First-of-its-kind Phase 1 clinical study demonstrate potential of NR in enhancing effect of exercise for older Singaporean adults with hypertension.
Global nutraceutical company, ChromaDex Corp. announced in February 2020 the beginning of a first-of-its-kind Phase 1 clinical study sponsored by the University of Florida, in collaboration with the National Institute on Aging.
This study builds upon recently published pre-clinical data that demonstrated improvements in aerobic performance in mice when supplemented with ChromaDex’s novel vitamin B3. With the latest clinical study assessing the potential on NIAGEN ® (NR) its effects on exercise therapy in older adults with hypertension will be tested.
Findings would be especially valuable to rapidly ageing populations such as Singapore. An estimate found that by 2030 one in four Singaporeans will be 65 years or older. This proportion is expected to increase to one in two by 2050. Ageing would therefore inevitably give rise to higher prevalence of chronic disease such as diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
At present, one in four Singaporean residents aged 30 to 69 years are hypertensive with an increasing risk of hypertension with increasing age, within the 60 to 69 age group the ratio is one in two people have hypertension. Older adults with hypertension are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Benefits of exercise have shown to assist in managing hypertension and enhance cardiovascular health. However, physical ability naturally declines with age and regular exercise would become more challenging for the elderly.
Initiated as part of the ChromaDex External Research Program (CERP), it will supply NR and placebo at no cost to research institutions worldwide for the novel randomised, double-blind study.
“This clinical trial will provide valuable information on the potential of NR supplementation to enhance the benefits of exercise in older populations with hypertension. Published data suggest that NR may support cardiovascular health with further study, specifically through improvements in blood pressure and aortic stiffness. However, older hypersensitive adults have yet to be explored in a clinical study, “ said primary investigator Robert Mankowski, PhD, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research.
NR is a unique form of vitamin B3 patented by ChromaDex and has been proven to safely increase NAD+ levels in the body. As NAD+ declines with age, less of this critical co-enzyme will be available for use in cellular energy production and mitochondrial function. Both of these are also components of healthy ageing.
“Through increases in NAD+, NR has the potential to improve cellular energy production, supplying individuals with the energy necessary to maintain a regular exercise routine,” said ChromaDex Chief Scientific Officer Dr Matthew Roberts. “We look forward to enhancing our understanding of the use of NR as an adjuvant approach to exercise in promoting improvements in the cardiovascular health of aging adults.” [APBN]