Many companies claim their products can boost metabolism and improve health, but do they actually work? A new study from UC Davis Health suggests that two compounds—nicotinamide riboside (NR) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)—may offer real benefits.
Published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, the study explored how these compounds affect inflammation, oxidative stress, gene activity, and mitochondrial function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Why This Study Matters
CKD patients often experience metabolic problems, muscle weakness, and inflammation, yet they are understudied in clinical trials. This is because their kidneys struggle to eliminate drugs, increasing the risk of side effects. However, improving their metabolic health could lead to better energy levels, reduced inflammation, and overall health improvements.
Previous research on rodents suggested that NR and CoQ10 might improve muscle function and slow aging. But until now, there had been no well-designed human studies testing these effects in CKD patients.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 25 CKD patients. Each participant received:
- NR (1000 mg/day)
- CoQ10 (1200 mg/day)
- A placebo (inactive substance)
Each treatment lasted six weeks, and neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving which treatment at any given time.
The researchers then measured inflammation, oxidative stress markers, gene activity, and mitochondrial function to determine the effects of these supplements.
Key Findings
The study revealed several positive effects from both supplements:
- NR and CoQ10 reduced oxidative stress markers, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
- CoQ10 lowered two key inflammation markers (IL-13 and CRP), which are linked to chronic diseases.
- CoQ10 improved gene activity related to stress response, immunity, and lipid metabolism, which could help regulate cholesterol and fat levels.
- NR boosted mitochondrial function in immune cells, meaning it helped energy production in these essential cells.
- NR also improved genes involved in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and reduced harmful triglycerides (a type of fat linked to heart disease).
Why These Findings Matter
The results show that NR and CoQ10 may help regulate inflammation, boost metabolism, and support immune function. This is important because chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Oxidative stress—caused by an imbalance between harmful free radicals and antioxidants—has also been linked to various health problems. Antioxidants like CoQ10 help neutralize these harmful molecules, reducing damage to cells and tissues.
Additionally, better metabolism can improve energy levels, help regulate weight, and support overall health.
What’s Next?
The researchers now plan to investigate how these supplements work alongside exercise. Their next study will explore whether combining CoQ10 with physical activity enhances muscle function, endurance, and overall health benefits.
While supplements alone cannot replace exercise or a healthy lifestyle, understanding how they affect energy use and metabolism could lead to better strategies for improving fitness and health in CKD patients and beyond.
Takeaway
This study suggests that NR and CoQ10 could help improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support overall health, especially in people with chronic illnesses. More research is needed, but these findings could pave the way for new treatment strategies for CKD and other inflammatory diseases.
If you care about health, please read studies that vitamin D can help reduce inflammation, and vitamin K could lower your heart disease risk by a third.
For more health information, please see recent studies about new way to halt excessive inflammation, and results showing foods that could cause inflammation.
The research findings can be found in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
