New Study Finds Anti-Aging Supplements May Fuel Cancer

Researchers warn popular NAD+ boosters could undermine chemotherapy for cancer patients

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:12am

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A new study led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine found that popular vitamin B3 supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and nicotinamide (NAM) may be doing more harm than good for cancer patients. The supplements were shown to help pancreatic cancer cells survive and resist standard chemotherapy treatments in both lab experiments and mouse models.

Why it matters

Millions of Americans take these anti-aging supplements to boost energy, slow aging, and protect the heart and brain. Cancer patients also often take them to help manage chemotherapy side effects. However, this new research indicates the supplements may be fueling cancer growth and undermining chemotherapy's effectiveness, posing serious risks for active cancer patients.

The details

The study found the supplements, particularly NMN, shielded pancreatic cancer cells from three common chemotherapy drugs - oxaliplatin, 5-flurorouacil and gemcitabine. The supplements boosted cancer cell energy, made tumors stronger and more resilient, reduced oxidative stress in tumors (neutralizing a key chemotherapy mechanism), and suppressed DNA damage and cell death (blocking the process chemotherapy depends on).

  • The study was recently published in the journal Cancer Letters.

The players

Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine

The university where the study was led by researchers.

Jordan Winter

The lead author of the study and a professor at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, as well as the co-leader of the developmental therapeutics program at the National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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What they’re saying

“Our findings highlight a potentially concerning role for NAD+-boosting supplements in the context of an active cancer, especially when used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Our discovery is a call to action for the medical community.”

— Jordan Winter, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine professor and co-leader of the developmental therapeutics program at the National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Center

“This research is a critical reminder that 'natural' doesn't always mean safe, especially in the complex biology of cancer treatment.”

— Jordan Winter, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine professor and co-leader of the developmental therapeutics program at the National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Comprehensive Cancer Center

What’s next

The researchers are calling for routine screening of supplement use in all cancer patients and further clinical research about the interaction between NAD+ supplements and cancer therapies. Cancer patients are advised to discuss the potential risks with their oncologist and medical team immediately.

The takeaway

This study raises serious concerns about the use of popular anti-aging supplements like NMN, NR, and NAM among cancer patients, as they may be inadvertently fueling cancer growth and undermining the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The medical community must urgently investigate this issue further and provide clear guidance to cancer patients about the risks.