Many people take dietary supplements hoping to improve their health, boost their energy, and slow down the aging process.
One supplement that has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years is nicotinamide riboside, often called NR. It is sold in many countries as a supplement that may support healthy aging, improve metabolism, and help the body produce more energy.
NR works by increasing levels of a molecule called NAD+, which is found in every cell of the body. NAD+ plays an important role in turning food into energy and helping cells carry out many of their normal functions.
As people get older, NAD+ levels naturally decline. Because of this, some researchers and supplement companies have suggested that increasing NAD+ levels may help support healthy aging and improve overall health.
As a result, NR supplements have become increasingly popular among people looking for ways to support their heart health, brain function, and metabolism. Some people also take NR in the hope that it will improve energy levels and help them stay healthier as they age.
However, a new study from researchers at the University of Missouri suggests that there may be important safety concerns that need further investigation.
The researchers found evidence that high levels of NR could increase the risk of triple-negative breast cancer growth. Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer.
Unlike some other breast cancers, it does not respond to certain common hormone-based treatments, making it more difficult to treat. The disease often grows quickly and has a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the body.
Even more concerning, the researchers found signs that NR may help this cancer spread to the brain. When cancer reaches the brain, treatment becomes much more challenging. Patients often face fewer treatment options, and survival rates are generally lower.
The scientists wanted to understand how NR affects different types of cells in the body. While giving cells more energy is usually considered beneficial, cancer cells also require large amounts of energy to grow and spread. This raised an important question: could NR unintentionally provide extra fuel for cancer cells?
To investigate this possibility, the researchers studied the effects of NR in cancer cells, immune cells, and healthy cells. Their findings suggested that NR may increase the energy available to cancer cells, helping them grow more rapidly and move more easily to other organs, including the brain.
The results do not prove that NR causes cancer in healthy people. However, they suggest that the supplement may affect the behavior of existing cancer cells in ways that could make the disease more aggressive. The researchers say more studies are needed to better understand these effects and determine which people may face the greatest risk.
The findings are also a reminder that dietary supplements are not always risk-free. Many supplements are marketed as natural or healthy, but that does not necessarily mean they are suitable for everyone.
A supplement that may help one person could potentially cause problems for another person, especially someone with a medical condition or an increased risk of certain diseases.
The researchers hope their work will contribute to the development of better cancer treatments in the future. By understanding how cancer cells use energy, scientists may be able to find ways to block the harmful effects while preserving the benefits of normal cellular processes.
This could potentially improve the effectiveness of treatments such as chemotherapy and other cancer therapies.
The study also highlights the growing importance of personalized medicine. Every person’s cancer is different, and tumors can change how they use energy before, during, and after treatment. Learning more about these differences may help doctors develop treatment plans that are better matched to each patient’s specific condition.
The research was led by Elena Goun from the University of Missouri and was published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics. While the findings are important, experts emphasize that more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions about the long-term safety of NR supplements.
For now, the study serves as a reminder that people should discuss any supplements they are taking with their healthcare providers and stay informed about new research as it becomes available.
If you care about breast cancer, please read studies about how eating patterns help ward off breast cancer, and soy and plant compounds may prevent breast cancer recurrence.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how your grocery list can help guard against caner, and a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
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