In a laboratory at Akershus University Hospital, we find associate professor Evandro Fei Fang. He is one of the country’s leading researchers on ageing. Fang has worked for a number of years to find a possible cure for Alzheimer’s and diseases that cause accelerated ageing. Now he hopes for a breakthrough. – I think these blue capsules can give us healthier and longer lives, says Fang. Too good to be true? The fact is that this research has already produced encouraging results. Researcher Evandro Fei Fang believes the capsules can help slow down the aging process in humans. Photo: Jan-Erik Wilthil / news Keeping the cells fresh The star in this show is called NAD. A vital small molecule that connects to central functions in our cells. Simply explained, this molecule is crucial for the power plant in the cells, the so-called mitochondria, to be able to create energy. It helps our cells stay healthy and resistant to stress and damage. In addition, it is important for repairing damaged DNA. The problem is that we produce less of this substance, the older we get. And less access to NAD is linked to several of the diseases that affect us as we get older. Especially brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s are linked to this, and a lack of NAD is already recognized as one of the most important characteristics of ageing. Now Fang and his assistants in the laboratory have adopted a method that increases the levels of this substance in the body. Researchers at Ahus currently investigating the effect of NAD on roundworms. Photo: Jan-Erik Wilthil – Can give longer life This is where the blue capsules come into the picture. They contain a form of vitamin B3, which is a precursor to NAD. – Studies have shown that the NAD level in the blood increases when we take these capsules, says Fang. He has carried out several experiments on mice, banana flies and roundworms, which have produced promising results. – The experiments show that mice that get more NAD are healthier and live longer, says Fang. Although the results cannot automatically be transferred to humans, Fang is cautiously optimistic. – I don’t think it’s possible to stop ageing, but perhaps we can increase life expectancy by 10 to 20 percent. That means we can live until we are 100 years old. The goal is not necessarily just to live longer, but to maintain good health, he says. The key to good health? Every year, thousands of Norwegians die from age-related diseases such as cancer, dementia and cardiovascular diseases. Even more people will need care when the wave of elderly people hits, and the crisis in elderly care will probably only grow in scope. The UN expects the number of people over the age of 65 to double by 2050. The topic is highly topical after news Brennpunkt revealed a serious failure in care for the elderly in Norway. Super soft 86-year-old. Inger Marie Holte has iron health after being active all her life. Photo: Jan-Erik Wilthil / news Most of us dream of dreams of an active old age in good health. 86-year-old Inger Marie Holte from Hokksund is fitter than most. A long life with lots of exercise has given her iron health. So far, she has steered clear of all the diseases that affect us when we get old. The former national team coach in gymnastics has no doubt as to what is the cause. – The fact that I have stayed in shape has been decisive. I train for one and a half to two hours every single day. I believe in moving and doing something all the time, says Holte. But what if we could take a small capsule that kept us as healthy as Inger Marie? Right now, several researchers are working intensively to discover whether increased levels of NAD can be the key to avoiding several age-related diseases: Can have an effect against brain disease At Haukeland Hospital in Bergen, a group of researchers is conducting an extensive study, which will investigate whether the the same capsules can have an effect against diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and ALS. – We have discovered that these capsules increase the level of NAD in the human brain. Now we will find out if they can be used to treat these diseases, says researcher and professor Charalampos Tzoulis. The first results from the study are already expected in two years. Promising results Tzoulis describes the NAD research as promising. If it turns out that the capsules have an effect against the brain diseases, it may become relevant to create a new drug. – There is a possibility that this will work as a treatment for several of the folk diseases, but we have no guarantees. We must first complete these studies to get an answer to this, says Tzoulis. He is currently waiting for the animal experiments which show that mice became younger after consuming the active substance in the capsules. – It must be taken with a large pinch of salt. We must remember that there are many examples of promising results from mouse experiments, which have not worked on humans, says Tzoulis. Blue capsule against heart failure Heart disease can also potentially be prevented and treated using the contents of the capsules. Professor Torbjørn Omland at the KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Markers, University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, is now leading a study to clarify whether they can also work against heart failure. – This is very exciting. It looks like heart failure is associated with a lack of NAD, says Omland. Patients with breast cancer are participating in the study. – These patients receive a type of treatment that can damage the heart and cause an accelerated aging process. By giving these capsules, we hope to prevent this, says Omland. We need robust studies If the results turn out as Omland hopes, he believes it could become an important tool in the fight against heart disease. – Heart failure is a very common disease among the elderly all over the world . This is a major health problem, for which we have a great need for more forms of treatment. Although he is optimistic, Omland emphasizes that robust studies on humans are needed to provide clear answers. Warnings against use The active substance in the capsules is already available on the open market, under the names nicotinamide riboside and NMN. These can easily be ordered online. Despite promising results, the researchers warn against taking the capsules. According to Professor Charalampos Tzoulis at Haukeland Hospital, there is a theoretical risk of increased spread in cancer patients. – We use high doses, and we do not know if this is safe. There are currently no documented serious side effects, but you don’t know what you’re getting when you buy this online. People must think about their own health, and wait until the results of our studies are clear, says Tzoulis. He receives support from his research colleague Evandro Fei Fang. – There is no point for young people to take these capsules. It is probably most effective for those over 50, but they should consult with their doctor first, says Fang. Would you take a capsule that gave you a healthier and longer life? Yes of course. No, aging is a natural process. Show result Inger Marie Holte is 86 years old, but still keeps herself in good physical shape. Photo: Jan-Erik Wilthil / news Back in the training room, Inger Marie Holte has finished another session on the treadmill. If it turns out that the capsules actually work, she has no doubts about what she would do herself. – It’s probably too late for me, but I wouldn’t think twice. It’s sad to see your peers get sick, and think about how they once were. There is far too much cancer and other diseases that tear people away, says the 86-year-old. Hi! Do you have any input or tips after reading this case? Please send me an email.
ttn-69
Hope vitamin capsule can be the solution – news Oslo og Viken – Local news, TV and radio
