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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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New evidence

A 9-day trial of vitamin B3 (plus B6) saw muscle stem cell markers rise 29–67% after intense exercise — but only in healthy young men, and the evidence is brand new.

This is the first controlled human trial to link a specific dose of nicotinamide and pyridoxine to more active muscle stem cells after damage, but because it's a single, small, short-term study in a narrow population, the finding is intriguing but far from actionable.

In a double-blind trial, 22 healthy young men took 19 mg/day of nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) plus pyridoxine (B6) for nine days after a high-intensity leg workout. Muscle biopsies showed that the number of stem cells initiating repair (Pax7, MyoD, myogenin) was 29% to 67% higher in the supplement group compared to placebo. This suggests the combination might help muscles recover faster, but the effect needs to be replicated in larger, longer studies and in other populations before it can be recommended.

Where this fits in the evidence

This is among the first studies we've indexed on Vitamin B3 for Increased Muscle Stem Cell Count — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.

The study

Nicotinamide and Pyridoxine Supplementation Enhances Muscle Stem Cell Activity and Muscle Regeneration in Humans: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of High Force Eccentric Contraction Recovery in Healthy Young Men.

  • Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
  • 2026-03-24
  • Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
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This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.

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