Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a naturally occurring organic compound found in several foods, including broccoli, cabbage, cucumber and avocados. It is a precursor to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), which is a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in many cellular processes in the body. Recent studies have shown that NMN supplementation has several health benefits, including anti-aging effects and improved metabolic function.
Anti-aging effects
As we age, our levels of NAD+ decrease, which contributes to the aging process. Research has shown that NAD+ levels are even halved over the course of adulthood NMN supplementation has been shown to increase levels of NAD+ in both mice and humans, leading to improved mitochondrial function, increased energy metabolism, and reduced age-related cell damage. This has led researchers to suggest that NMN supplementation may help slow or even reverse the aging process.
Cognitive function
NMN supplementation has been shown to improve cognitive function in animal studies. For example, a study in aged mice found that NMN supplementation improved cognitive function by increasing synaptic plasticity, or connection strength, in the brain, which is strongly associated with memory formation and learning. Another study in mice showed that NMN supplementation reduced cognitive decline by improving brain function. An example of this is a study in which NMN was administered to rats that developed Alzheimer's. In this study, it was observed that the rats improved in learning ability and cognition, increased energy metabolism and neuron functionality. Read the study here . These findings suggest that NMN supplementation may have potential for the treatment of cognitive decline.
Improved metabolic function
NMN has been shown to improve metabolic function in several studies. For example, a study in obese mice showed that NMN supplementation improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. This suggests that NMN plays a useful role in healthy metabolism and may reduce the risk of diabetes. Another study in overweight men showed that NMN supplementation increased insulin sensitivity and lowered blood pressure. These findings suggest that NMN is a useful supplement for people looking to improve their metabolic health.
Protective effects on the heart
NMN has shown protective effects on the heart in both animal and human studies. For example, a study in mice found that NMN supplementation improved cardiac function and reduced damage after a heart attack. Another human study showed that NMN supplementation improved endothelial function, which is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels.
Activation of the sirtuin family
Sirtuins are a group of proteins that are essential for the regulation of our metabolism and energy metabolism. They also play an important role in the aging process and are therefore also called "aging genes". Sirtuin activation is therefore a promising strategy for improving health and extending lifespan. Read here about how the sirtuin genes work
Overall, the findings suggest that NMN supplementation has several health benefits, including anti-aging effects, improved metabolic function and improved cognitive function. Although more research is needed to fully understand the effects of NMN, it is an exciting area of research that has the potential to improve our understanding of aging and age-related diseases.