What is NMN? Here's what you need to know

NMN: A Promising Molecule in the Fight Against Aging

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently classified aging as a disease, opening the door for new research into potential anti-aging therapies.  One molecule that has been the focus of intense investigation is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme present in all living cells.    

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)

NAD+ and Aging

NAD+ plays a critical role in various cellular processes, including energy production and cellular repair.  As we age, our NAD+ levels decline, which has been implicated in the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.    

NMN: A Key NAD+ Precursor

NAD+ levels can be increased through various methods, including supplementation with NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).    

NMN is a molecule that can be taken orally and is rapidly absorbed and converted into NAD+.  Studies have shown that NMN supplementation can have several beneficial effects, including:   

• Increased NAD+ biosynthesis    

• Suppressed age-related inflammation    

• Enhanced insulin secretion and action    

• Improved mitochondrial function    

• Improved neuronal function  

How NMN Works in the Body

The body has a complex system for synthesizing and regulating NAD+.  Vitamin B3 is a building block for NAD+, and NMN is a potent precursor to NAD+.  NMN is synthesized from vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinamide, a process catalyzed by the enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT).    

Interestingly, NMN can be converted to another NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR), which can then be converted back to NMN.  Additionally, NMN can be directly transported into cells by a specific transporter enzyme.    

NMN and Anti-Aging Research

In mouse models, NMN has been shown to:   

• Suppress age-associated weight gain    

• Enhance energy metabolism and physical activity    

• Improve insulin sensitivity    

• Improve eye function    

• Improve mitochondrial metabolism    

• Prevent age-linked changes in gene expression    

• Protect the heart    

• Restore skeletal muscle in aged mice    

• Slow cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease    

• Help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier    

• Reduce adipose tissue inflammation    

Importantly, NMN appears to be stable and well-tolerated.    

NMN: A Potential Anti-Aging Intervention

While much of the research on NMN has been conducted in animal models, early human studies are promising.  Researchers are exploring NMN's potential to improve human metabolism and reverse aspects of aging.    

The Future of NMN

As research continues, NMN holds promise as a potential nutraceutical anti-aging intervention.  Further studies are needed to fully understand its effects in humans and optimize its delivery.