Can a vitamin B3 pill help older veterans stay stronger longer?

NCT ID NCT04691986

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, can improve muscle strength, endurance, and walking speed in older veterans aged 65-85. Participants take NR or a placebo daily for several weeks and undergo exercise tests and muscle biopsies. The goal is to see if boosting NAD+ levels can slow age-related muscle decline and frailty.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: nicotinamide riboside (a form of vitamin B3)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple nutritional supplement to help older adults maintain muscle strength and mobility.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with 74 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The supplement may not improve physical function beyond a placebo effect.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Frailty Inflammation Sarcopenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MUSCLE QUALITY AND NAD+ CONTENT NICOTINAMIDE ADENINE DINUCLEOTIDE CONCENTRATION SARCOPENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, Missouri, 64128-2226, United States

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