Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) May Be the Miracle Cure for Aging

From Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth to “miracle cures” for aging, the search for immortality is as old as humanity. As scientists delve deeper into our genetic code, more information has been revealed about cellular aging and death. While immortality is not possible, we have more ways than ever to delay the impact of aging. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), discovered in the 1960s, may be another key to prolonging life.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a substance made by our bodies that are converted into nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is required by all cells to provide energy and regulate critical survival functions. NAD cannot be readily absorbed into the body but must be manufactured from precursors like NMN, tryptophan, and nicotinamide. Unfortunately, over time, NMN and, subsequently, NAD levels decline as part of the aging process.

The role of NMN in the body

NMN, which is a derivative of vitamin B3 (niacin), controls several functions in the body. It is responsible for energy production and metabolism, cell growth, regulation of inflammation and response to oxidative stress, DNA repair, and gene expression.

Aging and NMN levels

With age, NMN is not produced at the same capacity as during youth. This age-related decrease in NMN occurs in all organ systems. There are several factors that may contribute to the decline in NMN with aging:

• UV damage can trigger the enzyme poly ADP-ribose polymerase to repair DNA damage, which consumes large amounts of NAD and NMN.
• To produce NMN, our body requires an enzyme called nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), which levels and function decline as we age.
• Dietary intake of niacin may decrease with age, which may limit the availability of NMN precursors.

Luckily, exercise and other lifestyle factors such as fasting can boost the activity of NAMPT and consequently the production of NMN and NAD counteracting their age-related decline.

All cells in the body manufacture NMN, but this manufacturing decreases with age. NMN can also be supplemented by consuming certain foods and oral supplements. Foods that contain high levels of NMN include avocado, broccoli, cabbage, tomato, cow's milk, cucumber, and edamame. More studies must be conducted to provide minimum and maximum dose safety guidelines for NMN supplements. Studies are currently being conducted to determine if topical preparations can deliver NMN directly to skin cells.

Benefits of NMN

Animal models have demonstrated the health benefits of NMN across several organ systems. Some potential benefits include:

• Preventing cancer by repairing damaged DNA
• Protecting brain cells from damage that can lead to Alzheimer disease
• Reversing arterial damage to prevent heart disease
• Regulating insulin sensitivity to prevent diabetes
• Increasing muscle strength and endurance
• Protecting cells from UV damage

NMN and UV damage

UV light is the number one cause of premature skin aging. NMN is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges up free radicals.

Studies in animals suggest that NMN may help reduce free radicals produced by the sun that attack our cells and destroy our collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin destruction leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Inconclusive is the evidence around NMN for cancer protection. On one hand, some animal studies suggest that NMN may help repair the damage that UV light causes to our DNA, which may lead to skin cancer formation. On the other hand, other studies indicate that NAD-booster such as NMN may increase the risk of certain cancers in mice.

Side effects and dosing

There are few reported side effects associated with NMN supplementation in human studies, and those that have been reported are generally mild. Most studies use doses ranging from 250 mg to 1,500 mg per day, with some studies using even higher doses. Some possible side effects of NMN supplementation may include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headaches
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Changes in blood pressure or heart rate

In summary, it is unclear whether the potential benefits of NMN and other NAD-boosting supplements outweigh the potential risks. Someday, these supplements may prove useful for treating very specific diseases, but when it comes to general use for longevity, the evidence supporting their anti-aging benefits is too unconvincing.

Please be aware that from the fall of 2022 NMN is under an investigation as a potential new drug by the FDA. That puts the legality of the product as a dietary supplement in question. It’s a complicated situation that’s not yet solved. However, it is important to note that since we are not a manufacturer or retailer, we do not take any responsibility for the availability of the product as a dietary supplement after having lost its dietary ingredient status.