Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a molecule that plays an essential role in energy production and the ageing process. And while few people have heard of it, it may be involved in boosting longevity.
Offering potential benefits for heart and brain health and weight management, research suggests that NMN may not only help to slow down the ageing process, but potentially reverse it too.
While further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of NMN, initial findings are positive.
Here, we’ll explore exactly what NMN is, as well as its role in the body and potential health benefits.
What is NMN?
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a molecule that’s derived from vitamin B3.
Our bodies convert NMN into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is found in every cell in the body and is thought to be the most important molecule when it comes to longevity and slowing the ageing process.
NAD helps us use the energy we get from food to activate proteins known as sirtuins. Among other things, sirtuins help to protect our DNA from damage – something which is known to contribute to ageing.
Without sufficient NAD levels, our bodies struggle to function. Though, NAD levels do naturally decrease with age. In fact, it’s estimated that by age 50, people have half the NAD levels they did in their 20s. Some experts suggest this is the reason energy levels tend to decrease with age.
Because of its ability to produce NAD, researchers have suggested that NMN could help to treat and prevent health conditions like diabetes, Alzhiemer’s disease, and heart disease.
Other studies have suggested NMN could contain properties which help slow the ageing process.
What are some potential benefits of NMN?
All body cells use NAD, and therefore they require NMN to function properly.
Combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, research has found that NMN can raise NAD levels throughout the body and lead to a number of potential health benefits.
We’ll cover some of these below…
Note: Animal studies have suggested that NMN supplements may provide various health benefits, but research on supplementation in humans is still relatively new. As a result, further studies are needed to confirm any current findings.
1. NMN may boost longevity and slow down ageing
When NMN is converted into NAD, it activates a group of proteins known as sirtuins. Sirtuins help to repair DNA and cause cells to act as they would when we were younger.
This is important because a gradual decline in DNA quality is known to impair healthy cell function. When cells stop working, it can cause organs, tissues, and cells to age – which may lead to various age-related health conditions, such as reduced heart, brain, and liver function.
Studies suggest that NMN may boost longevity by repairing damaged DNA and keeping cells healthy. While results vary, experts suggest that people may notice a decrease in signs of ageing after taking NMN. This might include improved hair, skin, and nail health.
Meanwhile, having low levels of NMN has been linked to an increased risk of age-related diseases such as liver disease and diabetes.
2. NMN may boost heart health
Alongside boosting longevity, NMN has been found to improve artery and vein function, increase levels of NAD in the heart, and protect the heart from injury and failure.
This animal study suggests that NMN may reverse age-related damage in arteries and guard against heart disease.
Another study found that when older mice were given NMN, their blood vessels could dilate just as well as those of younger mice.
Due to these findings, experts suggest that, when taking NMN, you’re likely to notice improvements in physical endurance – for example, finding that your heart rate recovers quicker after doing cardio.
3. NMN may boost brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
This study found that NMN significantly improved blood flow to the brain.
Healthy blood flow is essential for brain health because it helps to wash out harmful molecules and deliver a steady supply of nutrients and oxygen.
Other research also suggests that NMN may help to prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease by activating sirtuin genes. These genes can increase the number and size of mitochondria (the body’s energy source) in the brain.
For example, this study found that having higher levels of NMN in the brain improved memory, prevented degeneration and death of cells, and led to a decrease in the plaque build-up associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
4. NNM may reduce the risk of diabetes
Insulin resistance can develop with age and is one of the main reasons that diabetes is more common in mature adults.
NMN is known to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. Therefore, experts suggest that taking NMN alongside a healthy diet and active lifestyle may help to stablise blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of diabetes.
For example, this study found that when postmenopausal women with prediabetes took 250mg of NMN per day for 10 weeks, they had increased insulin sensitivity and signaling.
5. NMN may reduce the impact of jet lag
Research suggests that NMN may help adjust the body’s internal clock.
This means that it may help to ease the effects of jet lag or other circadian rhythm disorders.
6. NMN may boost energy levels
NAD helps the body convert food into energy. As levels of NAD decrease with age, one of the most common benefits of taking NMN is having higher energy levels.
In this study, NMN was found to increase stamina and endurance in older mice by up to 80%. Another study revealed that runners who trained five to six times a week and were given NMN had increased aerobic capacity after six weeks compared with a placebo group.
Taking an NMN supplement has also been found to reduce drowsiness, make muscles more responsive, and improve physical performance in mature adults.
When considering some of the various other benefits of NMN, such as improved sleep quality, relief from aches and pains, and improved recovery from jet lag, it makes sense that many people report feeling more energetic.
7. NMN may reduce the risk of certain cancers
Some studies suggest that having higher levels of NMN may help to protect cells against the effects of oxidative stress and DNA damage – both of which are linked with an increased risk of cancer.
For example, in this study, NMN was found to help prevent the growth and spread of metastasis (a form of breast cancer) in mice.
8. NMN may improve sleep quality
NMN has been linked to better sleep and reduced fatigue in mature adults.
For example, in this study, older adults experienced improvements in the quality and length of sleep when taking NMN. It also found that when NMN was taken in the afternoon, it significantly reduced fatigue.
What foods contain NMN?
Some of the best dietary sources of NMN include…
- Avocado (0.36 to 1.6mg per 100g)
- Cabbage (up to 0.9mg per 100g)
- Broccoli (0.25 to 1.12mg per 100g)
- Raw beef (0.06 to 0.42mg per 100g)
- Tomatoes (0.26 to 0.3mg per 100g)
Smaller amounts of NMN are also found in cucumbers, edamame, and cow’s milk.
However, while NMN naturally occurs in various food sources, this study found that you’d need to eat around 100kg of broccoli, 69kg of avocado, or 415kg of beef just to obtain 250mg of NMN a day!
Increasing the number of NMN-rich foods in your diet can still help, but taking a high-quality NMN supplement is the most effective (and potentially only feasible) way to raise levels of NAD in the body.
Are NMN supplements safe to use and what’s the daily dose?
Experts widely agree that NMN supplements are safe to use – so long as you source them from reliable and reputable sellers.
For example, in this clinical trial, single doses of 100, 250, and 500mg of NMN didn’t cause any significant change in heart rate or blood pressure and was safely digested without side effects.
Experts generally advise taking 250-1,200mg of NMN per day. However, because research is still ongoing, it’s difficult to determine the ideal daily dose.
With that said, it’s important to speak to your doctor before adding NMN supplements to your diet.
What forms do NMN supplements take?
NMN supplements come in various forms including a powder (placed under the tongue to dissolve), capsules, and even lozenges.
Pure, high-quality NMN is expensive and while it can be tempting to go for more affordable options, if you decide to take NMN supplements, it’s important to buy them from a reputable seller.
For information and advice about what to look out for when choosing an NMN supplement, head over to Youth and Earth’s website.
Note: It’s important to always speak to your doctor before introducing any new supplements to your diet, as they won’t be suitable for everyone.
Final thoughts…
While further research is needed to confirm the potential health benefits of NMN, the current findings are promising.
For further reading, why not head over to the general health section of our website? Here you’ll find everything from diet and nutrition tips to articles on heart, bone, and gut health.
Do you have any experience with NMN? Had you heard of NMN before reading our article? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.
