Effects of nicotinamide riboside on muscle health in older veterans

Impacts of nicotinamide riboside on functional capacity and muscle physiology in older Veterans

NIH-funded research Kansas City VA Medical Center · NIH-10909988

This study is looking at whether a supplement called nicotinamide riboside can help older veterans, aged 65 to 85, improve their muscle strength and overall physical ability, making it easier for them to stay active and healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKansas City VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909988 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how nicotinamide riboside (NR), a precursor to a vital molecule called NAD+, can improve muscle function and overall physical capacity in older veterans. The study will involve a double-blind randomized control trial where participants aged 65 to 85 will receive either NR or a placebo over a period of three months. By measuring changes in muscle physiology and physical performance, the research aims to determine if NR can help combat frailty and enhance quality of life in this population. Participants will be closely monitored to assess the safety and efficacy of NR in promoting healthier aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy veterans aged 65 to 85 who are experiencing declines in muscle function or physical capacity.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or those with significant underlying health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve muscle health and functional capacity in older veterans, potentially enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that nicotinamide riboside is safe and has beneficial effects on mitochondrial health in animal models, but its effects on human muscle physiology remain largely untested.

Where this research is happening

Kansas City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.