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Treatment that Slows Down Cellular Aging in COPD Patients, Prolonging Lifespan

Inflammatory lung ailment known as COPD, without a remedy, poses risks to life quality. A humble vitamin shows potential as a treatment, boosting levels of a coenzyme linked to slowed cellular aging...

Inflammatory lung disease known as COPD, without a known cure, can significantly impact one's...
Inflammatory lung disease known as COPD, without a known cure, can significantly impact one's quality of life. A basic vitamin could potentially offer treatment and boost levels of a coenzyme, slowing down cellular aging...

Treatment that Slows Down Cellular Aging in COPD Patients, Prolonging Lifespan

Article:

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a troublesome lung condition that currently plagues roughly 600 million people worldwide, with half of them unaware they have it[1]. This disorder, primarily caused by prolonged exposure to smoke and air pollution[1], can lead to various complications like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes[1]. Additionally, COPD patients are more susceptible to respiratory infections and pneumonia, making influenza a significant concern[1].

But there's a spark of hope—vitamin B3 might be the key to managing this condition. A study from the University of Copenhagen found that this vitamin could improve the quality of life for people struggling with COPD[2].

Associate Professor Morten Scheibye-Knudsen, the study's co-author, revealed that vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide riboside, can decrease lung inflammation in COPD patients[2]. As inflammation escalates, it leads to reduced lung function[1].

The trial involved 40 COPD patients who received either a placebo or vitamin B3 in doses of 2 grams per day[2]. Those taking vitamin B3 experienced a significant reduction in interleukin 8 (IL-8), a marker indicative of inflammation[2]. After six weeks, IL8 levels dropped by 53%, increasing to 63% after an additional twelve weeks[2]. This suggests that vitamin B3 may help mitigate lung inflammation in COPD patients.

However, further research is needed to confirm these findings, as larger studies are necessary to fully understand the best and most effective treatment options for those struggling with this challenging disease[2].

Boosting your B3 intake now may not be a bad idea, though. The same researchers found that COPD patients have lower levels of NAD, a coenzyme, in their blood, which is associated with accelerated aging[2]. Treatment with vitamin B3 resulted in higher NAD levels, indicating potential signs of delaying cellular aging[2].

Niacin, another name for vitamin B3[2], is an essential nutrient that your body needs for proper metabolism and nervous system function, and for antioxidant protection[2]. Plentiful foods rich in niacin include liver, chicken, tuna, turkey, salmon, peanuts, avocado, brown rice, whole wheat, mushrooms, and green peas[2]. Cereals and juices are also often fortified with niacin[2].

You can take simple steps to add more B3 to your diet. Just make sure to include these foods regularly for optimal health. So, while the path ahead for COPD treatment may be unclear, the benefits of vitamin B3 for overall health have been well-established[2][3][4].

[1] Cleveland Clinic: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

[2] Eureka Alert: New study shows promising results for COPD treatment

[3] Nature: Effect of nicotinamide riboside on airway inflammation in COPD – a randomized placebo controlled trial

[4] Healthline: 16 foods that are high in niacin (B3)

  1. The chronic medical condition, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), affects around 600 million people globally, with half unaware of their affliction [1].
  2. COPD, primarily caused by prolonged smoke and air pollution exposure [1], often leads to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and pneumonia [1].
  3. Vitamin B3, or nicotinamide riboside, has shown potential in managing COPD, as it has been found to decrease lung inflammation [2].
  4. Decreased lung function results from escalating inflammation [1], and a study on 40 COPD patients showed a significant reduction in interleukin 8 (IL-8), a marker of inflammation, in those taking vitamin B3 [2].
  5. Further research is needed to confirm the findings, as larger studies are necessary to fully understand the optimal treatment for COPD patients [2].
  6. Boosting B3 intake may delay cellular aging, as COPD patients have lower levels of NAD, a coenzyme, in their blood [2], and treatment with vitamin B3 resulted in higher NAD levels [2].
  7. Food sources rich in niacin, another name for vitamin B3, include liver, chicken, tuna, turkey, salmon, peanuts, avocado, brown rice, whole wheat, mushrooms, and green peas [2].
  8. In addition to its potential benefits for COPD patients, a well-established advantage of vitamin B3 is its role in proper metabolism, nervous system function, antioxidant protection, and overall health [2][3][4].

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