NAD+ Supplements Hinder Pancreatic Cancer Chemotherapy

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine, led by Jordan Winter, published a study in Cancer Letters revealing that popular vitamin B3 derivatives like Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), Nicotinamide riboside (NR), and Nicotinamide (NAM) may harm cancer patients. These NAD+ precursor supplements, often taken for anti-aging and energy-boosting, were found to help Pancreatic cancer cells survive and resist chemotherapy. In laboratory and mouse models, the supplements, especially NMN, shielded cancer cells from standard chemotherapy drugs by boosting their energy, reducing oxidative stress, and suppressing DNA damage and cell death. The study emphasizes that while these supplements may benefit healthy individuals, they pose serious risks for active cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy. The researchers are calling for routine screening of supplement use in cancer patients and further clinical research.