NMN stands for nicotinamide mononucleotide and it's a form of vitamin B3 that’s recently gained traction for its anti-ageing benefits due to very promising research.
What Are The Benefits Of NMN?
Slow down the effects of ageing by elevating NAD+ levels in the body.
Improved energy levels by increasing the number of mitochondria cells in your body (mitochondria are your cell's energy factories)
How Does NMN Work?
As we age, NAD+ levels naturally lower. NAD+ has the following functions in the body.
Converts food into energy.
Protect cells from age-related damage
Protect DNA age-related damage
Maintain a healthy metabolism
Repair damaged cells
NAD+ can, directly and indirectly, influence many key cellular functions, including metabolic pathways, DNA repair, chromatin remodelling, cellular senescence and immune cell function.
These cellular processes and functions are critical for maintaining skin, tissue and metabolic healthy ageing.
A decline in NAD+ levels is linked causally to numerous ageing-associated diseases, including cognitive decline, diabetes, high blood pressure, reduced energy levels, and loss of muscle mass and strength.
Recent studies have led scientists to theorise that many of these ageing-associated diseases can be slowed down and even reversed by restoring NAD+ levels.
Scientific Evidence
Study 1
Study type:
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial
NMN dose:
There were 3 different dosage groups and a placebo group:
300 mg/day (low dosage group)
600 mg/day (medium dosage group)
1200 mg/day (high dosage group)
Each group consisted of 10 male participants and 2 female participants.
Additional interventions:
All participants actively trained during the study period by adhering to an exercise program: 6 weeks of aerobic exercise (running and cycling), with 5–6 sessions per week lasting 40–60 min each.
Participants:
48 young and middle-aged recreational runners
Duration:
6 weeks
Results:
NMN was associated with a dose-dependent increase in cardio capacity and breathing threshold. The authors attribute this improvement to enhanced oxygen utilisation in skeletal muscles. The moderate and higher doses were associated with greater improvements in aerobic capacity than the lower dose.
To investigate the long-term effects of NMN administration on age-associated physiological decline in mice
Age-related complication:
Age-associated physiological decline
NMN dose:
100 and 300 mg/kg for 12 months
Duration:
12 months
Results:
NMN reduced ageing-induced weight gain, enhanced energy metabolism, promoted physical activity, improved insulin sensitivity and plasma lipid profile, and eye function. NMN prevented age-associated gene expression changes in key metabolic organs and enhanced mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and mitonuclear protein imbalance in skeletal muscle.
These effects indicate that NMN (and other NAD+ intermediates) may be an effective anti-ageing intervention in humans, although clinical studies are required.
NMN is safe to consume in doses of up to 1200mg per day in humans.
Study 1 (safety)
Study type:
Uncontrolled trial
Purpose:
To investigate the safety of single NMN administration in 10 healthy men
NMN dose:
100, 250, and 500 mg (single administrations)
Duration:
Acute (5 hours)
Results:
In conclusion, the single oral administration of NMN up to 500 mg was safe and well-tolerated in healthy men. No significant deleterious effects were observed. The authors concluded that oral administration of NMN is feasible and could be used as a potential therapeutic strategy to replenish cellular NAD+ levels to mitigate ageing-related functional disorders in humans.
