Validation of an Enzymatic Assay for Quantification of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide in Blood Plasma After Ingestion of the Vitamin B3 Variant Nicotinamide Riboside: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The significance of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) in promoting a healthy life is currently under intense research. Despite an increasing number of research groups focusing on NAD+, there is no validated measurement method for extracellular NAD+. With this research project, the investigators aim to address this research gap.

The coenzyme NAD+ is one of the central regulators of metabolism, existing mostly in its oxidized form, NAD+, and its reduced form, NADH, in a dynamic equilibrium. NAD+ is indispensable for various metabolic processes, and is especially key in ATP generation. It also enables gluconeogenesis, ketogenesis, pentose phosphate production, heme and lipid synthesis, and the elimination of oxygen radicals.

To validate the NAD+ assay as a robust and reliable quantification method of extracellular NAD+, a controlled increase of the measured metabolite in blood plasma is required through NAD+ precursor administration.

Multiple studies have already demonstrated that oral NR intake can increase NAD+ levels in mammalian cells, rodent tissues, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in humans. However, this relationship has not been explored in the extracellular space due to the lack of reliable quantification of eNAD+ levels. Now, using the NAD+ assay, the investigators aim to examine the increase of eNAD+ after oral NR intake and provide initial data on the effects of a 1000 mg/day dosage.