Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, has been widely promoted for its potential health benefits, including improved heart, brain, and metabolic function.
However, a recent study from the University of Missouri suggests that taking high doses of NR may come with serious risks, including an increased chance of developing cancer.
The researchers found that high levels of NR could raise the risk of triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease.
Even more concerning, they discovered that NR could also help cancer spread to the brain, where it becomes much more dangerous and difficult to treat. Currently, there are no effective treatment options once cancer reaches the brain, making metastasis a life-threatening development.
Since NR is known for boosting cellular energy, the team wanted to investigate whether it could unintentionally fuel cancer growth. Cancer cells have a higher metabolism than normal cells, meaning they consume more energy to multiply and spread.
The study examined NR levels in cancer cells, immune cells (T cells), and healthy tissues to determine how the supplement might affect cancer progression.
The findings highlight the need for careful evaluation of dietary supplements, especially for individuals with existing health conditions. While NR has been marketed for its potential benefits, this research suggests that it may pose serious risks for some people.
Looking ahead, the researchers hope their work will contribute to personalized medicine—an approach that tailors treatments to an individual’s unique biology. Not all cancers behave the same way, and their metabolism can even change before or after chemotherapy.
By understanding how NR affects different types of cancer, scientists may be able to develop inhibitors that could block its harmful effects and make treatments like chemotherapy more effective.
This study, led by Elena Goun, was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics. Researchers emphasize the importance of investigating the potential risks of supplements before widespread use, especially in people who may be at risk for certain diseases.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about the link between dairy food and certain cancers and this common food chemicals may cause cancer.
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.
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