Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Vitamin B3 Supplements May Aid Cancer Cell Survival

A new study from Case Western Reserve University in the US has raised concerns about NAD+ supplements, popular for boosting energy and promoting healthy ageing. The research suggests these supplements might negatively impact cancer treatments.

NAD+ supplements, including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), are marketed to improve metabolism and cellular repair. While some cancer patients believe these could ease chemotherapy side effects, the study indicates they might inadvertently aid cancer cells.

Published in Cancer Letters, the study found that these supplements might help pancreatic cancer cells survive chemotherapy. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms, with a low five-year survival rate, so treatment effectiveness is crucial.

NAD+ is essential for cell survival and function in both healthy and cancerous cells. The research showed that boosting NAD+ levels might strengthen cancer cells, enabling them to resist treatments like chemotherapy. This happens because the supplements increase energy production, lower oxidative stress, and limit DNA damage, making it harder for chemotherapy to work effectively.

Lead researcher Jordan Winter has urged caution in using NAD+ supplements alongside cancer treatments. While these might not harm healthy people, they could pose risks for cancer patients.

The study suggests routine screening for supplement use in cancer patients and calls for further research. Patients are advised to discuss any supplements with their oncologists.

Test Your Understanding

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

supplements/ˈsʌpləmənts/noun
extra pills or substances people take for health

chemotherapy/ˌkemoʊˈθɛrəpi/noun
treatment using strong drugs to kill cancer

metabolism/məˈtæbəˌlɪzəm/noun
how the body changes food into energy

inadvertently/ˌɪnədˈvɝtəntli/adverb
without meaning to; not on purpose

oxidative/ˈɑksɪdeɪtɪv/adjective
relating to cell damage caused by oxygen

screening/ˈskriːnɪŋ/noun
testing to find health problems early

How much do you know?

What did the study from Case Western Reserve University raise concerns about?
NAD+ supplements
Chemotherapy drugs
Vitamins and minerals
Exercise programs
Which of the following is a type of NAD+ supplement mentioned in the text?
Amino acids
Nicotine
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Vitamin C
In which journal was the study published?
Nature
Cancer Research
Cancer Letters
The Lancet
What effect do NAD+ supplements have on pancreatic cancer cells according to the study?
They improve survival rates
They make cells more sensitive to chemotherapy
They help survive chemotherapy
They destroy cancer cells
Who is the lead researcher mentioned in the study?
Jordan Winter
John Doe
Sarah Connor
Julia Roberts
What is a main concern regarding NAD+ supplements for cancer patients?
They are too expensive
They might aid cancer cells
They have no side effects
They are universally beneficial
The study suggests that NAD+ supplements might negatively impact energy production in cancer patients.
The research found that NAD+ supplements could help cancer cells resist chemotherapy treatments.
NAD+ is only important for healthy cells and has no role in cancerous cells.
Patients are advised to avoid discussing supplements with their oncologists.
The study calls for more research on the effects of NAD+ supplements in cancer patients.
The study was conducted at a university in Canada.
NAD+ supplements are popular for boosting energy and promoting healthy ageing, but they might negatively impact cancer treatments, according to a study from Case Western Reserve University in the .
NAD+ supplements, including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), are marketed to improve and cellular repair.
Pancreatic cancer is known for having a low five-year survival .
Boosting NAD+ levels might strengthen cancer cells, enabling them to resist like chemotherapy.
Lead researcher Jordan Winter has urged in using NAD+ supplements alongside cancer treatments.
The study suggests routine for supplement use in cancer patients.
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
supplements/ˈsʌpləmənts/noun
extra pills or substances people take for health
chemotherapy/ˌkemoʊˈθɛrəpi/noun
treatment using strong drugs to kill cancer
metabolism/məˈtæbəˌlɪzəm/noun
how the body changes food into energy
inadvertently/ˌɪnədˈvɝtəntli/adverb
without meaning to; not on purpose
oxidative/ˈɑksɪdeɪtɪv/adjective
relating to cell damage caused by oxygen
screening/ˈskriːnɪŋ/noun
testing to find health problems early

How much do you know?

What did the study from Case Western Reserve University raise concerns about?
NAD+ supplements
Chemotherapy drugs
Vitamins and minerals
Exercise programs
Which of the following is a type of NAD+ supplement mentioned in the text?
Amino acids
Nicotine
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Vitamin C
In which journal was the study published?
Nature
Cancer Research
Cancer Letters
The Lancet
What effect do NAD+ supplements have on pancreatic cancer cells according to the study?
They improve survival rates
They make cells more sensitive to chemotherapy
They help survive chemotherapy
They destroy cancer cells
Who is the lead researcher mentioned in the study?
Jordan Winter
John Doe
Sarah Connor
Julia Roberts
What is a main concern regarding NAD+ supplements for cancer patients?
They are too expensive
They might aid cancer cells
They have no side effects
They are universally beneficial
The study suggests that NAD+ supplements might negatively impact energy production in cancer patients.
The research found that NAD+ supplements could help cancer cells resist chemotherapy treatments.
NAD+ is only important for healthy cells and has no role in cancerous cells.
Patients are advised to avoid discussing supplements with their oncologists.
The study calls for more research on the effects of NAD+ supplements in cancer patients.
The study was conducted at a university in Canada.
NAD+ supplements are popular for boosting energy and promoting healthy ageing, but they might negatively impact cancer treatments, according to a study from Case Western Reserve University in the .
NAD+ supplements, including nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and nicotinamide riboside (NR), are marketed to improve and cellular repair.
Pancreatic cancer is known for having a low five-year survival .
Boosting NAD+ levels might strengthen cancer cells, enabling them to resist like chemotherapy.
Lead researcher Jordan Winter has urged in using NAD+ supplements alongside cancer treatments.
The study suggests routine for supplement use in cancer patients.
This question is required

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