When you are supplementing with nicotinamide riboside (NR), it’s also important to support your body’s methylation processes. Why? Before we answer, let’s take a refresher on what methylation is and why methylation is important.

What is methylation?

Methylation is a simple biochemical process: It is the transfer of four atoms – one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms (CH3) – from one molecule to another molecule.

When methylation is occurring optimally, it has a significant beneficial impact on many biochemical reactions in the body. These reactions regulate the activity of cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and detoxification processes, including those relating to:

  • DNA production
  • Neurotransmitter production
  • Detoxification
  • Histamine metabolism
  • Estrogen metabolism
  • Eye health
  • Fat metabolism
  • Cellular energy
  • Liver health

Some of the important substances made in the body that depend on methylation taking place include: 

The problem

Many U.S. adults – some estimates are as high as 60 percent – have a genetic defect in a critical enzyme involved in methylation – MTHFR. MTHFR is the enzyme that creates active folate from inactive folic acid that is obtained from both food and supplements. Individuals with the MTHFR genetic defect will have a significantly decreased methylation capability. This situation can also result in an increase in the level of an undesirable amino acid metabolite – homocysteine, as well as a decrease in the creation of the important substances listed above, and subsequent inefficient detoxification.

What does NR supplementation have to do with it?

Supplementation with NR, a vitamin B3 analog, has been demonstrated to increase the number of mitochondria and benefit their function, which ultimately increases NAD+ and the cellular energy molecule ATP.* This is important because NAD+ levels naturally decline with aging and stress.

As NAD+ does its work, it is broken down to nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide), which is mostly converted to methylnicotinamide (MeNAM). So, the more NAD+ there is, the more MeNAM there is. The methyl group for the NAD+-to-MeNAM bioconversion must come from a methyl donor – but if the methyl group comes from the methyl pool in your body, then it puts stress on that pool. And, particularly in the case of specific genetic and/or lifestyle issues, there are fewer methyl groups for the other essential methylation functions. This situation can be particularly problematic for individuals with the MTHFR gene mutation.

What does the science say?

A clinical study of nicotinamide riboside supplementation showed not only an increase in MeNAM, but also an increase in homocysteine levels, which is an independent risk factor for heart disease. This same study also showed a decrease in the detoxification of undesirable neurotransmitters.1

What’s the solution?

Include foods in your diet that support methylation processes:

  • Asparagus
  • Avocado
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Green, leafy vegetables
  • Legumes (peas, beans, lentils)
  • Rice

Make lifestyle changes that support methylation processes:

  • Engage in regular physical exercise
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
  • Don’t smoke
  • Avoid excessive coffee consumption (not more than five cups daily)
  • Avoid processed foods as much as possible

Essential nutrients that support methylation

Several nutrients support methylation by directly donating a methyl group. For the most part, these nutrients are obvious because the word “methyl” is in the nutrient’s name, such as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5MTHF; active folate), methylcobalamin (active B12), dimethylglycine (DMG; derivative of the amino acid glycine), and trimethylglycine (TMG; betaine). Trimethylglycine is one of the most important methyl donors because, as its name implies, it has three methyl groups to donate. Other, although less obvious, methyl donors include choline and methionine. Other nutrients that are necessary cofactors in methylation include vitamins B2 and B6, vitamin D, and magnesium.

Thorne has always been a leader in disseminating awareness of and supplementing with methylation nutrients when NR is being supplemented. You will see that each Thorne product that contains NR also contains at least one methyl donor: 

Advanced Nutrients – a complete multi- with added nutrients that support healthy aging and eye health.* In addition to NR, Advanced Nutrients contains the methyl donors choline, 5-MTHF (methyl-folate), and methylcobalamin (methyl-B12). 

Brain Factors – supports cognitive function and mental focus by increasing brain-derived neurotropic factor with whole coffee fruit extract, NAD+ with NR, and methylation with betaine.*

Collagen Fit – unflavored collagen that supports the strength and health of joints, tendons, bones, and ligaments – with nicotinamide riboside for healthy aging and betaine for supporting methylation.*

Collagen Plus – Combats the visible signs of aging with collagen, botanicals, NR, and betaine – resulting in a synergistic blend that supports skin hydration and elasticity, as well as skin tone, healthy hair and nails, and skin strength.*

Daily Greens Plus – a comprehensive daily greens powder that supports a healthy mind and body, enhances foundational nutrition, and promotes healthy aging – with NR and betaine.*

NiaCel®400 – support how the body handles chronological age; each capsule contains 400 mg of NR – to increase NAD+ production – and 85 mg of betaine – for methyl group donation.*

ResveraCel® – combines NAD+-promoting NR with betaine for healthy methylation, resveratrol for sirtuin activation, and quercetin for senescent cell cleanup – providing 360-degree support for healthy aging.*

SynaQuell™ / SynaQuell+™ – multi-ingredient formula that supports brain structure and function and cellular energy production with BHB, BCAAs, resveratrol, NR, betaine, DHA, curcumin phytosome, magnesium, CoQ10, and R5P.* SynaQuell and SynaQuell+ contain the same ingredients – but in different amounts. SynaQuell is for everyday maintenance of brain structure and function, while SynaQuell+ provides higher amounts of certain nutrients when shorter-term, post-impact support is needed.*

The takeaway

Whether you are looking for an advanced multivitamin/mineral supplement or support for general vitality, healthy aging, radiant skin, flexible joints, or brain structure or function, NR and betaine join a cast of players that provides you with several options.*

Reference

  1. Sun W, Zhai M, Li D, et al. Comparison of the effects of nicotinic acid and nicotinamide degradation on plasma betaine and choline levels. Clin Nutr 2017;36:1136-1142.