Latest Research on NMN: Human Trials, Effects, and Potential Benefits

The world of science is abuzz with the latest research on NMN, a molecule that's been making waves in the field of anti-aging. NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, is a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme found in all living cells. But why is NAD+ so important? It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and is essential for the functioning of our cells.

In recent years, studies on animal models have shown promising results, with NMN boosting NAD+ metabolism and offering a range of potential benefits. But the real question is, can these benefits be replicated in humans? This is where the latest NMN human trials come into play.

These trials are not just about safety, but also about understanding the effects of NMN on aging and physical function. One particular study has been focusing on the anti-aging effects of NMN, and the results are nothing short of fascinating.

From skin treatments to benefits for multiple organ systems, the potential of NMN seems vast. But what does the road ahead look like? This blog will delve into the latest research on NMN, exploring its potential benefits, the results of human trials, and what the future might hold.

What is NMN?

NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, is a molecule naturally present in all species. It's a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule that plays a crucial role in our cells. NAD+ is responsible for a variety of critical functions, such as electron transport, cell signalling, and DNA repair, all of which are essential for maintaining cellular health and vitality.

As we age, our NAD+ levels decline, which can increase our risk of age-related diseases. This has led to the hypothesis that restoring NAD+ levels in older individuals could potentially slow down the ageing process and promote overall health. NMN, therefore, has been marketed as a supplement and a NAD+ booster, despite limited data supporting its efficacy in humans.

The interest in NMN has been growing rapidly, as indicated by the increasing number of annual search results for "nicotinamide mononucleotide" on Google Scholar. This surge in interest is largely due to the potential of NMN to reverse the age-related decline of NAD+ in the body.

However, it's important to note that while there have been multiple animal studies suggesting that NMN slows down ageing, the evidence for human use has previously been lacking. This has led to a call for more rigorous research and human trials to establish the potential benefits and safety of NMN supplementation.

Why is NAD+ important?

NAD+ is a molecule that plays a crucial role in our cells, performing a myriad of functions that are essential for our health and wellbeing. It's found in abundance in various parts of the cell, including the mitochondria, cytoplasm, and nucleus. It's involved in everything from regulating cell growth and energy metabolism to stress resistance and neuronal function.

However, as we age, our NAD+ levels decline, which can lead to a range of age-related diseases. This is why researchers are increasingly interested in finding ways to boost NAD+ levels in the body. One of the ways they're doing this is through supplementation with NAD+ precursors, such as NMN and nicotinamide riboside.

These precursors are found in small amounts in natural foods, such as cow’s milk, vegetables, and meats, and enter cells in different ways. For example, NMN is transported across cell membranes by the Slc12a8 transporter, while nicotinamide riboside enters cells via nicotinamide riboside transporters.

The uptake of these precursors varies between tissues, but a decline in NAD+ with age is observed across multiple tissues. This decline in NAD+ levels has been attributed to reduced synthesis and increased consumption, with degradation by NADase CD38 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) being key factors.

Understanding the importance of NAD+ and how it functions in our cells is crucial for developing effective strategies to slow down the aging process and potentially extend human healthspan and lifespan.

Benefits of boosting NAD+ metabolism in animal models

The potential benefits of boosting NAD+ metabolism have been extensively studied in animal models, particularly in mice. These studies have shown promising results, suggesting that stimulating NAD+ metabolism could potentially extend healthspan and mitigate premature ageing diseases. Long-term oral administration of NMN, a precursor of NAD+, has been found to suppress age-associated weight gain, enhance energy metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and prevent age-linked changes in gene expression in rodents.

Moreover, the metabolism and energy levels of older mice treated with NMN have been observed to resemble those of younger mice. This is a significant finding, as it suggests that NMN could potentially reverse some of the effects of ageing.

In addition to these benefits, NMN has also been shown to protect neurons against pathological aggregated proteins, such as p-tau, and improve memory in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. This indicates that NMN could potentially be used as a strategy to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, which is often associated with ageing.

However, it's important to note that the effects of NMN in neurons are not straightforward and further research is needed to fully understand its potential clinical benefits. Despite these challenges, the results of these animal studies provide a strong foundation for further research into the potential benefits of boosting NAD+ metabolism in humans.

From preclinical to clinical testing of NMN

The journey of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) from preclinical to clinical testing has been a fascinating one, marked by intriguing discoveries and persistent challenges. As a precursor to the essential, pro-longevity molecule Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), NMN has been the subject of numerous human trials, each aiming to unravel its potential benefits and safety profile.

Despite the promising results from preclinical studies, the transition to human trials has not been without its hurdles. The complex interplay between NMN and the human body, particularly the gut microbiome, has raised questions about the optimal delivery methods and dosage ranges. Furthermore, the regulatory landscape surrounding NMN, which is currently marketed as a food product, has added another layer of complexity to the clinical testing process.

NMN human trials

NMN human trials have been a focal point of research in recent years, with scientists keen to understand the potential benefits and safety of this molecule. The trials have primarily focused on the effects of NMN on physical function, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in aged adults. The results have been promising, with NMN demonstrating an ability to enhance these aspects of health in the trial participants.

However, it's important to note that these trials have been relatively short-term, with none lasting more than three months. This raises questions about the long-term effects of NMN supplementation and whether the benefits observed in these trials would persist over a longer period. Furthermore, the trials have been relatively small in scale, with the largest involving just 66 participants. This means that while the results are encouraging, they should be interpreted with caution until larger, more comprehensive trials can be conducted.

NMN clinical trial safety

The safety of NMN in clinical trials has been a focal point in recent research. Initial studies, such as the one conducted by Keio University School of Medicine, have shown promising results. In this trial, ten healthy Japanese men were given a single oral dose of NMN, ranging from 100 to 500 mg. The participants fasted overnight before taking the NMN capsules and only consumed water for the next five hours. The results were encouraging, with no significant adverse effects reported.

The researchers found no changes in heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature, or sleep quality. Blood and urine samples also showed no significant changes, except for slight increases in serum bilirubin levels and reductions in serum creatinine, chloride, and blood glucose levels. However, these changes were within normal ranges, leading the researchers to conclude that administering up to 500 mg of NMN is safe. This has paved the way for further exploration into the potential of NMN as a strategy for mitigating ageing-related conditions in humans.

An NMN anti-aging human study

The quest for the fountain of youth has led researchers to NMN, a precursor to NAD+, a molecule that declines with age and is linked to age-related organ deterioration. The potential of NMN to alleviate age-related physiological decline has sparked a surge in human trials, with the aim of understanding its effects and potential benefits. This section delves into a particular study that explores the anti-aging effects of NMN on humans, focusing on its impact on physical function and metabolism.

The study, conducted on a group of aged individuals, sought to determine if NMN could improve physical performance, a key aspect of aging. The results were promising, showing improvements in muscle motility, walking speed, and grip strength. The study also explored NMN's effects on metabolism, a crucial factor in energy production and overall health. As we delve deeper into this study, we'll explore the potential of NMN as a game-changer in the fight against aging.

Effects of NMN on aging

The potential of NMN to counteract the effects of aging has been a focal point of numerous studies. One such study, led by Igarashi and his team, found that NMN supplementation improved muscle motility, walking speed, and grip strength in older individuals. This suggests that NMN could play a significant role in enhancing physical performance in the elderly.

In another study, Liao and colleagues discovered that NMN significantly improved aerobic capacity in trained runners, as measured by blood oxygen consumption. This indicates that NMN could enhance exercise capacity in middle-aged and older adults. Furthermore, a study by Huang and his team showed that NMN promoted a sustained improvement in walking endurance in adults aged 40 to 65 years. These findings collectively suggest that NMN could be a potent tool in combating age-related physical decline.

NMN improves physical function and metabolism

The potential of NMN to improve physical function and metabolism in humans has been a focal point of recent research. A study led by Igarashi and his team found that NMN supplementation improved muscle motility, walking speed, and the frequency of standing and sitting down in a 30-second period in older individuals. This suggests that NMN may enhance physical performance in the aging population, potentially counteracting some of the physical decline associated with aging.

In addition to physical function, NMN also appears to have a positive impact on metabolism. A study focusing on postmenopausal women who were overweight or obese found that NMN increased muscle insulin sensitivity by about 25%, along with improvements in insulin signalling. This indicates that NMN could confer metabolic benefits, particularly in women with prediabetes. These findings, while promising, require further investigation to fully understand the extent of NMN's potential benefits in these areas.

The NMN study results

The NMN study results have sparked a wave of interest in the scientific community, revealing intriguing, albeit modest, effects on human health. The research, involving 66 healthy subjects aged between 40 and 65 years, demonstrated that NMN supplementation could potentially increase NAD+/NADH levels in the serum, a marker often associated with energy levels and ageing. While the increase was not statistically significant, it does suggest that NMN may have a role to play in cellular energy production and potentially, anti-ageing.

The study also highlighted an interesting effect on the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR) index, a measure of insulin regulation in the body. The NMN group showed a slight rise, suggesting a possible age-slowing effect. However, the placebo group, not taking NMN, showed a more significant increase, indicating a worsening of HOMA. This raises questions about the potential benefits of NMN in managing insulin resistance, a key factor in many age-related conditions. These findings, while preliminary, open up new avenues for exploring the potential benefits of NMN in human health and longevity.

NMN and skin treatments

The potential of NMN in skin treatments has been a focal point of recent research. A study conducted by Yoshihiro Uto at Tokushima University in Japan demonstrated the potential of NMN to penetrate human skin cells using a nanoparticle drug delivery system. The study aimed to investigate whether NMN could suppress cell ageing and stimulate cell division, mitochondrial activity, and hyaluronic acid production.

Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring sugar molecule, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness by retaining moisture. Uto and his team developed a cream containing NMN and a proprietary system designed to stimulate autophagy, the process of eliminating damaged or unnecessary cellular components. The cream is currently being tested on middle-aged individuals to determine its effectiveness. These findings suggest that NMN could be a promising solution for skin ageing, offering a new avenue for skin treatments.

NMN confers benefits to multiple human organ systems

The potential benefits of NMN extend beyond the skin, with studies indicating its positive impact on various human organ systems. A study by Igarashi and colleagues demonstrated that NMN supplementation improved muscle motility, walking speed, and grip strength in older individuals. This suggests that NMN could play a significant role in enhancing physical performance in the ageing population.

In addition to physical performance, NMN has also shown promise in improving metabolic health. A study involving postmenopausal women who were overweight or obese found that NMN increased muscle insulin sensitivity by about 25%, indicating potential benefits for those with prediabetes. Furthermore, NMN has been linked to improvements in age-related hearing loss, with older men experiencing enhanced hearing capabilities after supplementation. These findings suggest that NMN could be a powerful tool in combating the physiological decline associated with ageing.

The road ahead

As we delve deeper into the world of NMN, it's clear that the journey is far from over. The potential of NMN as an anti-aging supplement has been demonstrated in numerous studies, but researchers are still working tirelessly to fully understand its effects and benefits. The NMN market is growing rapidly, reflecting the increasing interest in this NAD+ precursor. However, the road ahead is filled with challenges and opportunities.

The future of NMN research is promising, with ongoing trials and studies aiming to uncover more about its potential benefits. Researchers are not only focusing on its anti-aging properties but also exploring its effects on various physiological functions. The potential of NMN is vast, but it's crucial to remember that the journey is still in its early stages.

The NMN market is also on the rise, with an increasing number of consumers seeking its potential benefits. However, the market's growth also brings challenges, particularly in terms of regulation and safety. As the market expands, it's crucial to ensure that NMN products are safe and effective.

Despite the challenges, the future of NMN looks bright. With continued research and a growing market, NMN has the potential to revolutionise the way we approach aging. However, it's important to remember that the journey is far from over. The road ahead is filled with opportunities and challenges, and it's up to researchers and consumers alike to navigate it responsibly.

In conclusion, the road ahead for NMN is filled with potential. As researchers continue to explore its effects and benefits, and as the market continues to grow, the future of NMN looks promising. However, it's crucial to approach the journey with caution, ensuring that safety and efficacy remain at the forefront of the NMN narrative.

Conclusion

The latest research on NMN has shown promising results in human trials, demonstrating its potential benefits and effects on aging. NMN, a precursor to the essential molecule NAD+, has been found to improve physical function and metabolism in aged adults. These findings are significant, as NAD+ levels decline with age, and boosting its levels could potentially protect against age-related organ deterioration.

However, it's important to note that while NMN has shown beneficial effects in animal models, the translation of these benefits to humans is still under investigation. The current human trials, although promising, have been short-term and limited in scope. Therefore, it's crucial to continue research to fully understand the long-term effects and safety of NMN supplementation in humans.

Moreover, the FDA's stance on NMN as a supplement has sparked controversy and raised questions about the motives behind suppressing access to it. Despite this, the global NMN market is expected to grow, indicating a growing interest in its potential anti-aging benefits.

In conclusion, while the latest research on NMN shows promise, more extensive and long-term human trials are needed to fully understand its effects and benefits. The potential of NMN as an anti-aging supplement is exciting, but it's crucial to approach it with a balanced perspective, considering both the potential benefits and the need for further research.

Researched and reviewed by Dr Elena Seranova, Ph.D.

Dr Seranova holds an M.Sc in Translational Neuroscience from the University of Sheffield, UK, and a Ph.D in Stem Cell Biology and Autophagy from the University of Birmingham, UK. She is a published author in multiple peer-reviewed journals, including Cell Reports and Developmental Cell.