NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): The New Anti-Aging Nutrient?

nicotinamide mononucleotide NMN anti-aging nutrientIs it possible that NMN – nicotinamide mononucleotide – is an anti-aging nutrient? This chemical occurs naturally in the body, but levels drop in seniors. Researchers are finding that taking NMN supplements appears to have benefits. How does NMN work? What does it do? And, could seniors slow down the aging process by taking it?

Taken orally, NMN is rapidly absorbed and converted to NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).1 In numerous studies, supplementation with NMN has increased NAD+ biosynthesis, suppressed age-related adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced insulin secretion and insulin action, improved mitochondrial function, improved neuronal function in the brain, and more.

A recent study including 30 healthy adults found supplementation with 250 milligrams (mg) of NMN per day for 12 weeks significantly increased blood levels of NAD+ compared to placebo treatment.2 Another recent study investigated the effects of daily NMN supplementation in 80 healthy middle-aged adults in doses of 300 mg, 600 mg, or 900 mg for 60 days. Researchers found participants had significantly increased blood NAD+ concentrations, with the highest concentration of NAD+ found in the groups taking 600 mg and 900 mg of NMN per day.3

Why is Increased Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Important?

NAD decreases naturally with age. The average NAD+ concentration in human samples is several times lower in adults than in newborns.4

It is required for the addition of poly-ADP ribose to proteins and the deacetylating activity of sirtuin enzymes, which are critical for regulating cell growth, energy metabolism, stress resistance, inflammation, circadian rhythm and neuronal function.5

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is one of the main precursors of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), an essential enzyme for various critical cell functions, including metabolism, DNA repair, cell growth and survival. The process of aging over time results in function defects in organ function and tissue health, resulting in a cascade of different health issues and poorer functionality. This is triggered by a decrease in systemic NAD+ biosynthesis. An increase in intracellular levels of NAD+ triggers shifts that enhance survival, including boosting energy production and upregulating cellular repair.6

NAD+ is found in abundance in mitochondria, the cell cytoplasm and nucleus.

Supplementing NMN may be an effective nutraceutical anti-aging intervention, with beneficial effects on a wide array of physiological functions.7

In numerous mouse models of disease and aging, NMN taken orally has demonstrated a wide array of remarkable effects, benefiting conditions ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease to ischemia.8

In mouse studies, NMD taken orally showed the following benefits:

Suppresses age-associated weight gain, enhanced energy metabolism and physical activity, improved insulin sensitivity, eye function and mitochondrial metabolism as well as prevented age-linked changes in gene expression.9

Protected the heart from ischemia and/or reperfusion injury.10

Increasing your NAD+ levels by using NMN supplements may help boost physical performance, energy, and more, and those same individuals reported significantly better health compared to the placebo group.11
Restored skeletal muscle.12

One study suggested the improvements in the runners who took NMN were likely due to enhanced oxygen utilization of the skeletal muscle.13

Slowed cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, by improving the survival of neurons, improving energy metabolism, and reducing reactive oxygen species14
May help maintain the integrity of the blood brain barrier.15

Cellular functions and benefits include adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production for energy to our cells, management of oxidative stress, gene expression, and deoxyribonucleic acid repair, as well as protein deacetylase activity and calcium homeostasis.

Researcher Shin-ichiro Imai has said that NMN may improve adult human metabolism, rendering it more like that of someone ten or twenty years younger.16

Macular Degeneration and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide

NMN can suppress the expression of a broad set of genes in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium (iPS-RPE) cells that may contribute to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).17

The outer half of the retina consists of photoreceptor cells and structures that convert light into neural signals that go to the optic nerve, then to the visual cortex in one’s brain which is how we see, but cannot complete the process without help from the multifunctional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) or without fuel. RPE and photoreceptors are nourished through a highly dense network of extraretinal vascular plexus, the choriocapillaris, which surrounds the outer retina. The blood flow, and related oxygen and nutrients that the retina needs to function well is the highest of anywhere in the body (other than possibly the brain).18

Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Glaucoma

Decreased serum levels of nicotinamide (NAM), which is a precursor of NAD, has also been documented in glaucoma patients (and in the retina),19 as well as mitochondrial (our cell’s energy batteries) abnormalities that lead up to it have been identified in both animal models20 and glaucoma patients.21 An increase in mitochondrial size and motility, in addition to a simultaneous dampening of the action potential firing frequency, has also been documented related to mitochondrial functioning.22

NAM was very effective in decreasing glaucomatous damage in animal models. At the higher dose, there was a decrease in the level of IOP elevation as well, making its action two-pronged approached to helping treat glaucoma.23

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Study on mice showed intake of Molecular H2 help protect photoreceptor damage for those with Retinitis Pigmentosa.24

How can Hydrogen Therapy help patients dealing with Retinitis Pigmentosa and other retinal diseases:

  1. Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection for the retinal photoreceptors (rods and cones).
  2. Inhibits the death of retinal photoreceptors, which slows and can even arrest the acceleration of retinal degeneration.
  3. Increases retinal photoreceptor function by stimulating mitochondrial ATP production for cell repair and regeneration.
  4. Accelerates repair and recovery of damaged and sick retinal cells.

Insulin Sensitivity and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide

Increasing NAD+ levels by supplementing with NMN could improve certain aspects of metabolic health, including the body’s sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that moves blood sugar into cells where it’s used for energy.25

Skin Aging

NMN has also emerged as a potential solution to skin aging. A recent study showed that NMN combined with intestinal bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 protected mouse skin from damage caused by ultraviolet B irradiation12, the main cause of premature skin aging.26

Food Sources

NMN is naturally found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables such as avocados, broccoli, cabbage, edamame, and cucumbers27. Mammals synthesize most of their NMN from vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinamide.

NAD+ precursors are found in small amounts in natural foods, such as cow’s milk, vegetables and meats.

NMM Safety

NMN doesn’t seem to cause any adverse side effects or harm health when taken in doses of up to 1,250 mg,28 though more research need to done regarding long-term usage.29 NMN isn’t known to interact with any medications.

New Research on Alzheimer’s (AD) Disease Prevention and Management

Researchers have discovered that higher levels of certain fatty acids in the blood are associated with a lower risk of brain changes typical of the disease. This finding, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, could pave the way for more effective early detection and management strategies for Alzheimer’s, a condition that affects millions worldwide30

This study further supports the ongoing evidence of thousands of research studies that targeted nutrient supplementation (along with diet and lifestyle considerations) can be effective in both preventing and preserving healthy brain function related to AD (and other forms of dementia and cognitive function decline).

Suggested Supplements to Consider

NMN Wonderfeel Youngr™ 60 vegcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Circulation and Optic Nerve Support Formula (was labeled Dr. G’s Eye Pressure Support Formula)

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps

Retinal Support (wild-crafted herbal formula) 2 oz

Dr. Grossman’s Blood Vessel Control Formula 2oz

OmegaGenics™ EPA-DHA 720 Lemon 120 gels

Dr. Grossman’s Whole Food Organic Superfood Multi-Vitamin 120 Vcaps

Brain and Memory Power Boost 120 caps

Brain Support Packages

Brain and Memory Support Package 1

Natural Parkinson’s Support Book and Supplement Package1

Recommended Books

Natural Eye Care: Your Guide to Healthy Vision and Healing

Natural Brain Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Other Related Diseases Naturally

Natural Parkinson’s Support: Your Guide to Preventing and Managing Parkinson’s

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    Tsutomu Igarashi, Ikuroh Ohsawa, Maika Kobayashi, Kai Miyazaki, Toru Igarashi, Shuhei Kameya, Asaka Lee Shiozawa, Yasuhiro Ikeda, Yoshitaka Miyagawa, Mashito Sakai, Takashi Okada, Iwao Sakane & Hiroshi Takahashi ↩

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