NMN Side Effects: Can NMN Cause Cancer?
As the extraordinary benefits of NMN are reviewed across the globe, many looking to take the supplement are understandably seeking reassurance that taking NMN will not cause any unwanted side effects and is fully safe to take.
Supplement use should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially for cancer patients or those with a history of cancer, to ensure safety and appropriateness.
Featured in this articleNMN supplement capsules 500mg500mg NAD+ precursor · cellular energy · DNA repairFrom £60.00Shop NowThe fact NAD boosters, such as NMN, may be helpful in maintaining healthy energy levels and increasing focus as we age is already widely discussed.
Longevity specialist Dr David Sinclair, Ph.D., a Harvard professor at the forefront of the science exploring anti-ageing, said in a post about NMN, written in connection with his bestselling book Lifespan: "It's no secret that I take NMN; I've been very up front about that".
Unsurprisingly, when the co-director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School confirms the anti-ageing secrets he relies on, the world takes notice.
Reassuringly, Sinclair is confident there are no concerns to be had. "Both NR and NMN have been shown to benefit the health of elderly mice, and neither of these treatments show negative health effects, even in long-term mouse experiments, not in inflammation, senescence, or cancer models", Sinclair adds.
Current literature finds NMN to be well-tolerated, though more studies are needed to determine its safety over long periods of time.
Discussing his own experience of taking NMN (combined with yoghurt, resveratrol, and metformin) Sinclair confirmed during a lengthy Joe Rogan interview that he himself experiences no concerning side effects.
"It's extremely rare that you get sick from any of these molecules. In millions of patients around the world nobody is getting sick. The worst you'll have, as far as I can tell, is a stomach upset."
Mild side effects from NMN are typically rare and dose-dependent, including digestive discomfort, headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, gas, and upper respiratory issues.
Human studies show NMN is safe
Internationally, scientists are racing to present trials demonstrating the safety of taking NMN.
Last year, researchers at Japan's Keio University School of Medicine monitored 10 healthy men aged between 40 and 60 years taking NMN, beginning with low dosages, and similarly reported no significant side effects.
The study involved measuring NAD+ and related metabolites in blood samples, but cancer patients were not included in this trial.
As reported on ageing website Lifespan, "During the study, the researchers observed various biomarkers, and no significant changes were evident following the single dose of NMN."
Further human trials are also underway.
The link between NAD+, ageing and cancer
So why have any concerns at all been raised linking NMN to cancer?
A 2013 study published in Cell revealed the remarkable anti-ageing impact increasing NAD+ levels had on cell tissue in mice.
The same study identified intriguing changes relating to a molecule called HIF-1, now considered to be switched on by both the ageing process and some cancers.
Explaining this further, Ana Gome, a scientist involved in the study, quoted within a Harvard Medical School news article, said: "It's certainly significant to find that a molecule that switches on in many cancers also switches on during aging. We're starting to see now that the physiology of cancer is in certain ways similar to the physiology of aging."
Cellular senescence, a process where damaged or aging cells stop dividing, can both suppress and promote tumour growth, and NAD+ metabolism is closely linked to this process.
Following on from this, scientists now drilling down into the role NAD+ plays in the health of our cells are unveiling research showing that taking NMN may actually help to combat certain cancers.
An NMN news article, published in November 2020, outlined how a study in Shanghai, China, "showed that supplementation with the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) increased NAD+ levels and improved the effectiveness of a therapeutic option for tumors resistant to immunotherapy, a cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight off tumors."
The research compared two groups of mice, one receiving β nicotinamide mononucleotide and one not, and the effects on tumours and tissues were measured.
The article also highlights that "the results indicated that increasing NAD+ levels with its precursor NMN can enhance tumor sensitivity to cancer immunotherapy."
Again, studies need to be replicated in humans, but the results look promising.
Cancer risk and ageing
We know the risk of developing cancer sadly increases with age.
Cancer Research UK reports: "Age-specific incidence rates rise steeply from around age 55-59. The highest rates are in the 85 to 89 age group for females and males."
Scientists analysing how NAD+ boosters could help reverse the ageing process may just find, in time, that a remarkable added benefit could be reducing the risk of developing some cancers that, to date, have noticeably increased with age.
Research indicates the relationship between NMN and cancer is complex, with potential protective benefits in healthy individuals and risks in those with existing cancers.
In a study involving mice, NMN supplementation did not prevent lung cancer formation or restrain tumour growth, indicating that NMN does not promote tumour growth despite its role as a precursor to NAD+.
However, in some mouse models, NMN has been linked to accelerated pancreatic cancer growth and has been shown to assist cancer cells in repairing DNA damage caused by chemotherapy.
Some animal studies suggest NMN might accelerate tumour growth in specific conditions, like pancreatic or ovarian cancers.
NAD+ boosters like NMN can fuel tumour growth, particularly in cancers dependent on pro-inflammatory senescent cells.
Current evidence does not show that NMN causes cancer, but concerns exist regarding its role in active cancer. NMN supplements boost NAD+ levels to support cellular health, but may also help existing cancer cells survive chemotherapy.
So, should you be worried?
Medical advances will always need to be checked and challenged, understandably, for any unknown consequences. However, to date there is no evidence that taking NMN produces any unwanted side effects.
The supplement could, in fact, become one of the strongest pieces of armour we have in defending ourselves, particularly from cancers strongly linked to ageing.
Individuals with a history of cancer or in remission should consult their oncology team before using NMN.
A balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, can help maintain NAD+ levels naturally and may be a safer alternative to supplementation for some people.
Introduction to Nicotinamide Mononucleotide
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring molecule that has become a focal point in the field of longevity and metabolic health research.
As a direct precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), NMN plays an essential role in cellular production, DNA repair, and the regulation of metabolic pathways.
NAD+ is a vital coenzyme present in every cell of the human body, supporting energy metabolism and the activity of enzymes involved in DNA repair and cellular health.
However, NAD+ levels decline as we age, which can lead to reduced cellular function and an increased cancer risk.
Researchers have found that supplementing with NMN may be an effective strategy to restore NAD+ levels, potentially offering benefits such as improved metabolic health, enhanced cognitive function, and better overall well-being.
NMN supplements are being studied for their potential to support human health by maintaining cellular energy, promoting DNA repair, and possibly reducing the risk of age-related diseases, including cancer.
While the potential benefits are promising, ongoing research is crucial to fully understand the impact of NMN on cancer risk and long-term health.
Understanding NMN Supplements
NMN supplements are widely promoted as anti-aging solutions, with claims that they can boost energy, reduce fatigue, and enhance cognitive function.
These supplements are designed to increase NAD+ levels in the body, which may help counteract some of the effects of aging.
Another NAD+ precursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR), has also been studied, and some research suggests it may be even more effective than NMN at raising NAD+ levels in certain contexts.
Despite the potential benefits, the evidence supporting NMN supplements is still emerging.
Short-term studies have found NMN to be well tolerated, with few reported side effects. However, there is limited data on the long-term safety of NMN supplementation, and researchers caution that potential risks, such as the possibility of fuelling cancer cell growth, must be carefully considered.
As with any supplement, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of NMN on human health, especially in relation to cancer and aging.
Cancer Risk and Tumour Formation
The connection between NMN supplementation and cancer risk is an area of active scientific investigation.
Some studies have raised concerns that NMN could potentially promote tumour formation by providing additional energy to cancer cells, thereby supporting their growth and proliferation.
This is particularly relevant in the context of rapidly dividing cells, where increased NAD+ availability might theoretically fuel cancer cell growth.
On the other hand, research has also found that NMN may offer protective effects against certain cancers, such as liver cancer and pancreatic cancer.
For example, some studies suggest that NMN supplementation can enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies and may help protect healthy cells from DNA damage.
A recent study published in NPJ Aging reported that NMN supplementation improved muscle performance in older adults, but its effects on cancer risk remain unclear.
As the science evolves, it is important to balance the potential benefits of NMN supplements with the need for caution, especially for individuals concerned about tumour formation and cancer risk.
Current Research and Findings
Recent clinical trials have explored the effects of NMN supplements on a range of health outcomes, including cognitive function, metabolic health, and cancer risk.
While some studies have shown promising results, such as improved cognitive function in older adults, others have found no significant benefits or have highlighted potential risks.
For instance, animal studies have indicated that NMN supplementation does not necessarily prevent tumour formation or growth, though it may influence other health markers, such as body weight.
Researchers emphasise that the current body of evidence is still limited, and larger, longer-term clinical trials are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the safety and efficacy of NMN supplements.
The potential risks and benefits of NMN supplementation, particularly in relation to cancer risk and tumour formation, remain an important focus for ongoing research.
Until more robust data is available, it is essential for individuals to approach NMN supplements with caution and to stay informed about the latest scientific findings.
Consumer Considerations
For those considering NMN supplements, it is essential to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks.
NMN supplements are not regulated as strictly as prescription medicines, which means that the quality, purity, and dosage of products can vary significantly between brands.
Individuals with cancer or an elevated cancer risk should consult their healthcare provider before starting NMN supplementation, as the current evidence regarding safety and efficacy is still developing.
When purchasing NMN supplements online, consumers should be vigilant about security verification to avoid malicious bots and ensure they are buying from reputable sources.
Look for products that have undergone third-party testing and follow recommended dosage instructions to minimise potential risks.
Ultimately, while NMN supplements may offer promising benefits for human health, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects, especially in relation to cancer.
Consulting with a healthcare professional remains the best approach before beginning any new supplement regimen.
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References
Dr Seranova holds a master's degree 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. All content on our website is put together by NMN Bio's scientific team and reviewed by Dr Elena Seranova.
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