Breaking the news of a cancer diagnosis is one of the most heart-rending aspects of veterinary care. A close second is watching pet patients suffer into old age in pain, instead of enjoying their golden years. The pain we feel is made all the worse by seeing devastated pet parents who want nothing more than to keep their fur babies in their lives for longer.
All of which leads us on an ongoing quest to extend our pet patients’ years and enhance their quality of life. Enter Nicotinamide Riboside.
There is substantial ongoing active research and interest in promoting longevity and understanding the biological and molecular targets that influence the body’s aging processes. Natural aging causes universal molecular, cellular, and physiological changes in the body. With most of these changes being, admittedly, negative. And although individual genetic makeup plays a significant role in the aging process, there are also non-genetic changes that can occur in the body caused by an animal’s daily environment. Changes caused by:
- lifestyle,
- nutrition,
- physical activity,
- obesity,
- exposure to pollutants and toxins, and
- illness – including cancer.
These non-genetic changes can contribute as much as 70 percent of the factors that cause the adverse expressions of aging.
The good news is that this non-genetic dynamic – referred to as epigenetics – allows for multiple avenues of positive interventions that can be designed and implemented to promote and enhance both longevity and healthy aging in our pet patients.
This is where Nicotinamide Riboside, the cornerstone of ThorneVet’s Longevity Complex, comes into play.
What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)?
A powerful compound member of the vitamin B3 family, NR is emerging as something of a multi-tasking superhero, offering support for both aging and cancer-care pet patients. More specifically, NR is a highly bioavailable precursor to the vital coenzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) – which is involved in numerous cellular processes.
NAD+ explained
At its simplest, the presence of newly produced NAD+ in the mitochondria of the body’s cells is the greatest producer of cellular energy. This is obviously critical for every life process in humans and animals, which means NAD+ plays a key role in:
- Cellular energy production
- Cellular metabolism support
- DNA repair
- Maintaining mitochondrial function
All of which are essential for combating aging and promoting longevity.
When it comes to supportive cancer care, in particular, NAD+’s DNA-protective properties are particularly noteworthy. By enhancing DNA repair mechanisms and reducing oxidative stress, optimal levels of NAD+ in the body mitigate the risk of cancer development and/or its progression in aging pets.
In other words, when it comes to pro-longevity, healthy aging effects, the more NAD+ the better!
Supporting cellular health
As an animal ages, however, their body experience a natural decline in their level of NAD+. This can lead to multiple areas of impaired cellular function, as well as increased susceptibility to age-related diseases – including cancer. By supplementing with NR – the most bioavailable precursor to the DNA-protective coenzyme NAD+ – we can replenish NAD+ levels, providing vital support for cellular health and longevity.
Nicotinamide Riboside holds tremendous promise for promoting longevity, combating aging, and offering supportive care for the pet patient with cancer. By incorporating this ingredient into our patients’ wellness routines (courtesy of ThorneVet’s Longevity Complex), we can help them – and by default their humans – live healthier and happier lives for longer.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Dr. Keith Weingardt is a 1999 graduate of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed acupuncture certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2004 and certification in herbal medicine at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in 2006. He has started successful integrative veterinary practices in San Diego, CA and Portland, OR. He is a dedicated herbalist and enjoys working with the plants of the Pacific Northwest. Currently, he works as a consultant for ThorneVet, specializing in product development and continuing education.
