Thread by @CharlesMBrenner

A few words about #Niagen--the journey from yeast to ppl. Pellagra was cured with foods 100 yrs ago. Elvehjem showed NA & NAM are pellagra-preventive 80 yrs ago. Extensive data show beneficial effects of high dose NA in ppl, though uses are limited by flushing. /1

RDA guidelines indicate that ~15 mg/day prevents pellagra but no research has established amounts of a "niacin equivalent" to optimize health. Our 15 yrs work on #nicotinamideriboside establish that it is a uniquely powerful NAD precursor in animal models of metabolic stress. /2

Clearly, at high doses, the 3 forms of B3 are not equivalent. Value of NR derives from wide expression of NRK1 gene & induced expression of NRK1,NRK2 when NAD is under attack (best examples: fatty liver, neurodegeneration, heart failure). /3

@ChromaDex did things the right way: NDI and GRAS notifications, human safety studies establishing oral availability & now there are dozens of therapeutic trials. Some ppl criticize us for not making human health claims. Others for @truniagen selling an OTC product. /4

We take an evidence-based & safety-first approach. I don't "recommend Niagen"--I'm not your doctor. I do take it & was the first person to do so. I certainly recommend ppl not take stuff that's not safety tested. /5

I do research in animals & ppl to dissect mechanisms & to identify the ppl who will benefit the most. Ppl using the product have in fact generated hypotheses we would not have had from animal research alone. Examples: grey hair regaining pigmentation, jetlag & workout recovery./6

We're encouraged that the technologies of quantifying the NAD metabolome & looking at when NRK1,2 genes are induced are a roadmap to conditions in which NR is active. We'll always be guided by safety, evidence and ethical conduct. We're going as fast as we can and no faster 🤓🙏.