CRN-I report advocates supplementation of choline, NAD and xanthophyll carotenoids to increase global health

04 Dec 2023 --- A new US Council for Responsible Nutrition-International (CRN-I) conference report points to three key nutrient categories with the potential to make a difference globally — choline, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and xanthophyll carotenoids.

The report offers an overview of health challenges and policy recommendations to address the expanding gaps in nutrition and the subsequent health challenges, emphasizing the importance of personal nutrition.

“Developing science demonstrates that choline, NAD replenishment and xanthophyll carotenoids are helpful in preventing certain health problems,” says  Dr. James Griffiths, co-author and senior vice president of international and scientific affairs at CRN-I. 

“Choline, for example, helps reduce issues with the brain and spinal cord in babies, NAD-replenishment can protect your brain against neurodegenerative diseases and xanthophyll carotenoids help prevent the deterioration of eye and brain health,” Griffiths continues.

The report is published in the European Journal of Nutrition and covers the proceedings of CRN-I’s Scientific Symposium in Düsseldorf, Germany.  

CRN experts outline that choline, NAD, and xanthophyll carotenoids can help prevent certain health problems.Choline for fetal and infant development 
Choline is not naturally synthesized by the body, yet it is vital to the health of adults and growing infants and children alike. 

The chemical compound facilitates well-being by interacting with folate and vitamin B12 and lowering the plasma homocysteine levels in the blood. It further helps the liver and muscles synthesize phosphatidylethanolamine, an essential component of cell membranes and blood lipoprotein particles. 

Recent studies have identified that sufficient intake of choline helps to prevent neural tube defects (NDT). The CRN-I report suggests that higher choline intake or choline supplementation may further reduce the risk of NDT.

Choline added to the diet of pregnant women has been detected in the liver of the fetus. The concentration of choline found in the cord blood and breast milk also confirms that fetuses and infants receive choline from their mothers.

Choline-deficient diets have consistently been shown to lead to the accumulation of fats in the liver in studies on both animal and human fetuses and infants.

The European Food Safety Authority approved the health claim that choline “contributes to the normal function of the liver of fetuses and exclusively breastfed infants” in 2016. 

The CRN-I report calls for better communication on the science of why choline intake is important during pregnancy and the need for increased awareness among gynecologists and pregnant women. The organization also recommends adding choline to prenatal multivitamin supplements. 

NAD-replenishment targets multiple processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases.NAD for neurodegenerative diseases 
The report further points to the need for dietary modification, including appropriate nutrient supplementation, to prevent increasingly problematic and widespread neurodegenerative diseases.

Compounds that help increase NAD levels show promise. Cellular NAD declines with age, and increasing NAD replenishment through supplements is beneficial, according to the report.

NAD-replenishment targets multiple processes associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as impaired mitochondrial metabolism, bioenergetics, somatic DNA damage, dysregulated epigenomics and declining lysosomal and neuroinflammation. Through these properties, NAD potentially increases neuronal resilience and protects neurons from disease-associated stress. 

NAD can be supplemented via the intake of vitamin B3 forms such as nicotinic acid, nicotinamide and nicotinamide riboside. 

A recent study found that the daily oral intake of 1000 mg nicotinamide riboside significantly increased NAD levels in the human brain. 

The CRN-I report highlights several nutrition policy improvements key to preventing neurodegenerative diseases, including the need to better communicate the importance of a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains,  lean protein, healthy fats and micronutrients. 

The organization recommends that nutrition policies focus on identifying and addressing micronutrient deficiencies through strategies such as food fortification, public health campaigns and targeted supplementation programs. This should include early life nutrition, which has life-long implications on brain health. 

Similarly, the report outlines advocacy against the use of pesticides and investments in research and education as key policy recommendations. 

Xanthophyll carotenoid-rich foods, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits and colored vegetables, are vital for a well-rounded diet.Xanthophyll carotenoids for brain and eye health 

The xanthophyll carotenoids macronutrients are highlighted for their bioavailability and health-enhancing and disease-modifying properties. They can only be consumed through diet and are especially beneficial to visual performance and cognitive function. Research highlights a potential for their use in diagnosing and managing chronic and age-related diseases. 

Xanthophyll carotenoids are among a diverse group of carotenoids naturally found in various fruits and vegetables, which stand out due to their unique chemical structure and potential biological activities. 

The CRN-I report calls for relevant authorities to emphasize the benefits of preventative nutritional approaches by encouraging individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and the consumption of xanthophyll carotenoid-rich foods, such as leafy greens, citrus fruits and colored vegetables, which it notes are vital to a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet.

By Milana Nikolova