As the quest for longevity and enhanced well-being continues to captivate researchers and health enthusiasts alike, supplements like Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) have gained significant attention.
NMN is a precursor to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical coenzyme involved in numerous biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular aging. But with its popularity surging, many people are left wondering: Is NMN safe for daily use?
What is nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)?
In case you're new here and need a little more information before we go further, let's look what NMN is in more detail.
NMN is a naturally occurring compound found in small amounts in various foods such as broccoli, cabbage, avocado, and tomatoes. It plays a vital role in the biosynthesis of NAD+, which is essential for maintaining cellular health and efficient energy production. As we age, levels of NAD+ tend to decline, contributing to signs of aging and various age-related diseases.
Research into NMN has expanded significantly in recent years, revealing its possible benefits for improving metabolic function, enhancing physical performance, and even extending lifespan in model organisms.
Animal studies have shown promising results; NMN demonstrated increased endurance, improved insulin sensitivity, and better overall health markers.
These findings have inspired many individuals to consider NMN supplements as part of their daily regimen, aiming for similar benefits in human health.
Is NMN safe, and does it have side effects?
Research in humans has shown that doses of up to 1,200 mg daily are safe to consume.
Source: healthline.com
A clinical trial involving 80 middle-aged healthy adults tested the effects of β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation on blood NAD levels, safety, and physical performance. Participants were given a placebo or varying doses of NMN (300 mg, 600 mg, or 900 mg) daily for 60 days. The study found that NMN significantly increased blood NAD levels, especially at 600 mg and 900 mg doses, with no safety concerns.
Physical performance, as measured by a six-minute walking test, improved significantly in the NMN groups, with the greatest gains seen in the 600 mg and 900 mg groups.
Blood biological age remained stable in NMN-treated groups but increased in the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in insulin resistance. Overall, NMN was safe, well-tolerated, and most effective at a 600 mg daily dose.
This human study can be referenced below.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Is it okay to take NMN every day?
When it comes to taking NMN every day, the current evidence suggests that short-term use of NMN is generally safe at doses up to 1,200 mg daily.
Some studies have shown promising results in increasing NAD+ levels and potentially enhancing physical and metabolic functions.
The lack of long-term data, especially regarding chronic inflammation, warrant some caution. It’s advisable to have a conversation with your healthcare provider to assess your unique health context before incorporating NMN into your daily routine.
Remember, the goal is to optimize health, and that requires a personalized approach.
It is typically classified as a dietary supplement, and is therefore readily available.
Can NMN be taken long term?
When it comes to NMN and long-term use, it's essential to approach this topic with a blend of optimism and caution.
The potential benefits of NMN, particularly in boosting NAD+ levels, are intriguing, especially for aging populations. Many users report feeling rejuvenated and healthier within just a few weeks. Yet, elevating NAD+ could have adverse effects, such as exacerbating chronic inflammation in certain contexts.
NMN shows potential as a supplement for enhancing metabolic function and muscle performance. If you're considering long-term use, staying informed about ongoing research is advisable.
A study referenced healthy Japanese men with a 500mg dose of NMN over 10 weeks showed no adverse side effects.
Source: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/endocrj/67/2/67_EJ19-0313/_article
Many reports indicate short to mid-term use of NMN in clinical studies. These can be summarised here.
What happens when you stop taking NMN?
When you stop taking Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), several physiological changes may occur, primarily depending on how long you have been taking it and the individual’s baseline NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) levels.
Here are some potential outcomes:
- Decrease in NAD+ Levels: NMN is a precursor to NAD+, which is essential for various biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. Once NMN supplementation is discontinued, NAD+ levels could gradually decline back to baseline levels, potentially reversing any increases achieved during supplementation.
- Impact on Energy Levels: Individuals taking NMN have reported increased energy levels and improved physical performance due to elevated NAD+ levels. Stopping NMN may lead to a return of fatigue or decreased exercise capacity, particularly in populations with age-related NAD+ decline.
- Potential Return of Aging-Related Symptoms: Some studies suggest NMN supplementation may mitigate aging-related disorders, such as oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. Discontinuing NMN could potentially lead to a resurgence of these age-related symptoms.
- Variability Among Individuals: The specific effects of stopping NMN can vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as age, overall health status, lifestyle, and the duration of NMN use.
- Psychological Effects: Some users may experience psychological effects, such as disappointment or concern about declining health or energy, particularly if they were relying on NMN for perceived benefits.
Overall, while there is limited research on the specific consequences of discontinuing NMN supplementation, a decrease in NAD+ levels and potential returns of symptoms associated with aging or energy decline may be expected.
As always, it is advisable for you to consult healthcare professionals.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36482258/
Towards personalized nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) concentration.Mech Ageing Dev. 2024 Apr;218:111917. doi: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111917. Epub 2024 Feb 29. Mech Ageing Dev. 2024. PMID: 38430946
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism and arterial stiffness after long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Sci Rep. 2023 Feb 16;13(1):2786. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-29787-3. Sci Rep. 2023. PMID: 36797393 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
MIB-626, an Oral Formulation of a Microcrystalline Unique Polymorph of β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Increases Circulating Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and its Metabolome in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2023 Jan 26;78(1):90-96. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glac049. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2023. PMID: 35182418 Clinical Trial.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The Safety and Antiaging Effects of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide in Human Clinical Trials: an Update.Adv Nutr. 2023 Nov;14(6):1416-1435. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.008. Epub 2023 Aug 22. Adv Nutr. 2023. PMID: 37619764 Free PMC article. Review.
Source: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
