What is NMN?

NMN stands for Nicotinamide Mononucleotide. This is a small molecule that naturally occurs in all living forms. NMN is a bioactive nucleotide which is one of the age-controlling molecules playing an active role in boosting NAD+ levels (central molecule supporting human existence).

Why is NMN important?

NAD+ is a very important and small molecule, without which we would die in seconds. The biggest issue with NAD+ is its shrinking levels while we age.

Luckily, it is possible to enhance NAD+ levels by supplementing it with NAD precursors. Out of the precursors known so far, NMN is considered to be the most effective to maintain or increase NAD+ levels.

Also, they help to activate the Sirtuin genes, important to accelerate DNA repair and cell survival and development.

What are the other benefits of NMN for the human body?

With age, our bodies start getting frail and produce less energy, become vulnerable to inflammations and infections, and experience cognitive degeneration and aging-related memory decline.

Also, one of the commonly possible outcomes of unhealthy aging is obesity. The latter is one of the causes of the vast amount of NAD+ depletion.

To prevent this from happening, you can choose to augment your NAD+ levels with NMN supplementation. The benefits of high NMN supplies and hence increased NAD+ levels in the body include

– Glucose tolerance
– Improved Insulin sensitivity and signaling
– Improved blood circulation
– Age-induced excess body weight suppression
– Muscle endurance
– Restoration of better cognitive function
– Enhanced energy metabolism
– Improved mitochondrial function
– DNA protection
– Prevention of age-related gene mutation

Does NMN increase energy levels?

A famous study conducted by Dr. David Sinclair and his colleagues in his Lab at Harvard Medical School documented heightened energy levels among older mice. The study was conducted with 12-month-old mice who were fed nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) blended in their drinking water.

Dr. Sinclair mentions “The effects of NMN are similar to that of dieting and exercise. The mice are leaner and have more energy. Plus, they run further on the treadmill”.

Also, many people using NMN supplements show remarkably high energy levels and the ability to concentrate.

Can NMN prevent age-related disorders?

During the first stages of NMN studies, this molecule was considered crucial for producing cellular energy and NAD+ augmentation.

Further, many anti-aging benefits of NMN were also observed. These benefits were later connected with the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive decline (including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases). Plus, numerous therapeutic effects on type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiac and cerebral ischemia, and heart failure.

How does NMN affect aging?

NMN supplements work in many different ways affecting the aging process. The health issues emerging with aging can be a result of NAD+ decline which can be inhibited by NMN supplementation.

The organismal downregulation due to inflammatory and oxidative conditions, DNA damage, and cognitive impairment in the human body leading to low NAD+ levels cause accelerated aging and premature death. But…

These adversities can be alleviated through NAD+ enhancement and active longevity gene expression. For this reason, NMN supplements come in handy by converting into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in the cells and tissues. The enhanced or even doubled NAD+ levels through NMN supplements positively affect aging by slowing down its pace.

At what age should I take NMN?

There is no specific age when you can start the NMN supplementation. But after a large body of research done in the field of longevity and healthy aging suggests that you should start NMN administration as soon as you notice the first signs of unhealthy aging. That is frequent inflammations, low energy metabolism, undesirable weight gain, and cognitive malfunction. However…

Many people start the NMN intake when they reach 30+ to mitigate health issues and slow down or reverse aging.

When should I take NMN during the day?

If you aim to boost your energy levels you may consider taking NMN early in the morning an hour after you wake up when your NAD+ levels spike.

And if you want to have high energy when your NAD+ levels are low during the second half of the day you may take the second pill of NMN. But keep in mind that the high energy levels might negatively affect your sleep during the night causing longer sleep latency. So, take it after 2-3 pm.

What are the optimal doses of NMN?

While the doses of NMN intake may vary from person to person, It is recommended to take up to 250mg to 500mg of non-liposomal NMN a day to experience high energy levels without side effects. Though, several studies suggest you may take 8mg of non-liposomal NMN per kg of your body weight.

But if you are taking a liposomal form of NMN you do not need high doses of it given that the liposomal form ensures the promised amount will reach the cells and tissues. Some brands use 100mg to 125mg of liposomal NMN in a single capsule.

However, David Sinclair, a professor at Harvard Medical School, takes 1000mg (1g) of non-liposomal NMN supplement once a day. To enhance the bioavailability of the substance, he mixes it with some natural yogurt or a spoonful of olive oil.

Which NMN is better? Powder or encapsulated?

Looking from the angle of comfort, the capsulated NMN supplements are easy to carry and consume. Also, capsules containing low amounts of NMN are comparably smaller, making it easier to swallow the pill. Plus, in the encapsulated form of NMN, it is possible to include additional ingredients such as resveratrol, folate, vitamin B12, or others.

However, some people may prefer consuming the powder form of NMN which is cheaper compared to encapsulated NMN supplements.

How is NMN produced by the body?

NMN in the body is produced by using B vitamins in the body. The enzyme that helps to produce NMN from B vitamins is called nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT).

Does NMN help with eye vision?

The study on mice demonstrated the importance of high retinal NAD+ levels for better vision and staying resilient to light exposure. The declined NAD+ levels in mice resulted in degenerated retinal function, but the NMN supplementation significantly improved their vision by enhancing retinal NAD+ levels.

How is NMN converted into NAD+?

When taken as a supplement, NMN only needs to go through one metabolic step to become NAD+. The NMNAT enzyme is a protein that is always present in our cells and is required for the survival of all living organisms. The NMN transition for the NAD+ production is very important and this is where the enzyme NMNAT (nicotinic acid mononucleotide adenylyltransferase) is required.

This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of NMN into NAD+ in a reaction that uses ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is an energy-carrying molecule present in the cells of all living organisms.

Can I receive NMN naturally through food?

Yes. NMN can be found in food such as broccoli, cabbage, avocado, edamame, tomatoes, and cucumber, Also, a trace amount of NMN can naturally be found in mushrooms, beef, and shrimps.

The amount of NMN found in these foods may help to maintain positive NAD+ levels. But aiming to boost the levels of this crucial molecule, you may also think of using NMN supplements.

What is the shelf life of NMN?

The manufacturers suggest keeping NMN refrigerated to maintain the full potency of the supplement. This statement may be true for non-liposomal NMN products. But the purity tests from brands providing a liposomal form of NMN demonstrate no significant change in the purity of liposomal NMN capsules stored under different temperature conditions.

Hence, the shelf life of liposomal NMN can reach up to 6 months without significant changes in the quality

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