplements and thoroughly researching their potential side effects before using them.
In the future, the team would like to provide information that could potentially lead to the development of certain inhibitors to help make cancer therapies like chemotherapy more effective in treating cancer.
However, the approach will need to be personalized, as not all cancers are the same in every person, especially from the standpoint of metabolic signatures.
Often times cancers can even change their metabolism before or after chemotherapy.
The study was conducted by Elena Goun et al and published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics.
It may be alarming to hear that a dietary supplement like NR could increase the risk of serious disease.
But it is important to remember that further research will need to be conducted to confirm these findings and fully understand the relationship between NR and cancer.
In the meantime, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplements.
How to choose dietary supplements
Dietary supplements can be a great way to support a healthy lifestyle. However, choosing the right supplements can be challenging since there are so many options available in the market.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right dietary supplements:
Consult with your healthcare provider: Before starting any dietary supplement, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can advise you on whether the supplement is safe for you and whether it may interact with any medications you’re taking.
Research the manufacturer: Not all supplement manufacturers are created equal. It’s important to research the manufacturer and ensure that they follow good manufacturing practices and have a good reputation for producing high-quality supplements.
Check the label: The label can give you a lot of information about the supplement, including the ingredients, dosage, and any potential side effects. Look for supplements that have a list of ingredients and dosage information clearly labeled.
Look for third-party testing: Third-party testing ensures that the supplement has been independently tested for purity, potency, and quality.
Look for supplements that have been third-party tested and have a seal of approval from organizations like NSF International, ConsumerLab.com, or USP.
Be cautious of “miracle cures”: If a supplement seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of supplements that claim to cure or treat specific diseases or conditions, as these claims are often unsubstantiated.
Stick to recommended dosages: Taking more than the recommended dosage of a supplement can be dangerous and can lead to negative side effects. Always follow the recommended dosage on the label or as advised by your healthcare provider.
Don’t rely solely on supplements: While supplements can be helpful in supporting a healthy lifestyle, they shouldn’t be relied upon as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
If you care about cancer, please read studies about a safer, more effective cancer therapy, and vitamin D supplements could strongly reduce cancer death.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how drinking milk affects the risks of heart disease and cancer, and results showing NanoKnife can use electricity to kill prostate cancer.
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