NMN: Benefits, Longevity and the Role of NAD⁺

What is NMN?

NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a direct precursor of NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) , a central molecule in cellular metabolism.

Research on NMN has intensified in recent years, due to its potential to counteract certain aging processes, particularly those related to the decline of NAD⁺ with age.

Indeed, NAD⁺ is an essential cofactor for hundreds of cellular reactions.

Aging processes linked to the decline of NAD⁺

To better understand the benefits of NMN, it is appropriate to briefly review the nine main aging processes ¹ and the role that the decline in NAD ⁺ plays in this context ² .

First, genetic factors underlie aging. These include the accumulation of DNA damage coupled with reduced efficiency of DNA repair systems, as well as telomere shortening and deterioration of the epigenetic profile.

Second, protein quality control mechanisms (maintaining their optimal shape, degrading damaged proteins) also become less efficient with age. Then comes the disruption of signaling pathways (hormones, neurotransmitters, and others) that maintain optimal functions for growth, metabolism, and normal aging. With age, mitochondria also become less efficient, producing less ATP (the main source of chemical energy for the entire body) and more reactive oxygen species (oxidative stress), which cause more damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. The accumulation of senescent cells (reaching the end of their life) combined with the decreased ability of stem cells to self-renew and regenerate tissues also contribute to the normal aging process.

Ultimately, chronic low-grade inflammation (called "inflamm-aging") leads to impaired hormonal, immune, and neuronal communication, as well as a decline in the ability of tissues to maintain their functional balance.

How does NMN affect cellular longevity?

By increasing NAD ⁺ (or counteracting the decline in its level with age), NMN helps improve, first and foremost, mitochondrial functions. This translates into more ATP and fewer reactive oxygen species and leads, for example, to better tolerance to physical exertion.

Because NAD⁺ is used by enzymes involved in detecting and repairing DNA breaks, maintaining its levels improves the stability of genetic material, thereby reducing functional defects and the risk of cancer.

Finally, NAD ⁺ reduces inflammaging, strengthens nutrient metabolism (particularly by improving insulin action) and supports the proper functioning of stem cells ² .

Clinical Studies: What the Research on NMN Shows

Human studies confirm that NMN treatment does indeed increase NAD ⁺ levels in the body.

Is NMN safe? Dosages and tolerance

NMN is very well tolerated at doses up to over 1000 mg/day with few notable side effects.

What are the concrete benefits of NMN in humans?

In particular, it has been shown to improve physical performance, blood circulation to the brain, insulin action and sleep quality in various patient groups, including people aged ^3-8 .

Thus, NMN is now seen as a high-potential supplement to counter certain aging processes.

Presentation of NMN: watch to better understand its mechanism of action

Scientific references

1. López-Otín, C. et al. (2023). The Hallmarks of Aging: An Expanding Universe. Cell, 186(2):243-278.
2. Covarrubias, AJ et al. (2021) NAD(+) metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during aging. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 22(2):119-141.
3. Yi L. et al. (2023). 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, 45(1):29-43.
4. Yoshino M. et al. (2021). Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 372(6547):1224-1229.
5. Liao B. et al. (2021). Nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation enhances aerobic capacity in amateur runners: a randomized, double-blind study. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 18(1):54.
6. Kim M. et al. (2022). Effect of 12-Week Intake of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Sleep Quality, Fatigue, and Physical Performance in Older Japanese Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 14(4):755.
7. Irie J. et al. (2020). Effect of oral administration of nicotinamide mononucleotide on clinical parameters and nicotinamide metabolite levels in healthy Japanese men. Endocr J. 67(2):153-160.
8. Morifuji M. et al. (2024). Ingestion of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide increased blood NAD levels, maintained walking speed, and improved sleep quality in older adults in a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study. Geroscience. 46(5):4671-4688.