Effects of Nicotinamide Riboside on Muscle Health in Older Veterans

Impacts of Nicotinamide Riboside on Functional Capacity and Muscle Physiology in Older Veterans

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04691986

This study is testing if a vitamin B3 supplement can help older veterans improve their muscle strength and overall physical performance.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Kansas City, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT04691986 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, on muscle function and physiology in older veterans aged 65 to 85. The study is designed as a double-blind randomized control trial where participants will receive either NR or a placebo for three months. Researchers will assess various outcomes including frailty, gait speed, and muscle strength to determine the potential benefits of NR supplementation in enhancing physical performance and overall health in aging veterans. The trial aims to provide insights into how restoring NAD+ levels can improve functional capacity in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy older adults aged 65 to 85 who are able to use an exercise bike and have been medically cleared for a muscle biopsy.

Not a fit: Patients with severe co-morbidities, cognitive impairments, or a high body mass index may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved muscle function and quality of life for older veterans, potentially reducing frailty and associated health risks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that Nicotinamide Riboside is safe and effective in increasing NAD+ levels, but its specific impacts on human muscle performance are still being explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 65-85
* Male or female
* Any race
* Ability to use an exercise bike
* Medically cleared for muscle biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe Co-morbidity

  * examples include, but not limited to:
  * congestive heart failure class equal to or above III
  * chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) gold stage IV
  * chronic kidney disease equal to or above stage
* A VA-SLUMS cognitive screen score of less than or equal to 20
* Body mass index greater than or equal to 40

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SarcopeniaNicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide ConcentrationMuscle Quality and NAD+ Contentmusclestrengthendurancegait speedgrip strength
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.