Recent animal research has unveiled an intriguing possibility: combining a green tea antioxidant with nicotinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3, might rejuvenate aging brain cells and eliminate protein plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Earlier human studies have also connected green tea and dietary vitamin B3 to improved cognitive health.

Key Findings from the Latest Research

Published in GeroScience, this recent study discovered that pairing epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—an antioxidant found in green tea—with nicotinamide (vitamin B3) successfully restored guanosine triphosphate (GTP) in the brain cells of mice.

GTP serves as an energy compound that naturally diminishes with age, and reduced levels have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Remarkably, within just 24 hours of administering the EGCG and B3 combination, GTP levels in mouse brain cells mirrored those found in younger cells. This restoration of GTP levels helped decrease oxidative stress and eliminate damaging clusters of amyloid proteins that can play a role in Alzheimer’s development.

Despite these encouraging results, it’s premature to suggest green tea and vitamin B3 supplements for brain health purposes.

Why Standard Supplements May Not Work

Taking EGCG and vitamin B3 supplements orally probably won’t enhance cognitive function or address Alzheimer’s disease.

Gregory J. Brewer, PhD, who led this new study and serves as a professor of biomedical engineering at the University of California, Irvine, previously discovered that oral B3 supplements proved ineffective against early Alzheimer’s in a recent trial.

He clarified that gut bacteria destroy vitamin B3 before it can reach the brain. Additional research is necessary, but scientists might eventually create more effective delivery methods, such as patches, nasal medications, or sublingual supplements.

The Role of Green Tea Consumption

Some studies suggest that green tea could enhance memory, decrease anxiety, lower blood pressure, and help prevent dementia. This beverage offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.

A recent observational study involving 8,766 adults without dementia identified a connection between consistent green tea consumption and reduced cerebral white matter lesions, which have been associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, coffee drinking didn’t produce the same advantages.

However, Brewer noted that green tea by itself won’t deliver the benefits observed in his research because both green tea and nicotinamide are necessary to enhance the energy supply.

“To keep neurons alive and functional for your memory purposes, that requires a lot of energy, so we need both the protection and the energy supply to stay healthy,” he added.

The Bigger Picture: Dietary Approaches

Research has demonstrated a connection between dietary vitamin B3 and cognitive function. Rather than concentrating on this single nutrient, though, it’s more beneficial to embrace dietary patterns that may help reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk, according to Vanessa King, MS, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The MIND diet, for instance, was created specifically to help reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk. This eating approach emphasizes leafy green vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, seafood, poultry, and extra virgin olive oil. Many of these foods provide excellent sources of vitamin B3.