NR, or Nicotinamide Riboside, is a specific form of Vitamin B3 (niacin) that functions as a direct precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme found in every cell of the body. NAD+ is essential for hundreds of metabolic processes, including energy production, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation. As a nutritional supplement, NR is studied in the longevity and wellness space for its potential to boost cellular NAD+ levels, thereby supporting mitochondrial function and cellular resilience against metabolic stress and aging.
Origin
The chemical compound Nicotinamide Riboside was first characterized in the 1940s, but its significant role as an efficient NAD+ precursor was not fully appreciated until the early 21st century. The term “NR” is the widely adopted abbreviation for the compound. Contemporary research into sirtuins and other NAD+-dependent enzymes rapidly elevated NR’s status, leading to its emergence as a prominent molecule in the field of metabolic health and anti-aging research.
Mechanism
The primary mechanism of NR involves its efficient conversion into NAD+ through a salvage pathway, bypassing the rate-limiting steps of other NAD+ precursors. Once converted, the elevated NAD+ pool acts as a necessary substrate for key enzymes, including sirtuins (SIRT1-7) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). These enzymes are crucial for sensing cellular energy status, regulating metabolic homeostasis, and orchestrating DNA repair mechanisms, all of which are vital for maintaining cellular and hormonal health throughout the lifespan.
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