An over-the-counter supplement may help improve walking for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to a report from Nature Communications journal, where Medical Xpress picked up the story. PAD is a serious vascular condition where bad cholesterol (LDL) plaque clogs up the arteries and affects the lower extremities.
Nicotinamide riboside, a vitamin B3 supplement commonly taken as an anti-aging treatment, was used in a preliminary trial to test its effects on patients with PAD. The supplement is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), which can boost energy generation, blood flow, and DNA repair.
Scientists from Northwestern University and the University of Florida conducted the double-blind trial with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide’s health benefits in mind. Ninety participants living with PAD were divided into three groups. One group took nicotinamide riboside, and the second group took a placebo. The third group took the supplement with resveratrol, a chemical compound found in red wine.
Here are the key findings of the trial:
- Participants who took nicotinamide riboside daily for six months increased their timed walking distance by almost 60 feet compared to those who took the placebo.
- Those who took 75% of the pills they were supposed to take also performed better than the placebo group.
- Combining resveratrol and nicotinamide riboside provided no additional benefits or significant changes in walking distance.
These new findings are promising to PAD patients who want to incorporate exercise into their treatment plan. Walking, swimming, and biking can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and plaque in the arteries, some common risk factors for PAD.
Christiaan Leeuwenburgh, Ph.D., co-author of the clinical trial report, stressed the importance of conducting follow-up trials to confirm the findings. Verifying the initial results can help support claims of the supplement’s health benefits. Verifying the initial results could also influence PAD treatment plans in the future.
August is National Wellness Month, and we at USA Vascular Centers want to emphasize the importance of exercise in managing painful PAD symptoms. Exercise and non-surgical treatments like angioplasty, stent placements, and atherectomy can lower the impact of PAD and prevent serious complications from developing. If you are concerned you may have PAD, schedule an appointment with us and meet with our expert vascular specialists.
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