Taking a supplement to get that perfect body is not a new idea; it has been exaggerated in the world of fiction to the extent of gaining above human strength, agility and stamina. One popular example is the super soldier serum in the Marvel universe responsible for Captain America’s powers. Occasionally you will hear advertisements swear by snake oils to lose fat and gain muscle with minimal work* and without side effect but of course there’s always the asterisk.
Recent tests on mice administered with a vitamin precursor have revealed that it is nothing like what the people on TV yell at you to buy. It is however the closest you will get based on real research so far. The results were published in the journal, Cell Metabolism, in the June 2012 issue by researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College and the polytechnic School in Switzerland.
A form of Vitamin B3, referred to as nicotinamide riboside (NR), is the fascinating molecule that is given credit for improving mitochondria functionality, the cells source of energy. The mice tested were given a fatty diet to compare with mice without NR under the same diet.
The results were drastic, the effects of NR allowed mice to gain only 60% of the weight gained by mice without the NR supplement. This combined with significantly better endurance and an increase in strength. It’s already sounding too good to be true, “but wait there is more” (just practicing). The NR supplements’ effect on mice also included lower cholesterol levels and unlike the mice without the supplements, none of the NR mice developed diabetes. It is already being referred to by some as the “miracle molecule”.
So what’s the catch? Nothing! At least for mice, no toxicity or other side effects were observed. For now the effects on humans is still unknown till further research is done. If you are as curious as I am you’d like to know where NR can be found. Currently no NR supplements exist, and vitamin B3 you find is actually not NR but rather its cousin niacin which is not as amazing. NR can be found in low quantities in milk and beer. Before you go out and buy a six pack, note that the doses are so small they may be insignificant. But do whatever lets you sleep better at night, and in the case of milk you would be taking advantage of its many other health benefits.
While we wait for further testing why not cook rather than go out for that double big mac with large fries. Out of groceries you say? Jog to the nearest grocery store and back. Get a head start on getting fit.
*with a healthy diet and work out plan…than how does the snake oil help?
Leave a Reply