Our bodies change naturally as we age, which can affect our vitality, energy levels, and overall health. One of the key contributors to these activities is a molecule called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), which diminishes with age. But what if there was a way to promote better ageing by increasing this important molecule? One such potent chemical that has attracted attention is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which has the ability to increase NAD+ levels, promote cell health, and may even alleviate some of the symptoms of ageing. This blog will cover how NMN works, the possible benefits for longevity, and the most recent research on its role in age-reversing supplements.
What is NMN and How Does It Work?
NMN, short for nicotinamide mononucleotide, is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body. It is also found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables like tomato, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, mushroom and avocado as well as in raw beef and shrimp. NMN in the body helps produce a molecule called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD plays a very important role in various biological processes like energy production, DNA repair, cell health, ageing and neuroinflammation (Nadeeshani et al., 2022).
NAD+ levels decline with age, which is associated with a variety of age-related diseases and conditions. The decrease in NAD+ levels causes depletion in the body’s energy levels. This happens because certain enzymes in the body use up NAD+ over time. These enzymes include CD38, PARP, sirtuins, and others. For instance, sirtuins use NAD+ to perform vital functions including ageing regulation and cell health maintenance. PARP needs NAD+ to aid in DNA repair, and CD38 uses it to create other molecules. Because NAD+ is used up by these enzymes, the body’s NAD+ levels become low. NMN supplements are believed to help increase NAD+ levels in the body, thereby promoting better cellular function and potentially reversing some signs of ageing. NMN is often marketed as an age-reversing supplement, aimed at improving cell health and rejuvenating the body from the inside out.
How NMN Supports Cell Health and Longevity
NMN's capacity to extend life is linked to its involvement in boosting NAD+ levels. NAD+ is necessary for the action of sirtuins, a group of proteins that regulate cellular repair, prevent inflammation, and provide energy. These processes are crucial for maintaining cell health and promoting longevity.
NMN supplementation raises NAD+ levels, which enhance mitochondrial activity, aid in DNA repair, and shield cells from oxidative damage. The net result is healthier cells that can function optimally, potentially slowing the ageing process and increasing lifespan.
Recent Clinical Trials on NMN and Ageing
The efficacy of NMN supplements in reversing ageing processes and enhancing general health has been shown by recent clinical trials. Although NMN and anti-ageing research is still in its early stages, the initial findings are promising.
Key Findings on NMN Supplement Anti-ageing Potential
Safety and Efficacy in Older Adults with Diabetes: In a 24-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind study 250 mg/day NMN was administered to older male patients with diabetes and reduced physical performance. Results indicated that NMN was well-tolerated without severe adverse events. But, there were no remarkable improvements in grip strength or walking speed compared to the placebo group. Notably, there was a trend toward reduced frailty prevalence in the NMN group (Akasaka et al., 2022).
Impact on Muscle Function in Healthy Older Men: A 12-week, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial involved healthy men aged 65 and older receiving 250 mg/day of NMN. The study found that NMN supplementation was safe and especially increased NAD⁺ levels in whole blood. Additionally, there were partial improvements in muscle performance, including gait speed and grip strength (Igarashi et al., 2022).
How NMN Could Be Used for Age Reversal
Ageing leads to a natural decline in cellular energy, DNA repair, and overall vitality. NMN, a precursor to NAD+, is gaining attention for its potential to reverse ageing and promote longevity by restoring these critical functions.
As we age, NAD+ levels decrease due to its consumption by enzymes like CD38, sirtuins, and PARP, which are crucial for DNA repair, mitochondrial health, and metabolism. NMN supplementation restores NAD+ levels, boosting sirtuin activity to enhance mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and stem cell rejuvenation. This helps slow the ageing process at the cellular level. Additionally, NMN aids DNA repair by activating PARP enzymes, restoring telomere length, reducing DNA damage, and improving mitochondrial function.
NMN also combat oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common in ageing. It improves mitochondrial health by promoting biogenesis and restoring communication between mitochondria. Animal studies suggest NMN can enhance heart function, protect against metabolic imbalances, and support brain health during ageing.
Additionally, NMN supports autophagy, the process that removes damaged cell components, thus slowing cellular deterioration. Research shows NMN can prevent cognitive decline, improve organ function, and potentially extend lifespan by activating key longevity pathways like AMPK and SIRT1 (Rahman et al., 2024).
Conclusion
NMN supplements have shown great promise in the field of age-reversing supplements, with major benefits for longevity and cell health. NMN supports DNA maintenance, energy production, and cellular repair—all of which are essential for healthy ageing—by raising NAD+ levels. Although studies on NMN and its anti-ageing properties are still in their early stages, preliminary results show that it may help prevent age-related decline and enhance general health. For people who want to better their cell health and prevent the symptoms of ageing, NMN supplementation may be a useful complement to a comprehensive strategy that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.