196 - Cellular Recharge: Can Nicotinamide Riboside help in Long Covid Recovery?

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Nov 25, 2025

Guest

Rudy Tanzi

Guest

Edmarie Guzman-Velez

In this discussion, Edmarie Guzman-Velez, a former Harvard researcher and now assistant professor, and Rudy Tanzi, a prominent neurology professor at Harvard, delve into a clinical trial on nicotinamide riboside (NR) for Long Covid symptoms. They explore how NAD+, crucial for cellular energy, may be depleted by COVID, leading to fatigue and cognitive issues. Remarkably, the trial showed a threefold rise in NAD+, with improvements in fatigue, sleep, and mood. Caution is advised on dosing, emphasizing the need for medical oversight.

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INSIGHT

NR Targets Cellular Energy

Nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, can raise NAD+ to support cellular energy and cognitive function.
The trial tested whether NR could improve long COVID symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and sleep disruptions.

INSIGHT

Why NAD+ Matters

NAD+ is a central coenzyme that powers mitochondria and cellular energy production.
Low NAD+ impairs immune resilience, mood, sleep, and can contribute to long COVID symptoms.

INSIGHT

Possible Mechanism For NAD+ Loss

Viral activation of PARP enzymes may consume NAD+ as part of cellular DNA-protection responses.
That PARP-driven consumption could explain how infection depletes NAD+ levels.

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