NMN, or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, is a natural compound with signifcant attention in longevity and anti-aging. While no specific scientist is accredited as the person who discovered NMN, the earliest research mentioning NMN dates back to 1963 to three researchers, Pierre Chambon, Jean-Daniel Weill, and Pierre Mandel (r). Their work focused on the role of NMN in the biosynthesis of NAD+ and its importance in cellular metabolism. NMN is crucial in producing NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for various cellular processes and energy metabolism.
NAD+ is a vital coenzyme in many biological processes, including DNA repair, cellular metabolism, and energy production. NMN serves as a precursor to NAD+, which helps create more NAD+ in the body. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, leading to a decrease in cellular energy and an increase in age-related health issues.
Research and studies have shown that NMN supplementation can provide numerous health benefits. These include:
– Improved cellular energy production
– Enhanced DNA repair and cellular stress resistance
– Promoting healthy aging and longevity
– Supporting cognitive function and neuroprotection
– Improved metabolic health and insulin sensitivity
– Potential Longevity and Healthspan Benefits
Some specific studies on NMN in humans are:
– A study published in 2019 in the journal Endocrine Reviews showed that NMN supplementation improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in older adults.
– A 2020 study published in the journal Nature Metabolism demonstrated that NMN supplementation helped maintain mitochondrial function in aged mice, leading to improved physical activity and a longer lifespan.
– A 2021 clinical trial conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, investigating the effects of NMN supplementation on cognitive function, exercise capacity, and metabolic health in older adults (results are pending).
Several books and publications reference NMN and its role in longevity and health:
1. “Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To” by David A. Sinclair, Ph.D., and Matthew D. LaPlante: This book explores the science behind aging and discusses various interventions, including the use of NMN, to slow down the aging process and improve overall health.
2. “The NAD+ Supplement Review: The Science Behind NAD+ Boosters” by Dr. Brad Stanfield: This book provides a comprehensive overview of NAD+ boosters, including NMN, and their potential benefits in promoting health and longevity.
3. “The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age” by Dr. Steven R. Gundry: This book discusses various strategies for healthy aging, including the role of NAD+ and its precursors, such as NMN, in maintaining optimal health as we age
NAD+ levels decline with age, and boosting them through dietary means can be challenging. Foods rich in NAD+ precursors, such as dairy, fish, and whole grains, may provide some benefits. However, NMN supplementation has been proven more effective in increasing NAD+ levels and promoting overall health and longevity.
If you are after a quick, easy explanation of NMN for longevity, I found the below Youtube video, which gives the best base level of understanding for someone new to the longevity scene.
NMN has distinct advantages when comparing NMN to another NAD+ precursor, NR (Nicotinamide Riboside). NMN is structurally closer to NAD+, meaning it can be more efficiently converted into NAD+ in the body. NR, on the other hand, must first be converted into NMN before being utilized as NAD+. This extra step can result in a less efficient conversion process, making NMN supplementation more effective for boosting NAD+ levels.