Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring fountain of youth. It is rapidly gaining popularity as a quick fix for conditions associated with aging, like slower metabolism and poorer skin health. In this article, we investigate this wonder molecule. Is it a magical anti-aging solution? Is there sufficient evidence to support this claim? Read on to find out what NMN is, whether it’s okay to consume, and what NMN benefits could look like.
What is NMN?
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a popularly researched nucleotide naturally occurring in the body.
Nucleotides are molecules that play many roles in the body, such as being part of the DNA.
It is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), an essential molecule found in every cell in the body, which is known to slow down aging.
Many enzymes and proteins require NAD to perform their functions, including repairing and maintaining DNA. NAD provides energy in the body, helps growth and repair, and may be critical in slowing down the aging process.
NMN Benefits
Reduced energy levels are one of the many factors responsible for aging.
Increasing NMN intake increases the production of NAD, providing body cells with increased energy production. Taking NMN supplements to raise blood NAD levels naturally has several benefits:
May Boost Brain Function
The brain requires an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to function.
Studies suggest that NMN supplementation increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognition.
Restoring adequate circulation to the brain can help combat the onset of neurodegenerative conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
May Improve Muscle Function
Muscles lose their ability to regenerate and grow as a result of aging.
A study identified a transport molecule in the brain responsible for muscle health and studied its workings.
The study reported that this transporter could be modulated by reducing or administering nicotinamide mononucleotide.
Thus, NMN may reverse conditions like sarcopenia and improve muscle strength and endurance.
May Protect From Obesity and Diabetes
Mitochondria are cell organelles that convert food into energy.
They’re important for energy metabolism and the prevention of metabolic diseases.
Several studies have shown that increased NMN levels in the blood strongly correlate to healthy mitochondria.
- According to a 2017 study on pregnant mice, NMN had similar effects on body fat reduction as exercises. Further, NMN altered more gene expression markers of fat metabolism than exercise.
- When NMN was used to treat induced type 2 diabetes in mice, it increased glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and improved lipid levels, emerging as a promising treatment option.
- Another study found that 250g of NMN supplements in humans increased insulin sensitivity, which helped combat prediabetic conditions.
May Promote Heart Health
Healthy hearts need a constant supply of energy, which comes mostly from mitochondria.
Problems with mitochondria are often seen in failing hearts.
NAD+ is an important molecule for mitochondrial function.
Since NMN is a precursor to NAD+ and can thus support heart health.
This was validated by a study where scientists induced mitochondrial failure to stress the hearts of mice.
Upon injecting NMN, they found that the body quickly converted it to NAD+.
NAD increased the ability of heart cells to work under pressure and slowed the rate of heart cell death.
It was also able to reduce scarring, another contributor to heart dysfunction.
May Help With Cancer Therapy
Scientists have extensively studied the benefit of NMN in cancer therapy in rodents.
NMN immunotherapy has increased the efficacy of different therapies used in cancer treatment.
NMN has also been able to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, such as heart damage and cognitive impairment.
May Improve Eye Function
A loss of NAD results in rapid degeneration of the eye's nerves. This may increase the risk of vision loss.
When NMN is replenished in the body, it prevents degeneration of the eye nerves.
A study showed that NMN could protect cells in the eye and reduce inflammation in people with dry eye disease.
May Improve Fertility In Women
Increased age may cause fertility issues in women, like irregular ovulation or implantation failures.
NMN has been shown to improve age-related decline in egg quality and number in female mice.
May Promote DNA Repair
DNA codes accumulate damage as we age. Repairing DNA damage can prevent age-related diseases and impart an anti-aging quality.
NAD supports enzymes called sirtuins, the guardians of our healthspan.
Sirtuins play an important role in DNA repair by stabilizing telomere length, a sign of aging.
Studies have shown that feeding mice NMN activates sirtuins.
NMN also repairs DNA damage that occurs due to radiation and old age.
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NAD vs. NMN: What’s The Difference?
NMN is the precursor of NAD.
The amount of NAD depends upon the NMN available in the body.
The major differences between NAD and NMN include:
| NMN | NAD | |
| Type | Nucleotide | Coenzyme |
| Function | Increases NAD levels | Regulates metabolism, cell health, circadian rhythm, and organ functioning. |
| Blood absorption | Better | Poorer |
| Effect on mental health | Less effective | More effective |
| Effect on physical health | More effective | Less effective |
NAD Benefits
NAD is involved in repairing, rebuilding, and protecting DNA from damage.
It has several health benefits, such as:
- Slow down aging
- Protect cognitive function and memory
- Improve energy levels
- Reduce blood pressure
- Lower blood cholesterol levels
- Reduce cancer risk
NAD levels decrease with age or stress, triggering the aging process.
Low NAD levels increase your risk for health conditions like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
NAD is sometimes called the ‘fountain of youth’ as it can potentially reverse the effects of aging at a cellular level.
The best way to increase NAD levels is to increase the intake of NMN.
How To Increase NMN Naturally
Supplements are popular ways to increase NMN levels in the blood.
NMN occurs naturally in a few dietary sources, such as
- Avocados
- Cabbage
- Tomatoes
- Raw beef
- Broccoli
Small amounts of NMN also occur in cucumbers, cow milk, and edamame.
The gut readily absorbs NMN. However, more research can help understand how increased NMN intake increases NAD levels in the blood.
If you’re considering NMN supplementation, please consult a medical professional to help make an informed decision.
Are NMN Supplements Safe?
Nicotinamide mononucleotide is safe. No side effects of NMN supplements have been reported in humans so far.
A long-term study of NMN effects on rodents shows no side effects or toxicity.
A study of NMN in humans shows no safety concerns after administering oral doses of 100, 200, and 500 mg.
There were no changes in heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, blood composition, or body temperature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay To Take NMN Everyday?
NMN has practically no side effects in humans or animals.
Scientists generally agree that a daily dose of up to 1200mg is safe for human consumption.
Does NMN Make You Look Younger?
NMN helps reduce harmful inflammatory molecules in your body.
Thus, over time, it could smoothen your skin, even out pigmentations, and help your face glow.
How Long Does NMN Take To Work?
Different people will react at different speeds to NMN.
Noticeable changes like better endurance and skin health will only manifest after a month.
You can enjoy its long-term benefits, like DNA repair and cell rejuvenation over the months and years.
Summary: NMN Benefits
- Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring substance found in every cell in the body.
- NMN is the precursor for NAD, a molecule required by enzymes and proteins responsible for repairing and maintaining DNA.
- NMN offers several benefits, such as improving brain and muscle function, promoting heart health, and protecting from obesity and diabetes.
- NAD and NMN have applications in anti-aging therapy.
- Low levels of NAD increase the likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7238909/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/nmn-nicotinamide-mononucleotide-benefits-side-effects-and-dosage
- https://www.nmn.com/nmn-benefits-side-effects-dosage
- https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-022-00002-7
- https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_does_nmn_do_for_the_body/article_em.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8550608/
