PMID-29992272 – NR Safety and Efficacy RCT in Obese Men

PMID-29992272 – NR Safety and Efficacy RCT in Obese Men

Dollerup OL, Christensen B, Svart M, Schmidt MS, Sulek K, Ringgaard S, Stodkilde-Jorgensen H, Moller N, Brenner C, Treebak JT, Jessen N. A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of nicotinamide riboside in obese men: safety, insulin sensitivity, and lipid-mobilizing effects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2018;108(2):343-353.

Quick Reference

Property Value
PMID 29992272
DOI 10.1093/ajcn/nqy132
Year 2018
Journal Am J Clin Nutr
Study Type RCT
Evidence Level II
Sample 40 obese sedentary men (BMI >30, aged 40-70), 12 weeks
Peptide(s) Studied NAD+

Key Findings

  • NR 2000 mg/day was safe and well-tolerated over 12 weeks with no serious adverse events
  • NR did NOT improve insulin sensitivity, body composition, or metabolic parameters compared to placebo
  • Important safety data at high doses and a key negative-result trial informing dose-response understanding

Study Design

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Forty sedentary obese men (BMI >30, age 40-70) received NR 1000 mg twice daily (2000 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Outcomes included insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), body composition (MRI/MRS), and metabolic parameters.

Limitations

  • Exclusively male cohort limits generalizability
  • Lack of NAD+ metabolite measurements to confirm target engagement at these doses

Clinical Relevance

Establishes high-dose NR safety but tempers expectations for metabolic efficacy in obese populations, highlighting that NAD+ precursor supplementation may not universally improve insulin sensitivity and that dose-response relationships require further investigation.

Related

#research #RCT #evidence-level-II