Nicotinamide (NAM) and Pyridoxine (PN) for Combating Age-Related Muscle Decline

Recent research has identified a promising nutritional intervention to combat the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging and muscle diseases. Skeletal muscle relies on muscle stem cells (MuSCs) for growth and repair, but aging and muscle-related disorders can impair these cells, leading to regenerative decline. In a study, scientists screened natural food-derived molecules and discovered that nicotinamide (NAM) and pyridoxine (PN) are bioactive nutrients that stimulate MuSCs. These nutrients work synergistically, activating key signaling pathways like CK1-mediated β-catenin activation and AKT signaling to promote MuSC amplification and differentiation. When administered orally, the combination of NAM and PN accelerated muscle regeneration, improved muscle strength during recovery, and helped overcome the dysfunction of MuSCs due to aging. The study also found that levels of NAM and PN naturally decline as organisms age, and these declines were linked to reductions in muscle mass and mobility in older adults. This discovery positions NAM and PN as a potential nutritional solution for enhancing muscle regeneration and alleviating age-related muscle decline, offering a direct path for clinical application.

Source: https://www.jci.org/articles/view/163648