Delaying Alzheimer's onset: new studies highlight the brain-boosting power of vitamin B3

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that damages the brain, resulting in dementia and amnesia. Despite advancements in medicine, no therapy has yet been discovered to reverse or halt its progression. However, it appears that one of the B vitamins may aid in delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

We're talking about vitamin B3, also known as niacin. Dr. Christopher Martens from the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research, alongside his research team, decided to investigate the role that vitamin B3 plays in brain energy metabolism.

Nucleotide, a compound found in our bodies in NAD+ ions, plays a significant role in energy production in our cells. During their study, the researchers administered niacin to participants, enabling their bodies to transform it into NAD+. Some groups in the experiment received 500g (1.1 lbs) of vitamin B3 daily for six weeks, while others were given a placebo. Upon the study's completion, those who regularly took niacin displayed a heightened level of NAD+ in their brain's nerve cells.

"Previous studies on animals have evidenced that aging and metabolic dysfunction can cause NAD+ deficits in cells. In contrast, our most recent findings demonstrated that supplementing the level of NAD+ in brain neurons through vitamin B3 supplementation positively impacts brain function," stated the study's lead author.

The progression of Alzheimer's disease is tied to the buildup of beta-amyloid in the brain cells. This type of protein displaces neurons when it accumulates in specific brain regions, which leads to dementia and memory loss. The researchers noted that adequate supplementation of vitamin B3 significantly reduced beta-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's patients.

The scientists believe this could be linked to vitamin B3's extraordinary effectiveness in reducing levels of the 'bad' cholesterol— LDL, in the blood. Elevated levels of LDL promote the accumulation of beta-amyloid in nerve cells. Aside from supplements, niacin can be found in food sources such as tuna, salmon, sardines, seafood, peppers, potatoes, asparagus, legumes, sunflower seeds, and peanuts.