A new study has questions about popular NAD+ supplements in cancer treatment. These supplements are taken by many people in America to feel more energetic and support healthy aging. They increase levels of NAD+, a molecule that helps cells in the body.
Some cancer patients use these supplements to help with side effects from chemotherapy, which is a type of cancer treatment. However, research suggests this may not be a good idea.
A study from Case Western Reserve University shows that these supplements might help pancreatic cancer cells survive treatment. Pancreatic cancer is very serious, having a low survival rate of just 13% after five years.
The study found that these supplements can give energy to cancer cells. This energy helps the cancer cells escape damage from treatment. In tests, the supplements protected cancer cells from common chemotherapy drugs.
The researchers warn that these supplements may be risky for cancer patients. They suggest that patients talk with their doctors about any supplements they take. More studies are needed to understand these effects better.
