NIAGEN is nicotinamide riboside, which is converted into NAD+ in the body. NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and communication between the cell nucleus and mitochondria. Low NAD+ levels can impair these functions and contribute to aging. The document reviews research showing that NAD+ levels in skin decrease with age and exposure to UV radiation can further deplete NAD+ and disrupt cellular energy processes. Maintaining higher NAD+ levels through supplementation with NIAGEN may help protect skin health and promote wound healing by supporting mitochondrial function and energy production in skin cells. ChromaDex is interested in research partnerships to study NIAGEN for wound healing applications.

1. Skin Health & Wound Healing
ChromaDex®
in partnership with

2. What is NIAGEN®
?
NIAGEN®
is nicotinamide riboside (NR) which is a very unique member of the vitamin B3 family.
The body converts NR into Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) which is an essential
molecule found in every living cell.
Why is NAD+ so important?
NAD+ enables cells to covert the food that we eat into the energy that we need. NAD+ is also
the communication molecule between the cell nucleus and the mitochondria which are the energy
producing factories in the cell. If NAD+ levels are low then communication may be impaired and
mitochondria dysfunction may result. Furthermore, NAD+ depletion may play a significant role in
the aging process by limiting energy production, DNA repair and genomic signaling.
NAD+ and the skin
The following is a review that describes the dramatic role that NAD+ has regarding skin health
and skin homeostasis.
The evolving role of the NAD+/nicotinamide metabolome in skin homeostasis,
cellular bioenergetics, and aging.
Oblong JE.
DNA Repair; 23: 59-63; November 2014.
Human skin is exposed to daily environmental insults, particularly solar radiation, that triggers
a range of molecular responses. These perturbations to the normal homeostatic state can
lead to cellular dysfunction and, ultimately, impacts tissue integrity and accelerates skin aging
(photoaging). One of the responses is increased oxidative stress which has been shown to disrupt
cellular bioenergetics. This can be detected by depletion of the nucleotide energy metabolites
NAD+ and ATP as both an acute transient decrease and, over time, a more permanent chronic
reduction due in part to cumulative damage of mitochondria. NAD+ and its primary precursor
nicotinamide have been known for some time to impact skin homeostasis based on linkages
to dietary requirements, treatment of various inflammatory conditions, photoaging, and
prevention of cancer. Cellular NAD+ pools are known to be lower in aged skin and treatment with
nicotinamide is hypothesized to restore these levels, thereby mitigating cellular bioenergetics
dysfunction. In dermal fibroblasts, nicotinamide is able to protect against oxidative stress to
glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation as well as increase mitochondrial efficiency via sirtuin-
dependent selective mitophagy. Recent research has found that NAD+ cellular pools are more
dynamic than previously thought, oscillating in tandem with free nicotinamide, and serves
as a regulatory point and feedback loop in cellular metabolism regulation, maintenance of
mitochondrial efficiency, and circadian rhythmicity. Since UV-induced oxidative stress in skin
can disrupt these processes, continued molecular understanding of the role of NAD+ and
nicotinamide in skin biology is important to identify interventions that would help maintain its
normal homeostatic functions and efficient cellular bioenergetics.

3. NAD+ and aging
The cruel reality is NAD+ levels are highest at birth and decrease dramatically with age. The
graph below presents the correlation between NAD+ levels and age in males (a) and females
(b). NAD+ levels were analyzed in non-sun exposed skin from the pelvic region. For every two
decades of life, the NAD+ level decreases approximately 50%.
Age-associated changes in oxidative
stress and NAD+ metabolism in
human tissue.
Massudi H, Grant R, Braidy N, Guest J,
Farnsworth B and Guillemin GJ.
PLoS One; 10.1371(0042357); July 2012
NIAGEN®
and wound healing
NIAGEN®
is a very unique member of the vitamin B3 family. As the most direct and efficient
path to NAD+, NIAGEN®
may offer specific benefits relating to skin health and wound healing.
ChromaDex is dedicated to research and development and would like to establish a strategic
partnership to commercialize new and innovative products addressing wound healing.
ChromaDex would contribute all expertise and work very closely to determine the appropriate
research studies.
10005 Muirlands Blvd., Suite G, Irvine, CA 92618 | T: +1-949-600-9694 | F: +1-949-600-9699 | ingredients@chromadex.com | www.chromadex.com
0
0 20 6040 80
10
15
20
5
b
a
Age
NAD+(ng/mgprotein)
p=0.007
r=-0.769
p=0.0001
r=-0.706

4. NIAGEN®
is protected by the
following issued patents
Research collaborations with NIAGEN®
Nicotinamide riboside kinase compositions and methods
for using the same
Nicotinamide riboside kinase compositions and methods
for using the same
Yeast strain and method for using the same to produce
nicotinamide riboside
Nicotinoyl riboside compositions and methods of use
Methods and compositions for treating neuropathies
Nicotinamide riboside kinase compositions and methods
for using the same
Methods and compositions for treating neuropathies
8383086
8197807
8114626
8106184
7776326
AU 2006238858 A2
CN 1964627
10005 Muirlands Blvd., Suite G, Irvine, CA 92618 | T: +1-949-600-9694 | F: +1-949-600-9699 | ingredients@chromadex.com | www.chromadex.com