Science shorts: NAD+, NMN, vitamin E in the spotlight

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A science lab with measuring cylinders. ©Getty Images

This round-up of new scientific findings will look at how low NAD+ level is associated with anaemia in women, Mitsubishi Life Sciences’ NMN clinical study findings, and the benefits of vitamin E for exercise recovery and PCOS.

Low NAD+ levels associated with anaemia in women – BYHEALTH study

Low nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in the blood is associated with anaemia in women, a study by BYHEALTH has shown.

Data from 727 women with a mean age of 42.7 years old were included in this particular analysis. Their NAD+ levels were measured based on the amount found in their blood.  

They were then grouped into four quartiles based on the NAD+ levels found in their blood. It was found that anaemia was most prevalent among women in the lowest NAD+ quartile.

Low-dose vitamin E supplementation beneficial for exercise-induced muscle damage in athletes – meta-analysis

Low doses of dietary vitamin E supplementation could prevent exercise-induced muscle damage and have a greater impact on athletes, according to a new meta-analysis.

A total of 17 RCTs were examined for the meta-analysis, with subjects aged between 18 to 40 years old. Vitamin E dosage ranged from 300 to 1,318IU daily.

Vitamin E’s protective effect became apparent when creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehydes (MDA) levels were measured immediately after exercise or in athletes, according to the study published in Nutrients.

Ageing impact: NMN supplementation increases NAD levels in healthy subjects - Japan RCT 

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NNM) supplementation has shown to be a safe way to boost nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level in the body, according to a study funded by Mitsubishi Corporation Life Sciences.

Fifteen healthy volunteers received 250 mg/day of NMN or placebo for 12 weeks, and physiological and laboratory tests were performed during this period.

Findings of the study were published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

Vitamin E supplementation can improve hormonal, metabolic parameters in PCOS patients – systematic review and meta-analysis

Vitamin E supplementation can improve polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients’ metabolic and hormonal parameters, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

For instance, it  can decrease testosterone and luteinising hormone (LH) levels and increase progesterone and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

It can also reduce insulin resistance and cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels, said the study published on Scientific Reports.

Golden Root extract supplementation might improve sporting, exercise performance – systematic review

The supplementation of Rhodiola rosea (RR), also known as the Golden Root, might improve sport and exercise performance, says a new review.

The study, conducted by researchers from China, found that the botanical could reduce oxidative stress, muscle pain, and promote muscle recovery.

Data also showed that there were no obvious adverse reactions from the intake of RR.