A daily dose of vitamin B3 could help reduce lung inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study by Danish researchers. The findings, published in Nature Aging, highlight the potential of nicotinamide riboside, a member of the vitamin B3 family, in addressing inflammation and slowing cellular aging in COPD patients.

“This is significant, because inflammation can lead to reduced lung function in these patients,” said Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, a researcher from the University of Copenhagen. COPD, a chronic condition often exacerbated by smoking, not only impairs breathing but also increases vulnerability to severe respiratory infections such as pneumonia and influenza.

Study Highlights

The study involved 40 individuals with COPD and 20 healthy volunteers. Participants received either 2 grams of nicotinamide riboside daily or a placebo. Over the course of six weeks, researchers observed a 53% reduction in levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8), a key marker of inflammation. After an additional 12 weeks of treatment, this reduction increased to 63%, demonstrating the potential of vitamin B3 to significantly curb lung inflammation.

“In other words, the group treated with vitamin B3 experienced reduced lung inflammation during the study,” Scheibye-Knudsen explained in a university news release.

Links Between NAD Levels and Aging

The researchers also found that COPD patients exhibited lower blood levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a molecule involved in cellular repair and aging. Treatment with vitamin B3 not only boosted NAD levels but also appeared to slow signs of cellular aging.

“As we age, we seem to metabolize a molecule known as NAD,” Scheibye-Knudsen said. “The loss of this molecule is also seen after DNA damage, for instance, the type of damage associated with smoking.”

These findings suggest that NAD may serve as a promising target for future COPD treatments and other age-related conditions.

Future Implications

While the study provides encouraging results, Scheibye-Knudsen emphasized the need for further research to confirm these findings and assess the long-term benefits of nicotinamide riboside in COPD management. His team plans to conduct a larger study to build on the initial data.

COPD affects millions worldwide, with limited treatment options currently available. By reducing inflammation and potentially addressing the underlying mechanisms of aging, vitamin B3 could represent a breakthrough in the fight against this debilitating disease.

“We hope this research will pave the way for new treatment options for COPD patients,” Scheibye-Knudsen said.