October 02, 2023

What is NMN and what are the benefits of taking it?

What is NMN?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide, or NMN, is an essential molecule found in the human body that plays a role in cellular energy production and metabolic function. It acts as a precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme in our bodies that is essential for various biological processes, including DNA repair, gene expression, and energy metabolism.

With ageing, our NAD+ levels decline, impacting cell resilience and contributing to age-related health issues. However, research shows that NMN supplementation could be the secret to boosting our NAD+ levels, reducing skin ageing and age-related decline such as mitochondrial dysfunction, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration.

Signs of NMN deficiency:

Signs of NMN deficiency may affect our health, with noticeable changes such as reduced energy, slow metabolism, cognitive decline, and weakened immune function, decreased muscle mass and a decline in physical endurance as you grow older. NMN deficiency can also show on our skin, accelerating signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

Therefore, understanding how to maintain optimal NMN levels through proper nutrition or supplementation could be key in supporting our overall well-being and combat the effects of ageing.

Key Benefits of NMN Supplementation:

Ongoing research indicates promising results, suggesting that interventions involving NMN supplementation may effectively slow down visible signs of ageing.

1. Slows Down Skin Ageing:

This rise in NAD+ levels through NMN supplementation may effectively combat age-related concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and diminishing skin elasticity. These qualities position NMN as a promising solution for those seeking to mitigate the visible signs of ageing and promote overall longevity by reducing cellular senescence.

A research study delved into NMN's impact on hyperpigmentation, revealing its potential to diminish signalling to aged melanocytes, thereby presenting a possible solution to age-related hyperpigmentation issues like age spots.

2. May Lower Risk of Obesity:

NMN supplementation holds promise in addressing obesity and age-related weight gain due to its involvement in metabolic processes and cellular energy production. As individuals age, there is a natural decline in NAD+ levels, impacting metabolism and energy utilisation. NMN may help boost to NAD+ levels, potentially supporting a more efficient metabolism and aiding in weight management.

By enhancing cellular function and promoting energy expenditure, NMN supplementation could assist in preventing or mitigating age-related weight gain and obesity, making it a compelling avenue for further research and exploration in the battle against excess weight.

3. Reduces the risk of Sun Damage:

The skin is regularly exposed to UVA/B radiation which is known to accelerate skin ageing. UV radiation triggers enzymes called NAMPT and PARP, causing them to toggle between cell survival and dysfunction mode. When this occurs, NAMPT produces NAD+ (an important molecule for cell energy), while PARP consumes it. As UV exposure blocks NAMPT, PARP runs out of NAD+, making our skin cells struggle to respond to UV damage and grow.

However, a study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology indicates that we could potentially give our skin cells a boost of NAD+ through NMN supplements, helping them recover from UV damage and grow better. This could be an effective way to treat skin ageing caused by UV exposure.

4. Reduces the risk of Heart Disease:

NMN may promote the dilation of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve mitochondrial function, all of which can help lower the risk of heart disease. Metabolic disorders contribute to a majority of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart failure. NAD+ plays a role in metabolic pathways, therefore as a NAD+ precursor, NMN supplementation could improve cardiovascular diseases by stabilising the metabolic system.

5. Improve Physical Endurance:

By increasing NAD+ levels, NMN supports mitochondrial function, the powerhouse of cells, promoting efficient energy production. This improved energy metabolism can translate into enhanced physical endurance, allowing individuals to perform physical activities more effectively and sustain their efforts for longer durations. NMN supplementation offers a promising avenue for individuals looking to optimise their physical performance during exercise training and maintain vitality, especially as they age.

Research suggests that an oral administration of NMN of up to 600-900 mg per day was well tolerated and had a positive impact on physical endurance.

6. May Improve Insulin Sensitivity:

NMN supplementation may support the function of sirtuins, a class of proteins known to regulate insulin sensitivity. Sirtuins help improve insulin sensitivity by promoting efficient glucose metabolism and enhancing the body's response to insulin. Additionally, NMN supplementation has been found to activate a signalling pathway called the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which further enhances insulin sensitivity by promoting glucose uptake and utilisation in cells. By supporting these mechanisms, NMN supplementation can contribute to improved insulin sensitivity, thereby reducing the risk of insulin resistance and related metabolic disorders.

In a study, Yoshino et al. found that an oral administration of NMN at a dose of 250mg per day increases insulin muscle sensitivity and insulin signalling in prediabetic women.

7. Preserves Collagen and Elastin:

NMN supplementation may counter the harmful effects of sun exposure by reducing the production of damaging free radicals. These molecules, generated by UV radiation, can break down collagen and elastin, essential proteins for skin health. NMN boosts cellular NAD+ levels, activating enzymes like sirtuins that aid in repairing damaged DNA and combating oxidative stress. By enhancing these repair mechanisms, NMN shows promising results in preserving collagen and elastin, promoting more youthful skin despite sun-induced damage. However, more research is needed to establish NMN supplementation in support of skin elastin and collagen.

8. May Help to Regulate Circadian Rhythm:

As people age, sleep disturbances often become common, linked to metabolic issues and reduced levels of NAD+. NMN supplementation has shown potential in addressing this problem. Research indicates that NMN can significantly impact metabolic and stress-response pathways that decline with age. Essentially, it helps by supporting the circadian rhythm (the body's internal clock), which regulates sleep patterns. By reinforcing this natural rhythm, NMN supplementation has the potential to improve sleep quality in ageing individuals, offering a solution to a prevalent problem associated with getting older.

Side Effects of NMN Supplementation:

NMN supplementation is typically well-tolerated, with minimal documentation of side effects in humans according to current research studies. However, with every supplement, there are can still some risks of side effects such as:

Nausea
Diarrhoea
Digestive discomfort

Recommended Dosage:

By compiling existing research studies, NMN supplementation as low as 250mg, reaching up to 1200 mg per day has been shown to be beneficial to our health. We recommend starting with 250 mg per day and gradually increasing if your body is tolerant of the supplementation.

What Form of NMN is Better? Pill or Liquid?

The choice between pill and liquid forms of NMN supplementation depends on individual preferences and specific needs. Both pills and liquids have their advantages, however, we recommend liposomal NMN over traditional pills or liquids due to its enhanced absorption and bioavailability.

Liposomal NMN is encapsulated in lipid molecules to improve its absorption in the body, making it more effective.

We recommend:

Lipolife Liposomal NMN is recommended for its advanced delivery system. Encapsulating NMN in liposomes enhances its absorption and bioavailability, allowing the body to utilise the compound more effectively. This method mimics the body's natural cell structure, ensuring NMN reaches its target cells efficiently.

By providing a higher level of absorption, Lipolife Liposomal NMN offers a promising solution for individuals seeking the potential benefits of NMN supplementation, making it a preferred choice for those looking to support their overall health and well-being.

Simply take 5ml per day which provides you with a dose of 250 mg liposomal NMN.

Summary:

In conclusion, NMN supplementation holds immense potential in promoting overall health and combating the effects of ageing. Research indicates its positive impact on skin ageing, obesity, heart disease, physical endurance, insulin sensitivity, and circadian rhythm regulation. NMN helps counter the signs of ageing, preserves collagen and elastin, and supports better sleep quality.

References:

By Rhysa Phommachanh, Head of Digital at Landys Chemist