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Recent study connects popular supplement and increased breast cancer risks and Comprehensive Cancer encourages thinking twice about its use.

A recent study released by a research team at the University of Missouri highlighted the risks in taking certain supplements for health benefits. The study found links from a supplement, nicotinamide riboside, or NR as it’s more widely known, to increased breast cancer risk and brain metastasis.

The supplement has been sold to help raise lower NAD+ levels, and is marketed for its anti-aging effects, ability to reduce high cholesterol and high blood pressure, lower risks for Alzheimer’s disease and obesity, while helping with many other health issues. As with many readily available supplements, no scientific evidence has been provided to fully support these claims.

There are numerous options online and at local stores for products like NR that offer shortcuts to better health. Most are dismissed as a simple option you can try and that may or may not work for you, but with little risk involved. With NR, however, the study shows that taking this supplement isn’t without risk, as the study found NR could increase the risk of breast cancer and brain metastasis. High levels of NR were shown to increase risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer and may cause cancer to metastasize or spread to the brain.

The study was undertaken because many people purchase and use supplements under the assumption that supplements and vitamins only have positive health benefits, or they will pass through the body in urine. While some of these products may help, very little is known about how many work with regard to FDA studies affirming the benefits. The study looked to provide hard science about how vitamins and supplements, like NR, work in the body.

The lead researcher, Elena Goun, Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Missouri, undertook the study after the passing of her father only three months after being diagnosed with colon cancer. She wanted to gain a better scientific understanding of cancer metabolism, or the energy through which cancer spreads in the body. Given NR is known for increasing levels of cellular energy, and cancer cells feed off that energy with increased metabolism, her investigation took a focus on NR’s potential role in the development and spread of cancer.

Goun found that even though NR is being widely used in people and being investigated in many ongoing clinical trials for additional applications, much of how NR works is not understood. She took the novel tack of using a technique based on ultrasensitive bioluminescent imaging that allows quantification of NR levels in real time in a non-invasive manner. When she found NR present, the bioluminescent light was brighter with increased presence of the supplement. This technique revealed the link between metastasis and NAD+ metabolism.

Findings such as Goun’s, reaffirms the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers’ recommendation in making sure patients are careful when adding any supplements to their bodies while in treatment. This can include vitamins and supplements, as well as materials considered natural or organic healing options. While not every supplement or vitamin or essential oil will increase risks, or jeopardize treatment protocols, it is best to have a discussion with your physician.

Patients of Comprehensive should let their care team know about any supplements they’re considering, outside of standard care. It is not to say Comprehensive’s physicians won’t work with supplements or alternative medicines, but it is important to share the information and work together to determine what will provide the best outcome.

The silver lining in Goun’s research is not only the need for having careful investigations of potential side effects for supplements like NR, but also demonstrated success in using ultrasensitive bioluminescent imaging as a research and diagnostic tool to uncover metabolic signatures that can be different with each cancer, as well as each patient.

Research to advance cancer treatment is part of what makes Comprehensive Cancer Centers different from many other treatment centers. The practice has up to 100 clinical research studies ongoing.. The team also works in fields such as immunology, to explore new targeted therapies.

While Comprehensive is on the case for new treatment methods, the practice urges everyone – with or without cancer – to take charge of their own health by eating well, exercising, and getting regular checkups and cancer screenings. Simple prevention measures, as these, are important to your overall health and early detection.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients who’ve been referred to the practice by a patient’s primary physician. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.

The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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