Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN): Difference between revisions

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There is a theoretical concern that consuming NMN could deplete [[Methyl Donors|methyl groups]] in the body. This is because NMN is converted to NAD+ in the body, which can then be broken down into nicotinamide. Nicotinamide is then methylated by the liver to form N1-methylnicotinamide, which is excreted in the urine. This methylation process consumes a methyl group from [[S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)]], the primary methyl donor in the body.
There is a theoretical concern that consuming NMN could deplete [[Methyl Donors|methyl groups]] in the body. This is because NMN is converted to NAD+ in the body, which can then be broken down into nicotinamide. Nicotinamide is then methylated by the liver to form N1-methylnicotinamide, which is excreted in the urine. This methylation process consumes a methyl group from [[S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)]], the primary methyl donor in the body.


There could be a compensatory mechanisms that if methyl groups were being depleted at a concerning rate, the body would likely slow down the conversion of NMN to NAD+ or the methylation of nicotinamide. If not, there is a potential concern is that excessive NMN supplementation might lead a [[Methyl Donor Deficiency]] to a decrease in the body's available methyl groups, which play crucial roles in various biological processes including DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis.
There could be a compensatory mechanisms that if methyl groups were being depleted at a concerning rate, the body would likely slow down the conversion of NMN to NAD+ or the methylation of nicotinamide. If not, there is a potential concern that excessive NMN supplementation might lead to a [[Methyl Donor Deficiency]] associated with low energy and tiredness, among other things.  


For that reason, some individuals who take NMN also supplement with [[Methyl Donors|methyl donors]] like [[Trimethylglycine (TMG)]] to ensure that they are not depleting their body's methyl groups. However, this is a precautionary measure and not necessarily based on concrete evidence.
For that reason, some individuals who take NMN also supplement with [[Methyl Donors|methyl donors]] like [[Trimethylglycine (TMG)]] to ensure that they are not depleting their body's methyl groups. However, this is a precautionary measure and not necessarily based on concrete evidence.


However, there is '''no clear evidence yet'''. While the pathway is known, the actual significance of NMN supplementation on global methyl group status is not well-established in humans. It's a theoretical concern, and it would require substantial NMN consumption to have a significant impact as well as the comsumption of methyl donors in the diet would be too low to replenish methyl groups.
However, there is '''no clear evidence yet'''. While the pathway is known, the actual significance of NMN supplementation on global methyl group status is not well-established in humans. It would require substantial NMN consumption to have a significant impact coupled with insufficient intake of dietary methyl donors to replenish these groups.


===Risks of NMN Supplementation===
===Risks of NMN Supplementation===