Millions of Americans take daily supplements like NMN, NR, and NAM to boost energy, slow aging, and support heart and brain health. Many cancer patients also use them to cope with chemotherapy side effects.

However, a new study from Case Western Reserve University, published in Cancer Letters, suggests these vitamin B3–related supplements may actually help cancer cells survive and resist treatment.

Researchers studying pancreatic cancer found that NAD+ precursors compounds that fuel cell activity can also fuel cancer cells. While they may benefit healthy cells, cancer cells use this energy to repair damage from chemotherapy and avoid dying, allowing tumors to persist.

Lab and mouse studies showed that these supplements, especially NMN, reduced the effectiveness of common chemotherapy drugs like oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and gemcitabine. They did this by strengthening cancer cells, lowering oxidative stress, and blocking the cell death that chemotherapy relies on.

The findings raise concerns for cancer patients using these supplements during treatment, though they don’t suggest risks for healthy individuals. Researchers urge patients to consult their doctors and call for more studies on how these supplements interact with cancer therapies.

Source: https://case.edu/news/new-research-reveals-dangers-anti-aging-supplements-cancer-protection