Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 and a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), a critical molecule involved in cellular metabolism and energy production. The interest in NR for treating or supporting fatty liver disease (also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD) arises from preclinical and some early clinical studies suggesting it may improve liver health by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation. Animal studies have shown that NR supplementation can increase NAD⁺ levels in the liver, improve mitochondrial biogenesis, reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, and decrease markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. For example, a 2016 study in Cell Metabolism demonstrated that boosting NAD⁺ levels with NR improved hepatic steatosis and insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Human evidence, however, is limited and mostly preliminary. A small randomized controlled trial published in 2021 found that while NR supplementation increased hepatic NAD⁺ levels, it did not significantly reduce liver fat or improve metabolic markers in overweight or obese adults over a 12-week period. More research, particularly larger and longer-term human trials, is needed to confirm these effects and determine clinical benefit. In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some encouraging animal data for NR in fatty liver disease, current evidence in humans is limited and does not yet support widespread clinical use. Its use for NAFLD is scientifically motivated, but the strength of evidence is modest at present.

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Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease

Other health conditions supported by nicotinamide riboside

Products containing nicotinamide riboside

Thorne Advanced Nutrients Multivitamin
Designs For Health CellGuard-NR 60 Capsules
Thorne Collagen Fit
Thorne Collagen Plus
Designs For Health Mito-NR™
Pure Encapsulations Mitochondria-ATP
Thorne NiaCel 400 NSF
Thorne ResveraCel
Pure Encapsulations RevitalAge™ Ultra