The Science Behind NMN
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring molecule that has recently gained attention for its potential benefits in supporting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases. NMN is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA repair, and other important biological processes.
As we age, our levels of NAD+ tend to decrease, leading to a decline in the function of various systems in the body. Supplementation with NMN has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, potentially reversing some of the negative effects of aging and improving overall health and well-being.
In this article, we will discuss the potential benefits of NMN supplementation, including its effects on energy metabolism, DNA repair, and brain function. We will also discuss the current state of research on NMN and provide references for further reading.
One of the most well-known benefits of NMN supplementation is its potential to support healthy energy metabolism. NAD+ plays a key role in the production of ATP, the main source of energy for cells in the body. As we age, our NAD+ levels tend to decline, leading to a decrease in ATP production and resulting in fatigue and reduced physical performance.
Supplementation with NMN has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, which can improve ATP production and reduce fatigue. In a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, mice fed a diet supplemented with NMN had increased NAD+ levels and improved exercise performance compared to mice fed a control diet.
NMN supplementation may also have benefits for DNA repair. DNA damage is a natural part of aging, and it can lead to a variety of age-related diseases, including cancer. NAD+ plays a crucial role in DNA repair, and a decline in NAD+ levels has been linked to an increased risk of DNA damage and age-related diseases.
Supplementation with NMN has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, which can improve DNA repair and reduce the risk of DNA damage. In a study published in the journal Nature, mice fed a diet supplemented with NMN had increased NAD+ levels and improved DNA repair compared to mice fed a control diet.
Another potential benefit of NMN supplementation is its effect on brain function. NAD+ is involved in various brain processes, including the regulation of neurotransmitter release and the maintenance of neuronal structure. As we age, NAD+ levels tend to decline, leading to a decline in brain function.
Supplementation with NMN has been shown to increase NAD+ levels, which can improve brain function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. In a study published in the journal Nature Communications, mice fed a diet supplemented with NMN had increased NAD+ levels and improved cognitive function compared to mice fed a control diet.
Currently, the research on the benefits of NMN supplementation is still ongoing , however, the available evidence suggests that NMN may have promising benefits for supporting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases.
If you are interested in learning more about the potential benefits of NMN supplementation, here are a few references for further reading:
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Imai, S. (2020). NAD+ metabolism, aging, and age-related diseases. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 89, 173-194.
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Yoshino, J., Imai, S. (2011). NAD+ biosynthesis, aging, and age-related metabolic diseases. Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism, 22(9), 464-471.
- Nakahata Y., Kaluzova M., Grimaldi B., et al. (2008) The NAD+−dependent deacetylase SIRT1 modulates CLOCK-mediated chromatin remodeling and circadian control. Cell, 134(2):329–340.