Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the underlying problem being most liver disease in the US and other western countries due to the prevalence of obesity.
It can result in total liver failure and death. With nearly 37% of adults in the US now classified as Obese, and projected to be 60% in the next 10 years, the problem is only going to get worse.
Although there are many contributing factors, insulin resistance plays a key role in the deterioration of the livers ability to process the fat.
Mitochondria dysfunction also contributes to inflammation and fibrosis further impacting the liver function.
This study demonstrates that boosting NAD+ can protects against many age and diet related chronic diseases such as chronic liver failure.
The results confirm prior studies on the role NAD+ plays in supporting sirtuinsi to repair cellular damage, and in particular protecting from NAFLD.
The research shows that a diet high in fat and sugar contributes to NAFLD, and that adding Nicotinamide Riboside to the diet boosts NAD+ levels which improves Mitochondria unfolded protein response (UPRMT) to help prevent and reverse NAFLD.
For the study, SIRT Knockout Mice were fed a high-fat, high-sucrose diet, or normal chow diet. 1/2 the mice were also fed 500 mg/kg Nicotinamide Riboside pellets for 18 weeks.
From the data, the researchers postulated that boosting NAD+ levels increases sirtuin-mediated UPRmt activation and mitochondrial biogenesis, while also reducing UPRer stress response.
In agreement, they found nicotinamide riboside attenuated the severe mitochondrial dysfunction, typified by reduced mitochondrial content and function, present in fatty livers of mice fed a long-term high-fat high-sucrose diet.
These robust effects of NR on mitochondrial function were reliant on the NAD+-mediated SIRT1 and SIRT3 induction of mitonuclear protein imbalance, triggering the UPRmt.
Similar to previous reports linking the beneficial effects of NMN and NR to the UPRmt activation of UPRmt in livers of these NR-treated animals maintained optimal mitochondrial function despite a chronic FA overload.
Overall the data shows that boosting of depleted liver NAD+ stores in mouse models of NAFLD, by administration of Nicotinamide Riboside supplements, recovers liver NAD+-dependent SIRT1 and SIRT3 signaling to counteract the development of NAFLD.
And that the beneficial effects of NR are largely mediated by the cell-autonomous effect of SIRT1 activation in the liver.
Using the FDA guidelines for converting the dosage tested to humans, the 500 mg/kg results in a daily dosage of around 2,200 mg for a person weight 160 lbs. This is in the range used for other testing with mice for therapeutic purposes.
Niagen is the brand name of the only commercially available brand of Nicotinamide Riboside, a recently discovered B3 Vitamin that is proving to have astounding anti-aging and health benefits.
Chromadex is the manufacturer, and owns 5 patents granted for its production which allows them to control the market for Nicotinamide Riboside.
They license several companies to bottle and distribute Niagen, and tightly regulate the retail pricing, so there is very little difference in Nicotinamide Riboside products.
There are minor differences as manufacturers use different capsule sizes, and some add fillers to aid in the bottling process and/or preservatives to extend shelf life.
BEST PRICES
HPN and LiveCellResearch were the first brands to market online.
As Niagen becomes mainstream, many big brands are now coming to market such as Thorne Research who have a reputation for producing some of the most innovative and top quality products.
The lowest advertised pricing online is below. They use different capsule sizes, and different number of capsules per bottle, so we do the math for you to figure the cost per milligram to make it easier to compare the prices.
[table id=2 /]
[box]These are the minimum allowable prices, which are strictly enforced by manufacturers. Click Here to receive notice of special offers, group buys, or recent news.[/box]
LiveCellResearch This company does the most advertising all over the internet. They have good price for single bottle purchase, but they don’t offer quantity deals like HPN does. Also, many people aren’t too thrilled by the constant stream of emails they send marketing other products.
Thorne Research manufactures the highest quality products and sells through their networks of Doctors, clinics and other health professionals, without the added markup of going through distributors and vitamin stores, so often have the best prices as with their Nicotinamide Riboside products.
OTHER BRANDS
Most of these brands use pure Niagen, so there is no real difference in the product, only in the cost.
An exception is Basis, which adds pterostilbene, a kind of resveratrol, that supposedly increases the effectiveness. They certainly do have a very impressive list of 7 nobel laureate scientists backing this product which aids them in their marketing efforts and allows them to charge a LOT more than competitors for their fancy version of Niagen. Read the full review on Elysium Health.
Basis $60 for 60 125 mg capsules make this by far the most expensive Niagen on the market. If you don’t care about cost, this may be a good choice.
Doctors Best Good Brand, but expensive, and 75mg capsules too small
F1rst Available soon at GNC stores. $49 for 60 (100mg) capsules.
Enerdrex(Not yet Available) soon to be in Walgreens, Costco, Publix, Kroger
Proctor and Gamble(Not yet Available) to be included with other products
Nicotinamide Riboside is said to repair functioning of the mitochondria which power energy generation in every cell in our bodies.
This is supposed to “turn back the clock” and make us younger, and repair many (not all) of the ravages of aging.
There have been several research studies with NR and NMN that do show great promise, but also leave some questions to be answered by other studies that are currently underway
In this article we examine the research to date on Nicotinamide Riboside.
TREATMENT OF SPECIFIC CONDITIONS WITH NICOTINAMIDE RIBOSIDE
This results in speculation that NR might be useful in treating many age related health conditions such as:
alzheimers
parkinsons
metabolic syndrome
erectile dysfunction
rheumatoid arthritis
depression
thyroid
prostate cancer
hearing loss
acne
appetite suppression
Testing is currently underway to evaluate Nicotinamide Riboside for treating many of these symptoms.
Research studies with mice have demonstrated that supplementation with NR:
Improves cognition in mice with Alzheimers (32) 2013
Lowered cholesterol, improved hepatic inflammation in tumors (33) 2015
To date the only completed testing with human subjects for treatment of specific conditions is:
Protects against hearing loss caused by noise exposure (34) 2014
Many studies are currently ongoing such as an obesity study underway by the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research.
[box]Conclusion: Nicotinamid Riboside has proven effective in treating several degenerative conditions. Much more testing is needed and currently underway. [/box]
FINAL THOUGHTS
Decreased NAD+ levels are implicated in many age related disease and disabilities.
NR has been shown to improve or protect against some age related problems, and shows potential for much more.
In addition to protecting various organs such as liver and kidney, heart, lungs, and neuro-protection, NR is marketed as a potential anti-aging therapy. It may yet prove to be of some benefit in slowing some aspects of the aging process, but as yet there is no definitive proof.
With no carbs, the score a zero on the glycemic index, so won’t raise blood sugar levels.
Simply eating eggs instead of bagels resulted in significant weight loss for participants in this eight week study (4).
Another study showed that eating eggs instead of bagels increased feeling of fullness (satiety), and resulted in less calories consumed later in the day (5).
[box] Conclusion: Eggs are a very nutritious high protein food that are also very filling and can result in fewer calories consumed throughout the day. [/box]
2. Kefir
Depending on the type of milk used, 6 ounces of milk kefir contains approximately
The fatty acids in Kefir are between 80-95% CLA – Conjugated Linoleum Acid (7).
CLA helps glucose fill muscles cells more effectively, preventing glucose from being converted to fat.
A review of 18 different clinical studies have shown CLA helps reduce body fat (8)
[box]Conclusion: Kefir is well balanced in Proteins, Carbs, and Saturated Fats, high in many beneficial probiotics, and CLAs which have been shown to aid weight loss.[/box]
3. Avocados
Like eggs, Avocados have gotten a bad rap from (faulty) mainstream nutritionists until just recently.
Now that we know that “eating fat doesn’t make you fat”, attitudes are changing and Avocados are recognized as a very healthy diet choice.
Avocados are very high in a particular kind of fat – monounsaturated oleic acid.
Oleic acid has been linked to reduced inflammation and been shown to have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer (11, 12, 13, 14).
Oleic acid is converted in the body to CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), which we mentioned for Kefir that CLA has been shown to help reduce body fat (15)
With only 1 gram of carbohydrates as sugar and the rest being fiber which slows the absorption tremendously.
In fact, the glycemic index of Avocados is so low that the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition doesn’t even bother to calculate it (16).
High fats and fiber give Avocados a high satiety index, which was proven by research.
A study found that compared with other foods, subjects given Avocados were 23% more satisfied and were 28% less likely to eat for the next 5 hours (17).
They also contain nearly 20% of the RDA for potassium – an important mineral that most people need a lot more of (18).
[box] Conclusion: Packed with beneficial fats and fibers, Avocados are very filling and hunger satiating. For Keto dieters, a perfect compliment for Eggs in the morning. [/box]
4. Greens
Leafy greens such as spinach, chard, collard greens and Kale are very nutrient dense, but low in calories for volume and high in fiber.
Research proves that including very low in energy density foods result in fewer overall calories consumed and has been proven in many (19).
Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that combat diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer (20),
[box] Conclusion: Low in calories and high in nutrients make leafy greens another no-brainer for weight loss. Nearly all diet plans recommend eating as much leafy greens as you wish [/box]
5. Wild Salmon
Fish are very high in protein, so are recommended by nearly all diet plans.
But some fish are more healthy than others, with Salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines and other oily fish being at the top of the list.
Salmon in particular is high in Omega-3 fat which has numerous health benefits besides combating metabolic disease (21, 22).
One study found eating farmed Salmon 2 times a week resulted in 50% higher levels in the blood of the important Omega 3 fat DHA (23).
There are noticable differences in Wild vs Farm-raised Salmon, as this table shows.
According to the USDA, wild Salmon has 130 less calories than farm raised Salmon per serving.
These calories are mostly from fat, but not the good Omega 3 fats that we need more of (24).
Unfortunately, farm raised Salmon are much higher in Omega-6 fats.
They also have 3 times as much saturated fat. Not terrible, but not as beneficial as Omega 3 fats.
Those on a Ketogenic diet might actually prefer the higher fat content of farm raised Salmon. Others would probably prefer the lower calories of Wild Salmon.
[box] Conclusion: All fish are excellent sources of protein, but the Omega 6 fats in Salmon put it at the top of the list for weight loss. [/box]
AMPK activity is increased by exercise, but can also be activated by certain food substances such as Polyphenols and Capsacin.
Another such substance is Nootkatone, a component found in grapefruit has been shown to significantly increase AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity (25).
Researchers found that study participants given 1/2 a grapefruit or the same quantity of juice before meals lost an average of 3.5 pounds over 12 weeks (26).
3.5 pounds isn’t huge, but that was from eating just 1/2 a grapefruit with no other changes. Participants also had lower blood glucose and insulin sensitivity.
[box] Conclusion: Eating Grapefruit or grapefruit juice before meals helps your body store more calories in muscle, leaving less for fat storage and results in modest weight loss [/box]
Apples are all carbs, with no fat or protein, which normally isn’t great for weight loss.
However, the do have a very low Glycemic Index, are very high in Antioxidants, dietary fiber, flavonoids, and often make most lists of Top Healthy Foods
The antioxidants and nutrients may help reduce risks of hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease (27).
For weight loss, a 12 week study showed women that added one and a half large apples daily to their diet lost on average about 3 pounds (28).
The fiber in apples is Pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to increase satiety, improve metabolic health, and decrease caloric intake, weight gain, adiposity (30,)
This low energy density, glycemic index, and soluble fiber make it an excellent food for weight loss for most people, although the 25 grams of carbohydrate is problematic for those on Low Carb or Ketogenic diets.
[box]Conclusion: Apples are a great portable, nutritions snack food that can alleviate a craving for sweets, while giving a little boost to your weight loss efforts.[/box]
8. Oatmeal
A cup of rolled oats contains:
Calories – 300
Fats – 5 grams
Carbohydrates – 56 grams
Fiber – 8 grams
Protein – 11 grams
Glycemic Index – 55
Oatmeal is fairly high in calories and carbs. But they do have a fairly low glycemic index of 55 so the calories are absorbed fairly slowly.
They contain the soluble fiber beta gluten, which has been shown to increase feelings of satiation, and fight insulin resistance and hypertension (31).
Studies show that compared with standard breakfast cereals of the same calorie count, oatmeal provides more protein and fiber, less sugar, and induced greater satiety (32).
In another study published in 2013, subjects who consumed oatmeal for breakfast over 12 weeks had reduced weight, BMI, and waist to hip ratio.
A 2013 issue of Plant Foods and Human Nutrition published a study that showed oat cereal consumed for 12 weeks did associate with reduced body weight, body mass index, body fat and waist-to-hip ratio (33)
** Before I went Keto and had to cut the oatmeal, one of my favorite tricks was mixing it with Cottage Cheese. Tastes yummy and gives you a nice balance of carbs and proteins.
[box] Conclusion: Studies confirm what every oatmeal eater knows – they are very filling and slowly absorbed to keep hunger at bay for many hours. While they are too high in carbs for some diets, they can aid weight loss, especially when eaten in place of commercial cereals. [/box]
9. Beef
Grilled New York strip steak
We could list Chicken and Pork here as well, but are focusing on Beef to also address what we feel is some unfair criticisms Beef suffers from.
Research shows that eating red meat does not increase risks of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease (34, 35).
Other studies show no increase in cancer risks for women from consuming red meats, and only a very minute increase in risk for men (36, 37).
Studies show there are many benefits for eating beef, as a high protein diet can increase metabolism to burn up to 100 calories more each day (38, 39).
Other research demonstrates that increasing protein to 30% of total calories can cut hunger and result in weight loss of a pound a week (40, 41).
[box] Conclusion: Sufficient protein is key to weight loss. Adding whole, unprocessed beef to you diet can result in significant weight loss [/box]
10. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is composed almost entirely of Saturated Fats, which faulty advice has caused many people to fear unjustly.
This very healthy oil is unique in that it is nearly all Medium Chain Fatty Acids (42).
Studies show that consuming coconut oil increases metabolism compared to equal calories of other fats (43, 44).
Another study showed taking 2 tablespoons of MCT fats per day increased energy consumption (fat burning) by 120 calories per day (45).
Coconut oil also helps suppress appetite.
Studies show that eating MCT fats cut hunger and participants consumed less calories throughout the day – up to 250 less in one study (46, 47).
[box] Conclusion: Right behind Olive Oil in overall health benefits, Coconut oil can also aid weight loss when used in place of other fats for cooking or baking recipes [/box]
Goji Berries are harvested from the Lycium Barbarum plant, from the box thorn family.
They are native to southern Europe and Asia, but most commercially produced Goji is from China, where it is also known as Chinese Boxthorn or Wolfberry.
Goji have a very good nutritional profile that includes high level of antioxidants, especially zeaxanthin (48)
11 essential and 22 trace dietary minerals
6 Vitamins
18 amino acids
beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols
5 carotenoids, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and cryptoxanthin
They have a lot of protein, high dietary fiber and low glycemic index which makes them filling without raising blood sugar levels.
Goji berry is an adaptogen that is claimed to reduce stress levels and lowers cortisol levels which promote weight gain (49).
The ORAC value of Goji Berry, which measures antioxidant levels, is about 10x higher than other fruits like Oranges or Blueberries, and is comparable to Acai (50).
A 2011 double blind study with Rodents given Lycium Barbarum extract showed increased metabolic rate and reduced waist size compared to placebo (51).
In 2008, a 14 day study of adults given Lycium Barbarum showed improved Energy Level, athletic performance, quality of sleep, and gastrointestinal function (52).
One downside of Goji Berries is the cost – they are fairly pricey.
[box] Conclusion: Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, with low glycemic index, Goji Berries make a handy and healthy snack for a little weight loss boost [/box]
Almonds are high in protein and fiber which has been shown to promote satiety and result in lower overall calorie consumption (53).
The also have a very low glycemic index which means those calories are absorbed very slowly, making them an approved food source for diabetics (54, 55).
Nearly all of the fats in Almonds are mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are known to have positive effects on heart disease (56).
Research has shown consuming almonds can lead to improved metabolism, lower blood sugar levels and weight loss (57, 58, 59)
Almonds are fairly high in calories, so should not be consumed in massive quantities, but rather serve as a handy snack between meals to alleviate hunger.
[box] Conclusion: High in protein and fiber, and low in carbs, Almonds make a great between meal snack, especially for Low Carb dieters. [/box]
Chia seeds contain 12 grams of carbohydrate per ounce, which is fairly high, but 11 of those grams are soluble fiber.
This makes chia seeds a low-carb friendly food, and one of the best sources of fiber in the world
This soluble fiber makes Chia seed much like Glucomannan, in that they absorb more than 10x their weight in water, and turn into a gel in your stomach (61).
The 9 grams of fat is mostly Omega 3 fats, which have tremendous benefits for heart health.
Chia seeds are also high in Vitamins A, B, E, and D, iron, magnesium, iodine, niacin, thiamine, and many antioxidants (68).
Studies show consumption of chia seeds suppress appetite, but so far they are inconclusive at proving weight loss (69, 70).
[box] Conclusion: Packed with vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, protein, Omega 3 fats, and fiber make Chia seeds one of the most nutritious foods on earth. Although short term weight loss benefits are unproven, they are filling and do suppress appetite. [/box]
14. Chili Pepper
The “hot” in chili peppers is from a substance called capsaicin,
Numerous research studies and clinical trials have shown capsaicin gives a boost to metabolism to increase fat burning, and also helps suppress appetite (71, 72, 73).
However, one study shows that the increased fat burning and hunger suppression is more effective for those who are not used to consuming capsaicin, and the effects diminish over time (74).
[box] Conclusion: Adding Cayenne or other chili peppers to your food wherever you can is a simple way to add some pep to your weight loss efforts. [/box]
Final Thoughts
None of these are miracle foods that you can use to reach your weight loss goals all by themselves.
But they are all healthy choices and do have modest benefits for weight loss, proven by research.
Incorporate as many of these foods as you can into your diet in place of less healthy alternatives and you will see results.
Government guidelines that once slammed the 
Depending on the type of milk used, 6 ounces of milk kefir contains approximately
Like eggs, Avocados have gotten a bad rap from (faulty) mainstream nutritionists until just recently.
Leafy greens such as spinach, chard, collard greens and Kale are very nutrient dense, but low in calories for volume and high in fiber.
Fish are very high in protein, so are recommended by nearly all diet plans.
A medium sized red grapefruit has:
A medium Apple has:
A cup of rolled oats contains:
Coconut oil is composed almost entirely of Saturated Fats, which faulty advice has caused many people to fear unjustly.
One ounce of Almonds contains:
The “hot” in chili peppers is from a substance called