ChromaDex embarks on investigation of nicotinamide riboside benefits in hypertensive older adults

08 Jan 2020 --- Nutraceutical company ChromaDex has initiated a Phase 1 clinical study to assess the potential of its branded nicotinamide riboside (NR), Niagen. Sponsored by the University of Florida in the US, the “first-of-its-kind” study aims to explore the effects of exercise therapy in older adults with hypertension while supplementing with NR. This research comes as around one in three US adults suffers from hypertension, which increases their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), or even death.

“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 NR may support cardiovascular health with further study, specifically through improvements in blood pressure and aortic stiffness. However, older hypertensive adults have yet to be explored in a clinical study,” says lead researcher Dr. Robert Mankowski, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida.

The randomized, double-blind study will include 74 hypertensive adults who will be measured in terms of changes in arterial stiffness, blood pressure and walking performance. The clinical study aims to explore NR’s potential to improve cellular energy production, which supplies individuals with the energy necessary to maintain a regular exercise routine.

“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,” affirms ChromaDex’s Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Matthew Roberts. 

Healthy aging is becoming an increasingly greater concern for both young and old.Health benefits
While NR’s effect on cardiovascular health is yet to be revealed, NR’s capacity in maintaining healthy aging is long well known. It does so by supporting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels in the body, which in turn equip the body’s cells cope with physical stresses, such as poor diet, immune system challenges and physical and mental stress.

“Our bodies face a variety of stresses every day – poor diet, immune system challenges, physical and mental stress at work, and so on. These stresses manifest themselves as damage down to the cellular level, which accumulates over time, resulting in more rapid aging and decline in some basic body functions. NR enters each and every cell in our body to boost NAD, which declines as the stresses of life wear on your body and its trillions of cells,” Andrew Shao, Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at ChromaDex, previously told NutritionInsight.

Niagen is the only commercially available NR that has twice been successfully reviewed under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s new dietary ingredient notification program. It has also been successfully notified to the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). In November, ChromaDex received the European Commission’s approval for listing NR as a novel food ingredient, having followed a positive opinion issued by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 

Growing attention around aging well
Healthy aging continues to top the list of current nutrition trends. This has led industry to flood the market with novel innovations to help both older and younger populations reduce decline in bodily functions, such as heart, muscle and eye health. The role for natural astaxanthin is positioned firmly in the healthy aging market, as the carotenoid taps into classic preventative aging categories. 

Also tapping into the healthy aging market, Israeli wellness company Lycored produces its Lumenato ingredient from natural tomato nutrients and antioxidants to support beauty and skin health. Lumenato is touted as helping skin age beautifully by boosting its ability to maintain natural radiance and inner glow. Ultimately, the needs of aging people remain cushioned between consumers’ demand for natural and plant-based offerings.

Edited by Anni Schleicher