One form of vitamin B3 has proven effective against an incurable cellular disease called mitochondrial dysfunction. This conclusion was made by scientists from the University of Helsinki, an article with a study published in the journal Science Advances.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a disease both hereditary and acquired. It is characterized by a violation of the functions of mitochondria - the main supplier of energy for cells. In case of illness, mitochondria stop producing the ATP-adenosine triphosphate molecule, a person feels constant weakness and fatigue, and mental disorders also develop. Currently, the disease is not treatable and is poorly understood.

In a new study, the authors found that the substance nicotinamide riboside (NR), when taken long-term, can have a beneficial effect on mitochondria in human muscles. In addition, NR improves the gut microbiome and increases the concentration of NAD+ in the blood, an important molecule for mitochondria.

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To do this, blood, lipid, muscle, and stool samples were studied before and after NR supplementation in identical twins. The positive effect of nicotinamide riboside was observed in both thinner and fatter subjects.

NR increases differentiation (turning on and off certain cell genes) of muscle stem cells and optimizes gene expression by incorporating methyl groups into DNA.

Researchers believe that this form of vitamin B3 may be a promising treatment option for diseases characterized by gut microbiota imbalances and muscle mitochondrial dysfunction. It is planned to confirm this in future clinical trials with a larger sample of participants.