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.
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NMN is a precursor to NAD+ which is crucial for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and other important cellular processes.
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Animal studies suggest NMN does not help to prolong lifespan. However, it may produce some health benefits, such as support of heart, brain and skin health.
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More human studies must be conducted to determine health benefits, dosing, and safety.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a substance made by our bodies that are converted into nicotinamide 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 synthesized 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 calorie restriction 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 levels can also be increased by consuming certain foods. Foods that contain high levels of NMN include avocado, broccoli, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, and edamame. More studies must be conducted to provide minimum and maximum dose safety guidelines for NMN use. 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:
- Contribution to cancer prevention by repairing damaged DNA
- Help protecting brain cells from damage
- Ameliorating arterial damage
- Regulating insulin sensitivity
- 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 may scavenge 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 taking NMN 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 or other NAD-boosting supplements outweigh the potential risks. Someday, these compounds 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.
10 resources
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. A Narrative Review of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)+ Intermediates Nicotinamide Riboside and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide for Keratinocyte Carcinoma Risk Reduction.
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Coenzyme Q10 Protects Fibroblast Senescence Induced by Particulate Matter Preconditioned Mast Cells.
- International Immunopharmacology. Nicotinamide mononucleotide ameliorates DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by blocking activation of ROS-mediated JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway.
- Journal of Dermatological Science. Nicotinamide mononucleotide reduces melanin production in aged melanocytes by inhibiting cAMP/Wnt signaling.
- Frontiers in Pharmacology. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Combined With Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 Reduces the Photoaging Damage in Murine Skin by Activating AMPK Signaling Pathway.
- Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. NMN recruits GSH to enhance GPX4-mediated ferroptosis defense in UV irradiation induced skin injury.
- Journal of Inflammation Research. β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) Administrated by Intraperitoneal Injection Mediates Protection Against UVB-Induced Skin Damage in Mice.
- Aging and Disease. Pharmacology and Potential Implications of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Precursors.
- Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. Nicotinamide and its metabolite N-methylnicotinamide increase skin vascular permeability in rats.
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences. NAD+ Precursors Repair Mitochondrial Function in Diabetes and Prevent Experimental Diabetic Neuropathy.
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