In recent years, the demand for NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) supplements has increased in the wellness and health industry. NMN is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and it is well-known for its ability to stimulate the creation of cellular energy. 

In this article, we will provide you with a thorough grasp of NMN supplements and how they improve our overall health. We will review everything you need to know about NMN supplements, including their benefits, how much they cost, their side effects, and more!

What is NMN?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a molecule that occurs naturally in the nucleotide family. It is essential in many biological functions, including energy metabolism and cellular health. NMN is a precursor to another molecule known as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is involved in various enzymatic activities throughout the body. [1][2]

NAD+ is required for the creation of cellular energy, the repair of DNA, and the control of different cellular activities. However, because NAD+ levels tend to fall as we age, there has been a lot of interest in NMN as a possible anti-aging and health-promoting supplement. [2]

What are the benefits of NMN supplements?

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The primary purpose of NMN supplements is to support and perhaps improve many elements of health and well-being. As we mentioned earlier, NMN occurs naturally in our bodies, and it is required to form nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme involved in various biological activities. [1][2]

NMN is known for its various amazing benefits, here are all of the well-known uses of NMN if it’s taken in supplement form: 

Greatly aids in generating cellular energy

One of the most common applications for NMN supplements is to boost NAD+ levels, which in turn helps with cellular energy generation. [2]

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NAD+ contributes to critical metabolic processes such as oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, where it assists in the conversion of nutrients into usable energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). NMN supplements may improve overall energy expenditure and mitochondrial activity by restoring NAD+ levels. [2]

Helps fight signs of aging and increase overall life expectancy

There has been a significant rise in interest in NMN supplements because of their possible contributions to slowing down aging and extending one’s lifespan. NAD+ levels normally fall as we age, and this decline has been linked to various age-related health concerns. [1][3]

NMN supplements may help mitigate these effects by increasing NAD+ levels, supporting healthy cell functions, repairing DNA, and controlling gene expression. [2][3]

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Source: Pexels

While additional study is still needed to confirm these claims, preliminary studies in animal models have shown encouraging effects regarding lifespan extension and enhanced health span. [4]

Promotes metabolic wellness

NMN supplements might have positive impacts on the metabolism. NAD+ is involved in metabolic activities such as lipid and glucose metabolism. NMN supplements can potentially increase sensitivity to insulin, glucose consumption, and the breakdown of lipids by increasing NAD+ levels. [2][5]

This might be especially useful in treating illnesses such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and issues with metabolism. [6][7]

Helps improve cardiovascular health

There have been studies on the possible cardiovascular advantages of NMN supplementation. NAD+ contributes to the health and function of blood arteries and the heart. NMN supplements may improve endothelial function, reduce stress caused by oxidation, and increase blood vessel strength by increasing NAD+ levels. [5][6

Helps enhance cognitive function

Numerous research evidence shows that NMN supplements may improve cognitive performance by boosting NAD+ formation. NAD+ contributes to brain wellness, synaptic flexibility, and mitochondrial activity in the brain. [6][7][8]

Do NMN supplements have side effects?

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Source: Canva

As of now, NMN supplements have had a positive safety profile. Studies on both human and animal models have shown no substantial negative effects. Nonetheless, long-term safety and possible drug interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. [4][6]

How much do NMN supplements cost?

The price of NMN supplements varies according to the brand, the dosage, and the amount you will purchase. As of writing this article, a month’s supply of NMN pills normally costs between $30 and $100.

Due to the small number of trials that have been completed thus far, the ideal dose for NMN supplements has yet to be determined. However, the majority of research investigations have safely employed daily dosages that range from 250 mg to 1,000 mg. [9][10]

Are NMN supplements safe?

Based on existing research, NMN supplements appear to be safe for ingestion. Although, long-term safety research is currently still insufficient, and possible drug interactions have not been adequately examined. [11][12]

Bottomline

NMN supplements have a lot of potential as a tool for promoting healthy aging and general well-being. While the preliminary study reveals various advantages, further research is still required to completely understand the long-term effects, ideal doses, and potential supplementary interactions.

Before introducing NMN supplements to your regimen, like with any dietary supplement, you should contact a healthcare expert. By doing so, you can make well-informed choices to improve your health and extend your life expectancy.

FAQs

While NMN supplements show tremendous potential in promoting healthy aging, it is necessary to remember that they do not have the power to completely reverse the aging process. NMN may assist in enhancing cellular processes and minimize age-related deterioration, but it does not totally stop or reverse our biological clock.
Currently, no specific populations have been banned from taking NMN supplementation. Individuals who are pregnant, nursing, or have underlying medical conditions, on the other hand, should visit healthcare professionals before taking NMN supplements.
NMN is generated spontaneously in the human body and isn’t plentiful in dietary sources. However, some foods, such as cabbage, broccoli, avocado, and edamame, contain minimal quantities of precursors that the body may convert to NMN. Nicotinic acid (NA) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are two of these precursors.

Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.

Editorial References And Fact-Checking

  1. Nadeeshani, H., Li, J., Ying, T., Zhang, B., & Lu, J. (2021). Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) as an anti-aging health product – Promises and safety concerns. Journal of advanced research, 37, 267–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2021.08.003
  2. Xie, N., Zhang, L., Gao, W., Huang, C., Huber, P. E., Zhou, X., Li, C., Shen, G., & Zou, B. (2020). NAD+ metabolism: pathophysiologic mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Signal transduction and targeted therapy, 5(1), 227. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-020-00311-7
  3. Baumgart M, Snyder S. The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer. Grand Central Publishing; 2018.
  4. Kiss, T., Nyúl-Tóth, Á., Balasubramanian, P., Tarantini, S., Ahire, C., Yabluchanskiy, A., Csipo, T., Farkas, E., Wren, J. D., Garman, L., Csiszar, A., & Ungvari, Z. (2020). Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation promotes neurovascular rejuvenation in aged mice: transcriptional footprint of SIRT1 activation, mitochondrial protection, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. GeroScience, 42(2), 527–546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-020-00165-5
  5. Gomes AP, Price NL, Ling AJ, Moslehi JJ, Montgomery MK, Rajman L, White JP, Teodoro JS, Wrann CD, Hubbard BP, Mercken EM, Palmeira CM, de Cabo R, Rolo AP, Turner N, Bell EL, Sinclair DA. Declining NAD(+) induces a pseudohypoxic state disrupting nuclear-mitochondrial communication during aging. Cell. 2013 Dec 19;155(7):1624-38. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.037. PMID: 24360282; PMCID: PMC4076149.
  6. Tarantini S, Valcarcel-Ares MN, Toth P, Yabluchanskiy A, Tucsek Z, Kiss T, Hertelendy P, Kinter M, Ballabh P, Süle Z, Farkas E, Baur JA, Sinclair DA, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation rescues cerebromicrovascular endothelial function and neurovascular coupling responses and improves cognitive function in aged mice. Redox Biol. 2019 Jun;24:101192. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101192. Epub 2019 Apr 10. PMID: 31015147; PMCID: PMC6477631.
  7. Hong W, Mo F, Zhang Z, Huang M, Wei X. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide: A Promising Molecule for Therapy of Diverse Diseases by Targeting NAD+ Metabolism. Front Cell Dev Biol. 2020 Apr 28;8:246. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00246. PMID: 32411700; PMCID: PMC7198709.
  8. Davila A, Liu L, Chellappa K, Redpath P, Nakamaru-Ogiso E, Paolella LM, Zhang Z, Migaud ME, Rabinowitz JD, Baur JA. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is transported into mammalian mitochondria. Elife. 2018 Jun 12;7:e33246. doi: 10.7554/eLife.33246. PMID: 29893687; PMCID: PMC6013257.
  9. Yoshino M, Yoshino J, Kayser BD, Patti GJ, Franczyk MP, Mills KF, Sindelar M, Pietka T, Patterson BW, Imai SI, Klein S. Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 2021 Jun 11;372(6547):1224-1229. doi: 10.1126/science.abe9985. Epub 2021 Apr 22. PMID: 33888596; PMCID: PMC8550608.
  10. Uddin GM, Youngson NA, Doyle BM, Sinclair DA, Morris MJ. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation ameliorates the impact of maternal obesity in mice: comparison with exercise. Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 8;7(1):15063. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-14866-z. PMID: 29118320; PMCID: PMC5678092.
  11. Yi L, Maier AB, Tao R, Lin Z, Vaidya A, Pendse S, Thasma S, Andhalkar N, Avhad G, Kumbhar V. 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. Geroscience. 2023 Feb;45(1):29-43. doi: 10.1007/s11357-022-00705-1. Epub 2022 Dec 8. PMID: 36482258; PMCID: PMC9735188.
  12. Yi L, Maier AB, Tao R, Lin Z, Vaidya A, Pendse S, Thasma S, Andhalkar N, Avhad G, Kumbhar V. 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. Geroscience. 2023 Feb;45(1):29-43. doi: 10.1007/s11357-022-00705-1. Epub 2022 Dec 8. PMID: 36482258; PMCID: PMC9735188.
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Elijah Redoble

Elijah enjoys creating content that educates and entertains at the same time. During the health-content writing process, Elijah takes extra care and precaution to craft research-backed articles that are helpful, educational, and relatable to readers from various walks of life. LinkedIn

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  • Elijah enjoys creating content that educates and entertains at the same time. During the health-content writing process, Elijah takes extra care and precaution to craft research-backed articles that are helpful, educational, and relatable to readers from various walks of life. LinkedIn

    Redoble Elijah
  • Kim is a Registered Nurse and has been a medical freelance writer for more than six years. Starting off as a writer, Kim moved to proofreading and editing all the articles posted on HealthPlugged. She’s an enthusiast for health and wellness, being one to keep herself fit and adventurous for outdoor activities. LinkedIn

    Monasterial Kimberly
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Elijah enjoys creating content that educates and entertains at the same time. During the health-content writing process, Elijah takes extra care and precaution to craft research-backed articles that are helpful, educational, and relatable to readers from various walks of life. LinkedIn