What is NMN?
The Science Behind Nicotinamide Mononucleotide NMN
So what’s the science behind NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide? Let’s dive in and see. This is a derivative of vitamin B3 and plays a big role in our bodies, especially when it comes to aging.
Giving nicotinamide mononucleotide has shown long term benefits in reducing age related decline in various model organisms, especially mice. It’s a precursor to NAD+ and good for metabolic health.
First up we have the body itself. Here we’ll look at how NMN is made and what it does in our cells and its relationship with NAD+ metabolism. This is the foundation for us to explore the potential health benefits of NMN, from vascular health to memory in old mice and DNA damage.
NMN isn’t just for humans. Animal models, especially mice, have shown great results when their NAD+ metabolism is boosted with NMN. These studies have led to preclinical and clinical trials in humans and the effects of supplementation are being closely monitored.
And outside of internal health, NMN is also showing up in skin treatments. The future of NMN for skin health and anti-aging products is looking good.
So what’s next? The future of NMN research and anti-aging medicine looks bright. Let’s get into it.
How is NMN made in the body?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a key molecule that plays a big role in our body’s metabolic processes. It’s made from a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide (NAM) through the action of an enzyme called NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase). This enzyme is the key player in converting NAM into NMN, which happens inside our cells.
Interestingly our fat tissue also makes NAD+ by secreting sacs filled with NAMPT or NMN. These sacs are called extracellular vesicles and they circulate in the blood stream and deliver NAMPT and NMN to cells so they can make NAD+.
And also NMN can be made from an NAD+ precursor called nicotinamide riboside (NR) by an enzyme called NRK (nicotinamide riboside kinase). This and the direct uptake of NMN into cells by a transporter called Slc12a8 further emphasizes the importance of NMN in our body’s metabolism and overall health.
NMN in Cells
NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, is key in our cells. It’s a component in making NAD+, a molecule that’s used for many cellular functions. Without NMN, NAD+ production would be severely limited and cell health and function would be affected.
Interestingly our cells have a special way of transporting NMN. They use extracellular vesicles which are tiny sacs that can carry substances like NMN around the body. These vesicles can unload NMN directly into cells so they can make NAD+. This is a natural and efficient way of getting NMN to our cells.
But as we age NMN, NAD+ and the enzyme NAMPT which makes NMN all decline. This decline can have a big impact on our cells ability to function properly and contribute to the ageing process and potentially diseases of ageing. Altered NAD metabolism can affect cellular health and contribute to age related decline. So understanding NMN in cells and how it’s transported and used is key in anti-ageing research.
NMN and NAD+ Metabolism
NMN is key in the metabolism of NAD+, a molecule used for energy production and cellular health. It starts with the conversion of nicotinamide (NAM) a form of vitamin B3 into NMN by an enzyme called NAMPT. This is a critical step in the NAD+ metabolic pathway as NMN is a direct precursor to NAD+.
As we age NAD+, NMN and NAMPT in our body decline and this can lead to many age related health issues. This is where NMN comes in, as a supplement to boost NAD+ levels and potentially counteract these effects. When NMN is introduced into the body it can be converted into NAD+ in cells and thereby replenish the body’s NAD+ levels.
Interestingly our fat tissue may also be involved in NAD+ synthesis. It secretes membrane bound sacs filled with NAMPT or NMN which circulate in the blood and can deliver these components into cells. This provides cells with the tools and materials to make NAD+ and further emphasizes the connection between NMN and NAD+ metabolism.
NMN in Age Associated Physiological Decline and Anti-Aging and Health
The anti-aging and health benefits of NMN is a hot topic in the scientific community. This precursor to the essential enzyme NAD+ has shown promising results in many studies especially in aging and age related conditions. The ability of NMN to improve vascular health, boost memory in old mice and reduce DNA damage has been studied and the results suggest it could be a key to longevity and overall health.
In the following sections we will go into the details of these benefits, we will look at NMN’s role in vascular health, memory in old mice and DNA damage reduction. We will explore the science behind these effects and how NMN could change the way we think about aging and health.
NMN Improves Vascular Health
Our blood vessels are a key component of the aging process and NMN has shown to improve vascular health. In studies with old mice, oral administration of NMN increased their vascular system. This was shown by an increase in the number of capillaries, small blood vessels that are important for blood flow. The mice also had improved endurance, meaning more blood flow to their muscles.
Two markers of vascular health are Endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) and vascular stiffness. EDD measures the health of the endothelium, the cells lining the blood vessels. A healthy endothelium is less prone to atherosclerosis, the condition where the blood vessels get clogged. Vascular stiffness increases with age due to various aging processes and unhealthy lifestyle. NMN has been shown to improve EDD and vascular stiffness and reduce oxidative stress in the blood vessel walls. This means NMN can play a big role in maintaining vascular health and slow down the aging process.
NMN Improves Memory in Old Mice
The cognitive function of old mice has been shown to improve with NMN supplementation. In a study, the working memory of old mice that received NMN was not only better than the old mice that did not receive NMN but the old NMN mice were on par with the young mice. This is a remarkable finding and means NMN can reverse age related cognitive decline.
NMN supplementation can protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive function by increasing NAD+ which is important for healthy brain aging and memory.
In neurodegenerative diseases, NMN has shown to be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease in mice. The compound slows down cognitive decline by promoting the survival of neurons, the building blocks of the nervous system. This means NMN can be used as a therapeutic agent in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. NMN’s ability to maintain the blood-brain barrier also means it can preserve brain health.
NMN Reduces DNA Damage
NMN’s ability to reduce DNA damage is one of its anti-aging and health benefits. As we age our DNA gets damaged and this leads to many health issues and contributes to the aging process. Even when repaired the damage leaves behind ‘epigenetic scratches’ that contribute to epigenetic dysfunction which is a key player in aging. NMN has been shown to reduce DNA damage in cells and potentially slow down the aging process and improve health.
In a study with mice, old mice that received NMN had less severe DNA damage as shown by lower y-H2AX levels compared to old mice that didn’t receive NMN. This means NMN can reduce DNA damage which is a key player in aging and health. Another study showed that mice that received NMN before being exposed to radiation had higher red blood cell count which means less DNA damage compared to irradiated mice that didn’t receive NMN. These studies prove NMN can reduce DNA damage and contribute to its anti-aging and health benefits.
Benefits of Increasing NAD+ Metabolism in Animal Models
The potential of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) to slow down aging has been studied extensively in recent years. NMN, a precursor of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), has shown promising results in animal models, especially in mice where it has been shown to increase healthspan and delay premature aging diseases. NMN supplementation has also been shown to reverse physiological decline in mice and means it can increase healthspan and combat aging. NMN’s ability to enhance energy metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity and prevent age related changes in gene expression is worth noting. This section will explore the benefits of increasing NAD+ metabolism in animal models, focusing on NMN’s effect on aging and metabolism in mice.
NMN in Mice
NMN’s potential to slow down aging has been studied in mice. In these animal models NMN has shown to treat age related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. NMN supplementation can slow down cognitive decline by promoting the survival of neurons and maintain the blood-brain barrier.
Long term NMN administration can also reverse age related physiological decline in mice and increase healthspan and well being as they age.
On top of that NMN also restored the muscles of aged mice and reduced age related weight gain and improved physical activity. At cellular level NMN increased energy metabolism, combat oxidative stress and reduced inflammation which are all important for overall health and longevity.
Also NMN was found to be safe and well tolerated in mice even after a year of supplementation. This means long term NMN supplementation could be a potential way to slow down aging in humans but more research is needed to know the good and bad effects of NMN in neurons and to determine its clinical benefits.
NMN and Skeletal Muscle Aging
In animal models NMN has shown promising results in metabolism especially in mice. A series of studies have shown that NMN supplementation can increase metabolic health in these animals. The key to this is NMN’s role in producing NAD+ which is the molecule that fuels cellular functions.
In one study mice were given NMN and the results were amazing. The mice had improved energy metabolism which led to better physical performance. This was due to the increase in NAD+ in their cells which boosted their metabolic functions. The study also showed that the mice had improved insulin sensitivity which is a key to metabolic health.
In another study NMN was found to reduce age related weight gain in mice. This was due to NMN’s role in increasing NAD+ which in turn improved the metabolic functions of the mice. The study concluded that NMN could be a way to treat metabolic disorders related to aging. These results means NMN can boost metabolism not just in mice but possibly in humans too. But more research is needed to know the implications of this.
From Preclinical to Clinical Trials of NMN
The journey of NMN from preclinical studies to clinical trials is exciting and challenging. NMN, a precursor of the essential enzyme NAD+ has been shown to reverse age related decline in the body in cell and animal studies. But translating these results to humans has been a long process. This section will take you through the progression of NMN from lab to human trials, the potential effects of NMN supplementation and the obstacles along the way. As we go through this scientific journey we’ll see the rigorous process of bringing a promising compound from the lab bench to the bedside.
NMN in Human Trials
The journey of NMN from preclinical to clinical trials has been exciting. The first human trial of NMN was conducted by researchers at Keio University School of Medicine in 2016. They gave NMN to 10 healthy Japanese men and found it to be safe and well tolerated with no significant side effects. This was a big milestone for NMN research as it showed its potential for human use.
The study was followed by another trial led by Klein and his team who tested the metabolic effects of NMN in postmenopausal women over 55 years old. The women were given 250mg of NMN orally daily for 10 weeks. The results were mixed; NMN improved glucose uptake by muscles in response to insulin but other expected effects such as lower blood glucose or blood pressure were not observed. This means the dose or duration of treatment may not have been enough. Studies have used dosages in mg/kg such as 250mg/kg to test NMN’s efficacy and safety and shows that the right dosage level is important.
Despite these trials, the effects of NMN in humans is not yet fully understood. More clinical trials are needed to determine the therapeutic and toxic dose of NMN. These trials should include both men and women and be done in healthy and diseased states. As Klein says “NMN needs to be tested in more people and for longer period of time to see if it has anti-aging effect in humans”. The journey of NMN from preclinical to clinical trials goes on and hopefully we can unlock its full potential.
Effects of NMN Supplementation
While the effects of NMN supplementation has been studied in animal models, the translation to humans is still in its infancy. In rodent studies NMN has shown promise in treating age related diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and obesity. It has been shown to increase insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce weight gain, improve eye function, boost energy metabolism. NMN has also been shown to combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, promote mitochondrial health and even restore the muscles of aged mice.
But the effects in humans is less pronounced. In a small clinical trial with postmenopausal women with prediabetes, NMN supplementation improved insulin muscle sensitivity but did not translate to other metabolic benefits seen in rodent models. This could be due to several factors including intrinsic differences between rodents and humans or the dose or duration of treatment may not have been enough.
Despite these initial results, researchers are still hopeful on NMN supplementation in humans. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the long term effects of NMN on glucose metabolism and hormone levels in healthy adults. The results of these studies will give us more insight on the potential of NMN as a therapeutic agent for age related diseases. But more studies are needed to determine the therapeutic and toxic dose of NMN in humans.
NMN and Skin Treatments
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is an emerging area of interest in skin treatments. Recent studies have shown that when combined with certain bacteria, NMN can protect the skin from UVB damage, a major cause of premature skin aging. This has led to the development of skin-penetration technology that allows NMN to enter human skin cells, potentially anti-aging the cells, boost cell division, mitochondrial activity and hyaluronic acid production.
NMN is also being used in anti-aging skin products. A cream with NMN and a proprietary system to stimulate autophagy, the process of eliminating damaged or unnecessary cellular components is being tested on middle aged individuals.
But while the benefits of NMN for skin health is promising, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and determine safe and effective dose. As the NMN market grows, the need for scientific research on NMN and skin treatments becomes more urgent.
NMN for Skin Health
NMN for skin health is an emerging area of research, scientists are exploring its ability to counteract the effects of aging on the skin. A study showed that NMN when combined with the intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 can protect mouse skin from UVB damage, a major cause of premature skin aging. This was done even though NMN was given intragastrically, as its high water solubility prevents it from passing through the skin barrier.
NMN interacts with various biological systems in the human body for skin health.
Yoshihiro Uto, a researcher from Tokushima University in Japan is developing a skin-penetration technology that allows NMN to enter human skin cells. His team is testing if giving NMN to skin cells using this particle delivery system can anti-aging the cells, boost cell division, mitochondrial activity and hyaluronic acid production. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar molecule found in the skin, eyes and joints that binds water to retain moisture and improve skin elasticity and firmness.
Uto and his team have developed a cream with NMN and a proprietary system to stimulate autophagy, the process of eliminating damaged or unnecessary cellular components. They are testing this on middle aged individuals. This is the potential of NMN for skin health especially in anti-aging treatments.
NMN and Anti-Aging Skin Products
NMN as anti-aging solution has led to its inclusion in various skin products. Researchers like Yoshihiro Uto at Tokushima University are finding ways to deliver NMN to skin cells. They have developed a cream with NMN and a proprietary system to stimulate autophagy, the process of eliminating damaged or unnecessary cellular components. This cream is being tested on middle aged individuals.
NMN is included in skin care products because it can boost hyaluronic acid production, a sugar molecule that retains moisture and improves skin elasticity. By increasing hyaluronic acid production NMN can slow down skin aging and result to firmer and more youthful looking skin.
But while NMN is promising, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on human skin. As the NMN market grows, it’s important to ensure the science backs up the claims of these anti-aging skin products.
Next
As we go deeper into anti-aging medicine, Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is getting more and more interesting to scientists and health enthusiasts. The journey of NMN from being a compound derived from natural sources to a commercial anti-aging product has been exciting but the road ahead is even more promising.
Future research on NMN will focus on its efficacy and safety, more clinical trials are being planned. These trials will establish therapeutic and toxic dose range of NMN and its long term effects on healthy individuals. The challenges ahead are development and delivery of NMN containing products and gut microbiome interference with NMN metabolism.
NMN has big potential in anti-aging medicine. As we age, our body’s Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels deplete. NMN being the precursor to NAD helps in its absorption and potentially slows down aging. But NMN supplements need to be proven through clinical trials. The results of these trials will not only deepen our understanding of NAD+ boosting therapies but also open up healthy longevity.
Next Research on NMN
The road ahead for NMN research is full of challenges and opportunities. Clearly we need more studies on NMN’s effects on human health. This includes its effects on epigenome, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome and its interaction with gut microbiome.
Clinical trials are also needed to establish therapeutic and toxic dose range of NMN. These should be inclusive, both genders and various health conditions. However, NMN is currently a food product not a regulated therapeutic drug so that presents a challenge. The cost of these studies is significant and needs funding from government grants, foundations or industry.
Despite the challenges, the scientific community is moving forward with NMN research. Ongoing trials from Keio University School of Medicine and Hiroshima University will give us valuable information on long term effects of NMN. The results of these studies will shape the future of NMN research and its role in anti-aging medicine.
NMN in Anti-Aging Medicine
NMN has big potential in anti-aging medicine, promising results are already seen in animal studies. NMN can suppress age associated weight gain, enhance energy metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity among others so it’s being looked into for human applications.
NMN supplementation may reverse aging by improving human metabolism and health, similar to youthful metabolic profile. Various studies show NMN is good for cognitive health and overall vitality as we age.
But the journey from animal studies to human application is not linear. NMN effects on neurons are complex and need further study. Increased intracellular NMN/NAD+ ratio can activate SARM1, an executor of axon degeneration which can counteract the benefits of NMN.
Despite the challenges, NMN has big potential in anti-aging medicine. With more research and better understanding of its effects, NMN can be a game changer in the fight against aging and age related diseases. The journey is long but the destination is revolutionary.
Are You Maximizing Your Lifespan Potential?
The science behind NMN is impressive, numerous studies show its ability to slow down and even reverse some aging symptoms. By boosting NAD+ metabolism, NMN can improve various aspects of health from vascular function to memory in elderly mice. It’s also shown to reduce DNA damage, a major player in aging.
NMN reduces age related physiological decline and promotes longevity by reversing age related changes and improving health markers in animal models and potentially human subjects.
NMN’s potential goes beyond internal health. It’s also being looked into for skin treatments, early studies show it can be part of anti-aging skin products. But remember NMN is not a magic bullet for aging. Aging is a complex process with many variables and NMN is just one piece of the puzzle.
Clinical trials are ongoing to further study NMN in humans. These will give us valuable information on NMN in anti-aging medicine. As we learn more about NMN and how it works in the body we can better utilize its potential to improve health and longevity.
In summary, NMN has big potential for health and anti-aging but we should approach it as part of a overall strategy for health and longevity not a standalone solution. As research continues we can look forward to a future where NMN will be a key to maximizing our lifespan.
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.
