Neuron protected by a shield of vitamin B3.

Vitamin B3: The Brain Booster You Need to Know About

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the neuroprotective powers of nicotinamide riboside and shield your brain from damage."

In the realm of neurodegenerative diseases, where conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's loom large, scientists are constantly seeking ways to protect our brain. Excitingly, a spotlight has been on the remarkable potential of vitamin B3, specifically in the form of nicotinamide riboside (NR), to combat neuronal damage.

Emerging research emphasizes a critical phenomenon called 'excitotoxicity,' which contributes to several neurological disorders. This process involves an overstimulation of nerve cells, leading to damage and, potentially, cell death. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital coenzyme involved in numerous cellular processes, has been identified as a key protector against neuronal degeneration during excitotoxicity.

Recent studies highlight NR's pivotal role. This has led researchers to explore the protective effects of both NAD+ and NR against excitotoxicity. The results are encouraging and point towards a future where brain health can be actively preserved and enhanced.

How Nicotinamide Riboside Fights Brain Degeneration

Neuron protected by a shield of vitamin B3.

A study published in The FASEB Journal reveals groundbreaking insights into how NR steps in to protect against brain damage. Conducted by Pauline Vaur, Bernard Brugg, and colleagues, the research demonstrated that when NR is administered directly into the brain, it significantly reduces damage caused by the excitotoxic effects of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate), a compound known to induce neuronal overstimulation.

Researchers found that NR delays NMDA-induced axonal degeneration (AxD)—the breakdown of nerve fibers—more effectively than NAD+. This discovery is crucial because axonal degeneration is a primary event in acute brain injuries and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. By preserving axonal integrity, it may be possible to slow down or prevent the progression of these disorders.

Superior Protection: NR provides better protection against excitotoxicity-induced AxD than NAD+.
Targeted Action: NR's effects are more pronounced when directly addressing axonal stress.
Intracellular Defense: NR helps maintain intracellular NAD+ levels, crucial for axonal health.

Further experiments using cortical neurons (the primary type of nerve cell in the cerebral cortex) showed that the neuroprotective action of NR hinges on its ability to be internalized by cells. This internalization process ensures that the protective effects are maximized right where they are most needed, inside the nerve cells themselves.

Looking Ahead: NR as a Key Player in Brain Health

The research underscores the potential of NR as a neuroprotective agent, superior to NAD+ in combating excitotoxicity-induced axonal degeneration. By defending intracellular NAD+ homeostasis, NR offers a targeted approach to preserving brain health. These findings pave the way for new therapeutic strategies, focusing on NR to mitigate the impact of neurodegenerative diseases and enhance overall brain resilience.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), and why is it important?

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a specific form of vitamin B3, a crucial nutrient for maintaining overall health. It's highlighted for its potential to protect the brain from damage. NR's significance stems from its ability to combat excitotoxicity and axonal degeneration, processes implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By focusing on NR, the research suggests a targeted approach to brain health, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

What is excitotoxicity and why is it significant?

Excitotoxicity is a process where nerve cells are overstimulated, leading to damage and possible cell death. It plays a significant role in the progression of several neurological disorders. The article explains that excitotoxicity causes axonal degeneration, which is the breakdown of nerve fibers. Because NR protects against excitotoxicity, it can potentially slow down or prevent the progression of these disorders.

What is the role of NAD+ in relation to this research?

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital coenzyme involved in many cellular processes and is crucial in protecting against neuronal degeneration during excitotoxicity. The research indicates that Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is more effective than NAD+ at protecting against excitotoxicity-induced axonal degeneration. By increasing the levels of NAD+ within cells, NR helps maintain axonal health and offers a targeted way to preserve brain health.

What is axonal degeneration, and how does it relate to this research?

Axonal degeneration (AxD) refers to the breakdown of nerve fibers and is a primary event in acute brain injuries and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has been found to delay NMDA-induced AxD, which is a key factor in these conditions. The delay in AxD by NR suggests it might slow down or prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The preservation of axonal integrity is vital for maintaining brain health and function.

What is the main conclusion of the research regarding Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)?

The key finding of this research is that nicotinamide riboside (NR) offers better protection against excitotoxicity-induced axonal degeneration than nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). NR's effectiveness lies in its ability to be internalized by cells, ensuring its protective effects are maximized within nerve cells. This research emphasizes NR's potential as a neuroprotective agent and paves the way for new therapeutic strategies focused on mitigating the impact of neurodegenerative diseases and enhancing overall brain resilience.