A daily dose of vitamin B3 has shown potential in reducing lung inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a recent study by Danish researchers at the University of Copenhagen. The findings suggest a possible new avenue for managing COPD, a condition characterized by persistent lung inflammation and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Impact on Inflammation Markers
The study, which involved 40 COPD patients and 20 healthy controls, examined the effects of nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3, on lung inflammation. Participants received either 2 grams of nicotinamide riboside daily or a placebo. After six weeks, researchers observed a 53% reduction in interleukin 8 (IL-8), a key marker of inflammation. This effect increased to 63% after an additional 12 weeks of vitamin B3 therapy. According to the researchers, this reduction in inflammation could lead to improved lung function in COPD patients.
NAD Levels and Cellular Aging
In addition to the anti-inflammatory effects, the study also found that COPD patients had lower blood levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a chemical involved in the aging process. Vitamin B3 treatment increased NAD levels, potentially slowing cellular aging. "As we age, we seem to metabolize a molecule known as NAD," said researcher Morten Scheibye-Knudsen. "The loss of this molecule is also seen after DNA damage, for instance the type of damage associated with smoking." These findings were published in the journal Nature Aging.
Future Research
While the initial results are promising, Scheibye-Knudsen emphasized the need for further research to confirm the findings and determine the long-term effects of nicotinamide riboside in treating COPD. A larger study is planned to validate these initial observations. "We hope this research will pave the way for new treatment options for COPD patients," Scheibye-Knudsen stated. The team believes that NAD may be a target for future research and treatment strategies for COPD.