Blue Helix Health enters NAD+ space with NR and herbal boosters
The company has also formed a comprehensive clinical research program to conduct human studies to evaluate the effects of NAD+ supplementation through precursors, natural boosters, and supporting compounds. Focusing on cellular and neurological function, the human trials assess physical performance, mental acuity, metabolic function, and overall quality of life outcomes.
Blue Helix Health's new product offerings include patent-pending precursors that provide the essential building blocks for the body to create NAD+, with a specific focus on niacin derivatives and including nicotinamide riboside (NR). The second channel features natural plant-based products that boost the body's endogenous ability to produce NAD+.
NAD
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is an important cellular co-factor for improvement of mitochondrial performance and energy metabolism. As organisms age, NAD+ levels drop, which leads to a decrease in mitochondrial health; this in turn leads to age-related health issues. By the age of 70, individuals may have lost as much as 80% of the NAD+ present in their 30s.
In 2004, nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, was discovered to be a potent precursor to NAD+ and may increase mitochondrial health and induce the creation of new mitochondria.
While the science around NR has grown impressively over the years, the Intellectual Property (I.P.) around NR has been hotly contested, with ChromaDex, W.R. Grace & Co., Elysium Health, and Thorne Research all involved in various lawsuits defending or challenging the patents around the ingredient.
Speaking with NutraIngredients-USA at SupplySide West 2023, Elise Kaiser, Chief Growth Officer of Blue Helix, said: “We respect other companies’ I.P. and the body of evidence out there. We know NAD+ is vital and the second most abundant molecule in the body after water. We need more of it, but as we age it decreases, so how do we get more?
“Everyone hates to see a competitor enter the market,” she added, “but the fact is that competitors grow the market. Elysium and ChromaDex have done good jobs establishing the recognition but it [NR] is not mainstream yet.”
“Blue Helix has figured out a novel manufacturing process that doesn’t impinge on the patents. This was developed by Blue Helix’ researchers and it will be produced in a pharma GMP facility,” said Kaiser.
Beyond NR
In addition to NAD+ precursors, Blue Helix is also exploring plant-based products that stimulate the body's endogenous ability to produce NAD+. After screening 900 herbs, two compounds have been identified that upregulate target sites, promoting the body's natural NAD+ production, said Kaiser. Both are old dietary ingredients, she added.
"We are very excited to introduce Blue Helix, a new business venture now bringing NAD+ precursors and boosters to North America. Ultimately, we want to impact human health, helping people to live with vitality,” said Ashish Suthar, PhD, managing director of Blue Helix.
Blue Helix was founded by Frode Marc Bohan, one of the co-founders of NattoPharma, the company that introduced vitamin K2 as menaquinone-7, which is now used globally to support bone and heart health.
“At Blue Helix Health, we are at the forefront of NAD+ research, striving to uncover methods for producing NAD+ Precursors, natural Boosters, and conducting cutting-edge research into the mechanisms responsible for health benefits,” said Bohan.
