Nicotinamide riboside supplementation confers modest effects on skeletal muscle metabolism without mitochondrial and acetyl-proteome remodelingNicotinamide riboside supplementation confers modest effects on skeletal muscle metabolism without mitochondrial and acetyl-proteome remodeling

Nicotinamide riboside supplements (NRS) have been touted as a nutraceutical that promotes cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health by enhancing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis, mitochondrial function and/or the activities of NAD-dependent sirtuin deacetylase enzymes. This investigation examined the impact of NRS on whole body energy homeostasis, skeletal muscle mitochondrial function, and corresponding shifts in the acetyl-lysine proteome, in the context of diet-induced obesity using C57BL/6NJ mice. The study also included a genetically-modified mouse model that imposes greater demand on sirtuin flux and associated NAD+ consumption, specifically within muscle tissues. In general, whole body glucose control was modestly improved by NRS when administered at the midpoint of a chronic high fat diet, but not when given as a preventative therapy upon initiation of the diet. Contrary to anticipated outcomes, the study produced little evidence that NRS increases tissue NAD+ levels, augments mitochondrial function and/or mitigates diet-induced hyperacetylation of the skeletal muscle proteome.