Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a compound found naturally in the cells of our bodies and is integral to several cellular processes. It is closely related to NAD+, a vital coenzyme essential for a myriad of cellular functions, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. The levels of NAD+ are known to decline as we age, and this decline is associated with aging and various age-related diseases.

NMN is a direct precursor to NAD+, meaning it is crucial in the synthesis of this indispensable coenzyme. The hypothesis is that by supplementing with NMN, we can boost the levels of NAD+ in the body, potentially counteracting age-related cellular decline and improving overall health. Preliminary studies, mainly in mice, suggest that NMN supplementation could offer a range of health benefits, such as enhanced energy metabolism and improved DNA repair, indicating its potential role in slowing the aging processes.

However, while NMN shows significant promise, comprehensive studies determining its long-term safety, effective dosage, and potential side effects in humans are still in progress. NMN is also present in several food sources, including broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, avocados, and edamame, but only in small quantities.

NMN and its impact on longevity are at the cutting edge of anti-aging research, with new discoveries and insights emerging regularly, deepening our understanding of the aging process and potential interventions to extend health and lifespan.

Different Forms of NMN

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) exists in two stereoisomeric forms, α-NMN and β-NMN, which have the same molecular formula but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms.

β-NMN

β-NMN is the biologically active form of NMN, predominantly utilized in scientific studies and supplements. It is integral in the biosynthesis of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a vital coenzyme involved in numerous cellular processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular aging. When references are made to NMN in the context of supplementation or scientific research, it typically pertains to β-NMN due to its biological significance and activity.

α-NMN

α-NMN, on the other hand, does not participate in NAD+ biosynthesis and lacks the biological activity and associated health benefits of β-NMN. It is not the focus of NMN-related research or supplementation.

Sources of NMN in Food

NMN is naturally present in a variety of foods, albeit in relatively small quantities. Here is a list of some foods known to contain NMN, along with their respective NMN content.

Food Type	Name	NMN Content (mg/100g-Food)
Vegetable	Edamame	0.47–1.88
Vegetable	Broccoli	0.25–1.12
Vegetable	Cucumber Seed	0.56
Vegetable	Cucumber Peel	0.65
Vegetable	Cabbage	0.0–0.90
Fruit	Avocado	0.36–1.60
Fruit	Tomato	0.26–0.30
Other	Mushroom	0.0–1.01
Meat	Beef (raw)	0.06–0.42
Seafood	Shrimp	0.22

While these foods can contribute to NAD+ levels through the provision of NMN, the quantities present are relatively small, and it is currently unclear whether dietary intake alone can significantly impact NAD+ levels in the body. Therefore, research into NMN supplementation is ongoing to explore its potential in maintaining or elevating NAD+ levels and mitigating age-related decline.

Considerations for NMN Supplementation

When considering NMN supplementation, it is crucial to understand the potential interactions and impacts of NMN. Here are some considerations based on current knowledge and research.

Potential Benefits

NMN supplementation has been associated with several potential benefits, primarily due to its role as a precursor to NAD+, a crucial coenzyme involved in various cellular processes. Here are some potential benefits based on preliminary research:

• Cellular Energy and Metabolism: By increasing NAD+ levels, NMN supplementation can potentially enhance cellular energy production and metabolism, leading to improved physiological functions and reduced age-related metabolic decline.
• Longevity and Aging: Preliminary studies, particularly in animal models, have suggested that NMN can potentially extend lifespan and slow the aging process by improving cellular health and function, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
• Cognitive Function: Some research indicates that NMN may have neuroprotective effects, potentially improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by maintaining neuronal health and resilience.
• Cardiovascular Health: NMN supplementation may offer cardiovascular benefits by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of age-related cardiovascular diseases, contributing to heart health and longevity.
• DNA Repair: Enhanced NAD+ levels through NMN supplementation can support DNA repair mechanisms, potentially reducing DNA damage and the risk of mutation, which are associated with aging and cancer.
• Insulin Sensitivity: NMN has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, contributing to overall metabolic health.

Optimal Timing for Supplementation

Our body has a natural rhythm where NAD levels fluctuate throughout the day rather than remaining constant, closely tied to our circadian rhythms. A study by Shin Imai and his team highlighted that NAD plays a crucial role in regulating our body's internal clock. The Sirt-1 gene, which is influenced by NAD, signals our body when it's time to eat or sleep.

For those considering NMN supplementation, it's suggested to take NMN in the morning when the natural rise in NAD and Sirt-1 activity should happen. Taking NMN e.g. at night might disrupt the NAD cycle and potentially affecting the sleep or hunger. This can be especially beneficial for frequent travelers trying to adjust to a new time zone, as a morning dose of NMN can help reset the body's internal clock and reduce jet lag.

Combining NMN with Methyl Donors

There's a theoretical concern regarding the consumption of NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and its potential to use up methyl groups in the body. The reasoning is as follows:

1. NMN is converted into NAD+ in the body.
2. NAD+ can be broken down into nicotinamide.
3. Nicotinamide is then methylated by the liver to form N1-methylnicotinamide, which can be excreted in the urine. This methylation process consumes a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the primary methyl donor in the body.

The potential concern is that excessive NMN supplementation might lead to a decrease in the body's available methyl groups, which play crucial roles in various biological processes including DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis.

For that reason, some individuals who take NMN also supplement with Trimethylglycine (TMG), a methyl donor, 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. NOVOS use B vitamins and phosphatidylcholine as methyl donors in their product to avoid the side effects of TMG and because they think that TMG is already too deep into the methylation pathways, not allowing the body to choose the amount of methylation for itself.

However, there are a few important points to consider:

1. 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.
2. Compensatory mechanisms: The human body has various feedback mechanisms. 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.
3. Methyl donors in diet: Many people consume methyl donors like choline, betaine, and folate in their diets. These can help replenish methyl groups.

Dosage and Effects

Human studies have indicated that a dosage of 1000 mg over 10 days can raise NAD levels about two-fold, and dosages as high as 2000 mg can triple the amount. However, the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage of NMN are still under investigation, and more comprehensive studies are needed to establish concrete guidelines for NMN supplementation. ^{[Citation needed]}

Risks of NMN Supplementation

While NMN supplementation holds promise due to its potential anti-aging benefits and ability to enhance cellular metabolism, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks involved. Here are some risks and considerations based on current knowledge and research:

• Limited Human Studies: Most of the studies on NMN have been conducted in animal models, and there is limited data on its effects in humans. Therefore, the safety and efficacy of NMN supplementation in humans are not fully understood, and caution is advised until more research is conducted.
• Potential Interaction with Medications: The interaction of NMN with various medications is not well studied, and there could be potential risks when combined with certain drugs. Individuals on medication should consult with a healthcare professional before considering NMN supplementation.
• Theoretical Concerns: There are theoretical concerns regarding NMN’s potential to deplete methyl groups in the body, which could impact various biological processes, including DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis. While this is a theoretical concern and not substantiated by concrete evidence, it is important to consider when evaluating the potential risks of NMN supplementation.^{[Citation needed]}
• Over-Supplementation Risks: Excessive supplementation of NMN may lead to unknown side effects due to the lack of long-term human studies. Over-supplementation might also disrupt the natural balance of NAD+ and its related compounds in the body, potentially leading to unforeseen consequences.
• Purity and Quality Concerns: The purity and quality of NMN supplements can vary, and impurities or contaminants in the supplements pose additional risks. It is essential to choose high-quality, reputable brands and sources for NMN supplements to minimize risks associated with impurities and contaminants.

Clinical Trials

Study	Design	Participants	Outcome
Effect of oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and nicotinamide metabolite levels in healthy Japanese men	singe admission of up to 500 mg oral admission at 9 AM	10 healthy men 40-60 years	admission was safe and well-tolerated
Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women	RCT, 10 weeks placebo (n=12) 250 mg/day (n=13)	25 postmenopausal women with prediabetes overweight or obese (BMI 25.3 - 39.1) 56 - 66 years	increase in skeletal muscle insulin signaling, insulin sensitivity, and muscle remodeling improvement in muscle insulin sensitivity is clinically relevant and is similar to the improvement observed after ~10% weight loss
Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study	RCT, 6 weeks placebo (n=12) 300 mg/day (n=12) 600 mg/day (n=12) 1200 mg/day (n=12)	48 young and middle-aged recreationally trained runners 35 years in average	The combination of NMN supplementation and exercise further improves ventilatory threshold even among healthy young and middle-aged people. The improvement of aerobic capacity is in a dosage-dependent, large dosage of NMN with exercise has better effects. The improvement is muscle, not cardiac, related.
The efficacy and safety of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation in healthy middle-aged adults: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-dependent clinical trial	RCT, 8.5 weeks (60 days) placebo (n=20) 300 mg (n=20) 600 mg (n=20) 900 mg (n=20)	both males and females 40-65 (49.3 in average) years and healthy BMI between 18.5 and 35	Oral administration of NMN up to 900 mg/day for 60 days was safe and well tolerated blood NAD concentration was significantly and dose-dependently increased significant improvement of six-minute walking test, blood biological age, and SF-36 scores 900 mg/day oral dose did not give significantly better efficacy than 600 mg/day dose

See also

• Wikipedia article about NMN