Have you ever wondered if there are more natural ways to lower your high blood pressure,

guard against Alzheimer's, loose weight, feel better?

Well, it turns out there is.

Welcome to the Nutrition Facts podcast.

I'm your host, Dr. Michael Greger.

Today we continue our series on NAD Plus, an enzyme that has founded all living things

and supposedly boosted by a variety of supplements.

Let's look at nicotinamide.

Here's our first story.

Ever since nicotinamide, NAM, was also shown to cure Pallagra, both nicotinic acid NAA and NAM have been collectively

referred to as niacin or vitamin B3, though they are distinct compounds.

For example, NAM is not plagued by the same kind of hot flash reaction.

Facial flushing attributed to niacinamide in some older studies were likely due to a

less purified form contaminated with residual N.A. The relative capacity of N.A. versus NAM

to generate NAD is unclear. Neither has been shown to boost search or an activity, but both

do extend the lifespan of C. elegance. I couldn't find any longevity trials for N.A. and rodents, however, NAM was put to the test

and failed to prolong the lives of mice.

What clinical effects might we expect in people?

Previously, I explored the proven anti-aging effects for topical nicotinamide on the skin

and the remarkable ability of whirled nicotinamide to help prevent skin cancer.

I also noted it failed to prevent type 1 diabetes despite promising mouse data,

though it may help reserve residual function and people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but apparently

...