Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, is often promoted for its potential benefits in improving heart, metabolism, and brain health. Many people take it as a supplement to boost their energy levels and overall well-being.
However, a recent study from the University of Missouri suggests that NR might have unexpected risks, including an increased chance of developing cancer.
The researchers found that high levels of NR could raise the risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. Even more concerning, NR may also help cancer spread to the brain, making it even more difficult to treat.
Once cancer reaches the brain, survival chances drop significantly because there are currently no effective treatment options.
Since NR is known for increasing cellular energy, and cancer cells rely on high energy levels to grow and spread, scientists wanted to understand whether taking this supplement could influence cancer progression.
They studied NR levels in cancer cells, immune cells, and healthy tissues to see how the supplement interacts with different types of cells. Their findings suggest that high NR levels may provide cancer cells with extra energy, helping them grow faster and spread more easily.
This study highlights the importance of carefully researching the effects of dietary supplements before assuming they are completely safe. While NR has potential benefits, its risks must also be considered, especially for individuals with existing health conditions.
The researchers hope their work will lead to the development of treatments that can block the harmful effects of NR, potentially making cancer therapies like chemotherapy more effective.
The study also supports the idea of personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to each patient. Not all cancers behave the same way, and their metabolic processes can change before or after chemotherapy. Understanding these variations could help doctors create more effective treatment plans for individual patients.
This study, led by Elena Goun, was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics. It serves as a reminder that even supplements marketed as beneficial may have hidden risks, making further research essential before widespread use.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that plant-based diets may reduce risk of colorectal cancer in men, and Low-fat diet may help stop cancer growth.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about How to harness the power of anti-cancer foods and supplements and results showing that Empower your plate: cancer-fighting foods and recipes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
