Effect of Nicotinamide Riboside on Ketosis, Fat Oxidation & Metabolic Rate
Recruiting · Bethesda, Maryland
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Background: At least 30% of Americans have fatty liver disease. This means that they store too much fat in the liver.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Background: At least 30% of Americans have fatty liver disease. This means that they store too much fat in the liver. At the moment lifestyle changes are the only way to treat this problem. Objective: To test how (1) a low-carbohydrate diet and (2) a supplement called nicotinamide riboside (NR) affect how a person s body uses dietary fat. Eligibility: Men aged 18 to 65 and women aged 18 to 50 who are healthy volunteers with a body mass index (height to weight ratio) of 25 or more. Adults with maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2) are also needed. Design: Participants with diabetes will have 1 screening visit and a 9-day clinic stay. Healthy volunteers will have 1 screening visit and 2 clinic stays of 1 to 2 weeks each. During screening, all participants will have a physical exam with blood and urine tests. They will have their heart rhythm measured while riding a gym bike. NR is a pill taken by mouth. Only healthy volunteers will take the NR, for 14 days at a time, during 1 clinic stay. During their other stay, they will take placebos; these are pills that look like the study supplement but contain no NR. During each clinic stay, all participants will eat a normal American diet. Then they will eat a ketogenic "low-carb" diet for 5 days. Participants will have many tests, including: Sleeping every night and having two 24-hour stays in a special room that measures the gases their body uses and produces. Drinking a high-fat shake, then remaining seated for 5 hours while their blood and breath are monitored. Having a substance injected into the arm and remaining seated for 3 hours while their blood is measured. Wearing monitors to measure their activity levels. Another monitor will measure their blood glucose levels. Having imaging scans. ...
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Adult men age 18 to 65, or pre-menopausal adult women age 18 to 50
- •People with diagnosed maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2) may join (for men 18–65 or pre-menopausal women 18–50)
- •Body mass index (BMI) 25 or higher (BMI cutoff may be 18.5 or higher for people with MODY2)
- •Weight stable (less than ±5% body-weight change) over the past 6 months
- •Must be able to cycle at a moderate rate/intensity using a heart-rate target, with no signs of arrhythmia
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Taking drugs/supplements (including diet/weight-loss meds) that could affect energy metabolism or digestion/absorption
- •Signs of liver disease based on low albumin and high bilirubin (albumin <2.8 mg/mL and bilirubin >3 mg/mL)
- •Having significant medical problems such as non-MODY2 diabetes, more severe heart failure (NYHA class >II), or kidney disease (CKD stage II or worse)
- •Using prescription hypertension medications if they do NOT have MODY2
- •Pregnancy test is positive (only for people who can get pregnant)
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–65
- ✓A BMI around 25 or higher
- ✓Have Obesity / overweight
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure, Kidney disease
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Background: At least 30% of Americans have fatty liver disease. This means that they store too much fat in the liver.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06044935 · Locations: Maryland