Aging is a natural process. But aging well—with energy, clarity, and vitality requires supporting the body’s key mechanisms that tend to weaken over time.
Among the most studied ingredients in relation to longevity, NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide, has generated significant interest. It acts as a precursor to NAD+, an essential molecule involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body.
What Changes with Age
Over time, several natural mechanisms become less efficient. These include:
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accumulation of DNA and protein damage,
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progressive shortening of telomeres,
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reduced mitochondrial efficiency,
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decreased cellular repair,
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accumulation of senescent cells,
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chronic low-grade inflammation,
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gradual depletion of stem cells.
These phenomena are part of normal aging, but certain tools may help support the body’s ability to adapt and repair.
The Key Role of NAD+
NAD+ is essential for energy production, proper mitochondrial function, DNA repair, and metabolic balance.
However, NAD+ levels decline with age. This is where NMN becomes particularly interesting: it is a direct precursor to NAD+, meaning it helps the body to produce more of it.
By supporting NAD+ levels, NMN may help:
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support cellular energy production,
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promote mitochondrial function,
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support DNA repair,
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support cognitive health,
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assist glucose metabolism,
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support muscular vitality,
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contribute to greater cellular resilience.
Energy, Muscles, and Metabolism
Mitochondria are the small energy powerhouses of our cells. With age, they often produce less energy and more oxidative stress.
By supporting NAD+, NMN helps maintain better production of ATP, the body’s main source of energy. Some exploratory clinical studies also suggest interesting effects on physical capacity, oxygen use by the muscles, and insulin sensitivity.
Of course, it does not replace a healthy lifestyle, but it can become a complementary tool within a global approach: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and targeted supplementation.
Brain, Memory, and Cognitive Aging
NAD+ also plays an important role in neurons. It helps maintain neuronal connections, supports brain plasticity, and contributes to the reduction of neuroinflammation.
Some data suggest that NMN may support working memory, cerebral blood flow, and cognitive health in aging individuals. This research is still developing, but it opens a promising path.
NMN and Health Support: Two Complementary Approaches
NMN acts as foundational support by helping raise NAD+ levels in the body. It therefore supports several essential functions at the source.
A formula such as Health Support, on the other hand, provides more targeted support for different systems: immune, nervous, musculoskeletal, digestive and cardiometabolic.
The two approaches can therefore be seen as complementary:
NMN supports the overall cellular foundation, while Soutien Santé targets several key aspects of aging.
Aging Better, with Awareness
NMN does not promise to stop time. Rather, it is part of a modern vision of aging: supporting the body’s natural mechanisms to help preserve energy, function, and quality of life for as long as possible.
Aging is a privilege. Aging well is an intention we cultivate, one gesture at a time.
About Pierre Haddad
Pierre S. Haddad holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Montreal. For over 40 years, he has conducted scientific research in academic settings in Quebec and internationally, including Austria, the United States and Morocco. For more than 25 years, his work has focused on natural health products, traditional medicine, and the mechanisms of action of medicinal plants, particularly in the context of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
He has received awards and distinctions from the academic and research communities, as well as from associations of complementary health practitioners. He is currently serving as Interim Scientific Director at Maison Jacynthe.
REFERENCES
López-Otín, C. et al. (2023). The Hallmarks of Aging: An Expanding Universe. Cell, 186(2):243-278.
Covarrubias, A.J. et al. (2021) NAD(+) metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 22(2):119-141.
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.
Yoshino M. et al. (2021). Nicotinamide mononucleotide increases muscle insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women. Science. 372(6547):1224-1229.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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