Beta-nicotinamide adenine mononucleotide (NMN) has gained significant attention in recent years. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of the recent peer-reviewed scientific studies on NMN supplementation. This resource offers clear, accurate, and accessible insights for journalists and health-conscious individuals, summarizing the true potential of NMN according to the available evidence.
Research on NMN health benefits
Recent scientific studies on NMN have explored its potential role in various aspects of health and aging. However, due to the relatively recent interest in NMN, there is a gap between the health claims attributed to NMN supplementation and the available clinical evidence.
As of November 2024, there are only 18 published clinical studies on NMN supplementation across diverse populations, each with distinct objectives and designs.
We summarized these studies and grouped them into four distinct health areas — aging and longevity, cognitive function and brain health, metabolic health, and cardiovascular health — aiming to provide a balanced view of NMN's potential benefits and limitations.
Aging and longevity
One of the most talked-about but still largely unproven benefits of NMN supplementation is its potential to promote anti-aging and longevity. The primary mechanism of action of NMN is reported to be the increase of NAD+ levels — molecules essential for energy production and cellular repair — which tend to decline with age.
Of the 18 published clinical studies to date, 13 examined the increase of NAD+ levels in the body. Notable results include the following:
- A study of 66 healthy adults (aged 40–65) found that taking 300 mg of NMN daily for 60 days increased NAD+ levels by 38%, compared to 14.3% in the placebo group. However, the difference wasn’t statistically significant due to a placebo effect (Huang, 2022).
- A study on 80 generally healthy adults (aged 40–65) reported that NMN supplementation resulted in a dose-dependent increase in NAD levels. However, an increase in NAD levels was not found to be associated with chronological or biological age and other health factors (Kurarec et al., 2024).
In addition to boosting NAD+ levels, several studies have explored how NMN impacts common physical signs of aging:
- One study on 108 older adults found that 250 mg of NMN a day for 12 weeks improved lower limb function (Kim et al., 2022).
- A study in 30 older adults reported that administration of NMN in the form of MIB-626 for 12 weeks did not result in changes in muscle strength, fatigue resistance, aerobic capacity, and stair-climbing power when compared to placebo (Pencina et al., 2023).
- Another study looking at different doses of NMN supplementation for 8 weeks in 80 middle-aged healthy adults reported that there was a statistically significant difference in the blood biological age between the experimental and placebo groups (Yi et al., 2023).
- However, another study investigating the safety and efficacy of NMN in 14 older individuals with diabetes and impaired physical performance reported that supplementation for 24 weeks did not improve their grip strength and walking speed. Interestingly, researchers noticed that fewer people in the NMN group showed signs of frailty, and there were some differences in eye health measures between the groups. Still, these results were not strong enough to be considered significant (Akasaka et al., 2023).
- Likewise, another study on 60 older adults reported that at both 4 weeks and 12 weeks, the NMN and placebo groups had no significant differences when compared by performance in a stepping test (Morifuji et al., 2024).
Studies in humans were initiated following the promising results observed in animal studies:
- In older mice, NMN supplementation was shown to boost the activity of SIRT-1, a protein crucial for regulating longevity and health. It also helped counteract age-related declines in blood vessel flexibility and function (de Picciotto et al., 2016).
- In an animal model of Werner Syndrome — a rare disorder characterized by accelerated aging beginning in early adolescence — NMN administration in affected worms extended their average lifespan from 13.9 days to 19.8 days, nearly matching the lifespan of unaffected worms (Fang et al., 2019).
- Long-term supplementation of NMN was reported to delay the onset of frailty, improve metabolic health in male mice, and extend the median lifespan of female mice by 8.5% (Kane et al., 2023).
While current research suggests NMN may support aspects of cellular health linked to aging, it is unlikely to comprehensively 'reverse' aging. Initial findings are promising, but more extensive long-term clinical studies with larger human populations are needed to clarify NMN's role in aging.
Cognitive function and brain health
The potential effects of NMN supplementation on cognitive health and function have also been hypothesized and proposed to be related to the possible increases in NAD+ levels in the nervous system.
However, as of now, no studies have focused on the effects of NMN on cognitive function and brain health in humans.
In the meantime, multiple animal studies have reported that NMN supplementation may have beneficial properties in brain health and cognitive function:
- NMN administration to aged mice for two weeks was linked to better performance in spatial memory tasks and improved movement coordination (Tarantini et al., 2019).
- Giving NMN for two weeks to aged mice was reported to alter the expression of over 200 genes in neurovascular tissues, shifting them towards patterns typically seen in younger mice, suggesting that it may help restore neurovascular health and improve cerebral blood flow in aging (Kiss et al., 2020).
- Single NMN administration to the brains of mice via an injection was reported to reduce inflammation in brain tissues, suggesting its potential in neuroinflammation-associated disorders (Su et al., 2024).
Unfortunately, at this stage, even preclinical studies on NMN are still limited and vary widely in their focus on different indications and outcomes. Substantially more research, both in animal models and humans, is needed to clarify the potential impact of NMN on cognitive function and other areas of brain health.
Metabolic health
One of the most discussed potential benefits of NMN supplementation is its support for metabolic health. To this day, multiple studies in humans have looked at the effects of NMN in the context of blood sugar control, lipid profiles, and body composition.
Some of the notable results were reported:
- 10-week daily administration of 250 mg NMN in 25 postmenopausal women with prediabetes and overweight or obesity was reported to increase muscle insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling and remodeling (Yoshino et al., 2021).
- A 60-day study of 66 healthy adults (aged 40–65) found that NMN supplementation (Uthever formulation) may have prevented a worsening of insulin resistance, as measured by the HOMA score — a calculation tool based on the levels of serum fasting glucose and fasting insulin — while the placebo group showed a significant decline (Hao Huang, 2022).
- 8-week daily supplementation with 300 mg NMN in 16 postmenopausal women (aged 50 and 80) was reported to result in favorable changes in body mass index, HbA1c (blood marker for average blood glucose levels for the last 2–3 months), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, among other markers (Morita et al. 2022).
- Likewise, in a study of 30 middle-aged and older individuals with overweight or obesity, 500 mg twice daily NMN supplementation for 28 days was reported to result in significantly reduced total LDL and non-HDL cholesterol and body weight (Pencina et al. 2023).
In addition to existing studies in humans, research in animal models has also explored alternative hypotheses, yielding some notable results:
- In the offspring of obese mice, NMN supplementation had a stronger impact on liver fat metabolism compared to exercise alone. It also slightly improved glucose tolerance, helping address metabolic issues established during development (Uddin et al., 2017).
- In a study examining the effects of treadmill exercise and NMN supplementation on the gut microbiome of female mice fed a high-fat diet, combining exercise with oral NMN supplementation was found to improve the microbial metabolism altered by the high-fat diet (Yu et al., 2024).
While animal studies show promising results, robust evidence of NMN’s effects on human metabolism is still lacking. Current research, though limited, suggests that NMN may support certain metabolic processes in specific populations, but more clinical trials are needed to determine its effectiveness, timing, and potential benefits for human metabolic health.
Cardiovascular health
Given the proposed potential of NMN to support metabolic health and healthy aging, this compound has also been evaluated on whether it may support cardiovascular health.
A couple of small and limited studies in humans reported some possibly favorable cardiovascular effects:
- 12-week daily administration of NMN in 36 healthy middle-aged participants was reported to show potential in alleviating arterial stiffness, but there was no significant difference compared to placebo (Katayoshi et al. 2023).
- A study with 30 middle-aged and older participants with overweight or obesity who were administered NMN in doses of 500 mg twice daily for 28 days reported a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure, total LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol (Pencina et al. 2023).
In the meantime, results from animal studies suggest promising results, as it was reported that:
- NMN administration to aged mice resulted in improved blood vessel flexibility and function (de Picciotto et al., 2016).
- In a mouse model of a heart affected by Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy, NMN restored cardiac function to near-normal levels (Martin et al., 2017).
- In mice with diet-induced obesity, NMN was shown to protect crucial cellular mechanisms in the heart from disintegrating, thus preserving heart function during excessive fat buildup (Wang et al., 2024).
While NMN has been reported to contribute to heart health in animal model studies, only large-scale human clinical trials can definitively demonstrate its effects on cardiovascular health in humans. The existing research data currently serves only to generate new hypotheses, as clear evidence is lacking to confirm that NMN improves or supports heart health in humans.
Research on NMN consumption
This section reviews the limited research available on NMN dosage, forms, timing, and administration methods. The information provided is based on clinical studies published so far and is not meant to serve as a recommendation or guidance on proper supplementation.
Daily dosage and administration form
- Clinical studies on NMN have explored various dosages, ranging from a single dose of 100 mg (Irie et al., 2020) to 1,250 mg per day for 4 weeks (Fukamizu et al., 2022).
- All 18 human studies so far have reported that NMN is generally well tolerated.
- Some studies suggest that NMN's effects might plateau at higher doses, indicating that more isn't necessarily better (Kuerec et al., 2024).
- From the currently available evidence, it appears that even lower-end doses tend to achieve context-dependent health benefits over their respective study periods, but some studies suggest that higher doses may lead to better results. For example, greater improvements were seen at higher NMN doses (Liao et al., 2021) for exercise performance. However, studies evaluating multiple doses of NMN showed that people's responses are highly variable (Yi et al., 2022), and no clear guidance can be drawn without more extensive clinical studies.
- NMN is typically available in powder, capsule, or tablet form. Currently, no research study has looked at whether there is one best supplementation form. NMN bioavailability and stability may be affected by the choice of form, and some manufacturers claim improved bioavailability through liposomal formulations, although these claims have never been evaluated in pre-clinical or clinical studies.
Timing
Some of the existing clinical trials looked at different NMN supplementation time points:
- A study of athletes that reported improved aerobic capacity during exercise trainingseparated NMN administration into a morning and an afternoon dosage. NMN was to be taken before training sessions (Liao et al., 2021).
- The clinical trial study that reported that taking 250 mg of NMN improved lower limb function and reduced drowsiness in older adults administered the compound in the afternoon (Kim et al., 2022).
- A human study reporting sleep improvements, among other potential benefits, administered NMN before sleep (Morifuji et al., 2024).
Overall, the research on NMN timing is extremely limited, so general supplementation guidelines should be applied to NMN. It is important to follow the product manufacturer’s guidelines. As with many other supplements, consult a healthcare professional before incorporating this compound into your wellness routine and ensure that it complements, rather than replaces, a well-rounded diet.
Research into NMN side effects
As discussions and availability of NMN products become increasingly widespread, understanding its potential side effects and health risks becomes crucial. This section examines the current state of research on the safety profile of NMN, considering both human clinical trials and insights from animal studies. We present findings related to general tolerability, effects on the liver and kidneys, as well as the uncertainties surrounding long-term usage.
NMN side effects
NMN is a relatively new compound, and research into its side effects is still ongoing. While current studies suggest it has a generally good safety profile, it's important to be cautious, as the long-term effects in humans have not yet been fully studied.
- In a 2020 study on 10 healthy men, single oral administrations of NMN up to 500 mg daily did not cause any significant clinical symptoms or changes in heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. Laboratory analysis showed no significant changes, except for minor fluctuations in serum bilirubin, creatinine, chloride, and blood glucose levels — all within normal ranges (Irie et al., 2020).
- A 2022 safety evaluation study on 31 healthy adults aged 20–65, using a higher dose of 1,250 mg NMN daily for 4 weeks, reported no severe adverse events. The study found no changes exceeding normal variation in multiple clinical trials, including anthropometry, hematological, biochemical, urine, and body composition analyses (Fukamizu et al., 2022).
- Regarding liver and kidney function, the previously mentioned safety study found no significant changes in biochemical markers at the high 1,250 mg-a-day dose for 4 weeks (Fukamizu et al., 2022).
- While it is possible to find some concerns in biohacking forums online, there is no evidence from available research that would suggest NMN to be dangerous or cause cancer. On the contrary, some preclinical studies investigated the potential anti-cancer properties of NMN, though these findings are preliminary and require deeper investigation in large-scale human trials (Jiang et al., 2023).
However, it's important to note some potential concerns:
- Research on obese mice found that NMN supplementation reduced certain beneficial effects of exercise on blood sugar control. This suggests that NMN effects on metabolism may vary depending on factors like body weight and physical activity levels (Yu et al., 2021).
- Long-term NMN supplementation was reported to worsen inflammatory arthritis severity in rats. This calls for caution from individuals with inflammatory conditions and increases the need for further large-scale clinical studies in more diverse populations (Wang et al., 2021).
- Some researchers have theorized that NAD+ precursors like NMN might support the growth of existing cancer cells, although this is theoretical and not conclusively demonstrated in humans (Poljšak et al., 2022).
Market statistics regarding NMN
The global NMN market is experiencing significant expansion in many regions, which is largely driven by the increasing consumer interest in preventive health measures. Recent market analyses collectively demonstrate a similar, expansive growth trajectory of this product across various regions.
Global statistics
- The Global NMN market is valued at USD 115.9 million in 2024 (Cognitive Market Research).
- Worldwide online searches for NMN have grown by 200% over the last two years (Antlerzz report).
- In 2023, the top three vendors in the NMN market accounted for approximately 74.43% of total revenue (Intel Market Research).
U.S. statistics
- Individuals aged 35–44 account for 50% of all NMN-related searches in the U.S. (Antlerzz report).
- Approximately 128,600 NMN-related searches are performed monthly in the U.S. (Antlerzz report).
- The U.S. NMN market size in 2024 is estimated at USD 36.58 million (Cognitive Market Research).
- The U.S. NMN market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2024 to 2031 (Cognitive Market Research).
UK statistics
- Individuals aged 35–44 account for 62.5% of all NMN-related searches in the UK (Antlerzz report).
- The UK sees approximately 22,900 NMN-related searches performed monthly (Antlerzz report).
- The UK NMN market size in 2024 is estimated at USD 5.84 million (Cognitive Market Research).
- The UK NMN market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2031 (Cognitive Market Research).
Asia-Pacific statistics
- The Asia-Pacific NMN market size in 2024 is estimated at USD 26.66 million (Cognitive Market Research).
- The Asia-Pacific NMN market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2024 to 2031 (Cognitive Market Research).
- China's NMN market size in 2024 is estimated at USD 12 million, projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2031 (Cognitive Market Research).
In summary, the NMN market is poised for significant growth, fueled by rising consumer interest in health and longevity. Factors such as higher disposable incomes in certain regions, an aging population, greater health awareness, and scientific support will continue to drive the market's expansion in the years ahead.
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32 resources
- Endocrine Journal. Effect of oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and nicotinamide metabolite levels in healthy Japanese men.
- Science. Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women.
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study.
- Nutrients. Effect of 12-week intake of nicotinamide mononucleotide on sleep quality, fatigue, and physical performance in older Japanese adults: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.
- Frontiers in Nutrition. Oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide is safe and efficiently increases blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels in healthy subjects.
- Frontiers in Aging. A multicentre, randomised, double blind, parallel design, placebo controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Uthever (NMN supplement), an orally administered supplementation in middle aged and older adults.
- Glycative Stress Research. Clinical evaluation of changes in biomarkers by oral intake of NMN.
- Cureus. Nicotinamide mononucleotide is safely metabolized and significantly reduces blood triglyceride levels in healthy individuals.
- Scientific Reports. Safety evaluation of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide oral administration in healthy adult men and women.
- Geriatrics & Gerontology International. Effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide on older patients with diabetes and impaired physical performance: A prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
- The Journals of Gerontology. MIB-626, an oral formulation of a microcrystalline unique polymorph of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide, increases circulating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and its metabolome in middle-aged and older adults.
- GeroScience. The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial.
- Scientific Reports. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and arterial stiffness after long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide augmentation in overweight or obese middle-aged and older adults: a physiologic study.
- Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) intake increases plasma NMN and insulin levels in healthy subjects.
- Endocrine Journal. Safety and efficacy of long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation on metabolism, sleep, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis in healthy, middle-aged Japanese men.
- Mechanisms of Ageing and Development. Towards personalized nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentration.
- GeroScience. Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study.
- Aging Cell. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation reverses vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress with aging in mice.
- Nature Communications. NAD+ augmentation restores mitophagy and limits accelerated aging in Werner syndrome.
- Innovation in Aging. Long-term NMN treatment increases lifespan and healthspan in mice in a sex dependent manner.
- Redox Biology. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation rescues cerebromicrovascular endothelial function and neurovascular coupling responses and improves cognitive function in aged mice.
- GeroScience. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation promotes neurovascular rejuvenation in aged mice: transcriptional footprint of SIRT1 activation, mitochondrial protection, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.
- Brain Research. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation ameliorates the impact of maternal obesity in mice: comparison with exercise.
- Physiological Genomics. Complementary yet divergent effects of exercise and an exercise mimetic on microbiome in high-fat diet-induced obesity.
- Aging Cell. Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation reverses vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress with aging in mice.
- JCI Insight. Nicotinamide mononucleotide requires SIRT3 to improve cardiac function and bioenergetics in a Friedreich's ataxia cardiomyopathy model.
- Circulation Research. Glycolysis-mediated activation of V-ATPase by nicotinamide mononucleotide ameliorates lipid-induced cardiomyopathy by repressing the CD36-TLR4 axis.
- Oncogene. NAD+ supplementation limits triple-negative breast cancer metastasis via SIRT1-P66Shc signaling.
- Antioxidants. Current uncertainties and future challenges regarding nad+ boosting strategies.
- American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism. Exercise-induced benefits on glucose handling in a model of diet-induced obesity are reduced by concurrent nicotinamide mononucleotide.
- International Immunopharmacology. Nicotinamide mononucleotide-elicited NAMPT signaling activation aggravated adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by affecting peripheral immune cells differentiation.
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