Increasing longevity and energy, all while improving sleep, metabolism, cardiovascular and cognitive health.
We live in an era where lifespan is better than ever in human history. Our healthcare systems are more advanced and our access to information and understanding is accelerating our global knowledge. Although these evolutions are transforming humankind, our healthspan remains a paramount challenge.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of healthspan is ‘the number of years that someone lives or can expect to live in reasonably good health.’[i] It reflects one’s quality of life, to ensure that longevity is not just about adding years to one’s life, but also life to their years.
In our previous blog post, we explored Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, commonly known as NAD+, which is described as the fundamental building block for health and longevity. Click here if you missed this NAD+ blog post.
This blog post will explore the benefits of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and how it increases NAD+ levels.
Introducing Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, commonly known as NMN, is a natural compound that is a derivative of niacin (Vitamin B3).[ii] NMN is a synthetic supplement, which is synthesised from Vitamin B through chemical reactions that combine nicotinamide with a phosphate group.
Essentially, NMN is a precursor to NAD+, meaning it is responsible for effectively enhancing the production rate of NAD+.[iii] This occurs when NMN molecules are converted into NAD+ through enzymatic reactions with cells.[iv] Many people wonder, why do we supplement NMN rather than NAD+ directly? NAD+ is a larger molecule than NMN, and as a result, NMN is more easily absorbed in the body, showing promising results that support replenishing NAD+.
As humans, we naturally obtain NMN through various dietary sources. Foods like broccoli, avocado, cabbage, and edamame contain NMN precursors, which our bodies can then convert into NMN, to improve natural NAD+ levels.[v] However, the NMN content in food is relatively low, so dietary intake may not be sufficient to meet our body’s demands. This has led to the development of NAD+ boosting supplements, such as NMN.
The Role of NMN in Aging
As we age, the natural level of NAD+ in our body declines. Evidence demonstrates that NAD+ levels reduce by approximately 50% every 20 years.[vi] This decline compromises cellular function and contributes to various age-related concerns.
Scientific Studies on NMN
Recent human studies assess the benefits of NMN supplementation. The outcomes indicate promising results that determine NMN supplementation prevents age-related issues and improves health outcomes associated with aging.
Metabolism and cardiovascular health:
A study published by Scientific Reports looked at a randomised trial with 36 healthy, middle-aged participants. Half of the group received two 125 mg capsules of NMN a day, whilst the other half received two placebo capsules without NMN.[vii] After 12 weeks, the results indicated that NMN supplementation effectively enhanced NAD+, and improved metabolism in the adults. The results also suggest that NMN supplementation improves vascular health in middle-aged adults, especially in those with high BMI or blood glucose levels.[viii]
Exercise performance and muscle dysfunctions:
A study, published by npj Aging used 65 males, to assess the results of NMN supplementation vs placebo effects. The results suggested that exercise performance improved when participants supplemented NMN. Additionally, the NMN supplementation also decreased muscle dysfunctions.[ix]
Energy and improved sleep:
A study published by PubMed assessed 108 randomised participants and either administered 250 mg of NMN or placebo once a day for 12 weeks. The results indicated that NMN supplementation reduced drowsiness, increased physical performance, and reduced fatigue.[x]
Studies suggest that NMN:
- Improves energy
- Improve cognitive health
- Improves metabolism and weight management
- Improves insulin sensitivity
- Supports skin health
- Support cardiovascular health
- Improves exercise performance and recovery
NMN represents a captivating frontier in the quest for longevity and vitality. As a precursor to NAD+, NMN supplementation holds promise in counteracting age-related decline and promoting cellular health.
References:
[i] Cambridge University Press 2024, ‘Healthspan’, Cambridge Dictionary.
[ii] Grozio, A, Mills, K. F, Yoshino, J, Bruzzone, S, Sociali, G, Tokizane, K, & Imai, S. I 2020, ‘Nicotinamide mononucleotide: Exploration of diverse therapeutic applications of a potential molecule’, Biomolecules, vol. 10, no. 3.
[iii] Yoshino, J, Baur, J & Imai, S 2018, ‘NAD+ intermediates: The biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR’, Cell Metabolism Review, pp. 513-518.
[iv] Yoshino, J, Mills, K. F, Yoon, M. J, & Imai, S. I. 2011, ‘Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, a Key NAD+ Intermediate, Treats the Pathophysiology of Diet- and Age-Induced Diabetes in Mice’, Cell Metabolism, vol. 14, no. 4, p. 528-536.
[v] Sinclair, D & LaPlante, M 2019, Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To, Harper Collins Publishers, Dublin, Ireland, pp. 135.
[vi] Shade, C 2020, ‘The Science Behind NMN – A Stable, Reliable NAD+ Activator and Anti-Aging Molecule’, Integrative Medicine, vol. 19, no. 1.
[vii] Katayoshi, T, Uehata, S, Nakashima, N, Nakajo, T, Kitajima, N, Kageyama, M, Tsuji-Naito, K 2022, ‘Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and arterial stiffness after long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’, Scientific Reports, Vol. 1.
[viii] Katayoshi, T, Uehata, S, Nakashima, N, Nakajo, T, Kitajima, N, Kageyama, M & Tsuji-Naito, K 2022, ‘Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and arterial stiffness after long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’, Scientific Reports, Vol. 1.
[ix] Igarashi, M, Nakagawa-Nagahama, Y, Miura, M, Kashiwabara, K, Yaku, K, Sawada, M, Sekine, R, Fukamizu, Y, Sato, T, Sakurai, T, Sato, J, Ino, K, Kubota, N, Nakagawa, T, Kadowaki, T & Yamauchi, T 2022, ‘Chronic nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation elevates blood nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels and alters muscle function in healthy older men’, npj Aging and Mechanisms of Disease, vol. 8.
[x] Kim, M, Seol, J, Sato, T, Fukamizu, Y, Sakurai, T & Okura, T 2022, ‘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’, PubMed, vol. 14, pp. 755.
