Nicotinamide and neurocognitive function. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rennie, George; Chen, Andrew C; Dhillon, Haryana; Vardy, Janette; Damian, Diona L
• Is Part Of: Nutritional neuroscience. Volume 18:Number 5(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: Neuropharmacology -- Periodicals; Diet -- Periodicals; Diet therapy -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 615.78
• DOI: 10.1179/1476830514Y.0000000112
• Languages: German
• ISSNs: 1028-415X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x content-type="archive" xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <p>Nicotinamide, or vitamin B3, is a precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD<sup>+</sup>) and is involved in a multitude of intra- and inter-cellular processes, which regulate some of the cell's metabolic, stress, and immune responses to physiological or pathological signals. As a precursor of NAD<sup>+</sup>, which is a key coenzyme in the production of adenosine triphosphate or cellular energy, nicotinamide has been investigated for potential neuroprotective effects in cellular, animal, and human studies.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Objectives</title> <p>We aimed to summarize the current evidence on the effect of dietary and supplemental nicotinamide on cognitive function.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Methods</title> <p>A literature review was conducted on the effects of nicotinamide and its derivatives as a preventive and therapeutic agent for disorders of neurocognitive function. Specific conditions examined include age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and ischaemic and traumatic brain injury.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>Data from animal and human interventional studies and epidemiological research suggests that nicotinamide may be beneficial in preserving and enhancing neurocognitive function.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Discussion</title> <p>Nicotinamide is non-toxic, inexpensive and widely available, and interventional studies in humans, using supplemental doses of nicotinamide, are now warranted.</p> </sec> </abstract>