Finding an effective anti-aging supplement isn’t a walk in the park. Most products you’ll come across have certain drawbacks that make them less attractive one way or another.
However, NMN has gained tremendous popularity in the recent past for its incredible efficacy compared to many conventional anti-aging supplements.
But if you’re encountering this term for the first time, you’re probably wondering what it is and whether it lives up to its anti-aging claims. Well, those concerns shall be the focus of this article.
We’ve prepared a guide to NMN supplements, with a special highlight on its anti-aging benefits. Read on and be informed.
Introducing NMN
NMN is an abbreviation for nicotinamide mononucleotide. It refers to a nucleotide derived from niacin, ribose, nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside.
Typically, NMN is a naturally-occurring substance. However, its levels decrease over time, making it necessary to supplement with certain foods or formulations high in the compound.
Now, there are numerous NMN supplement benefits out there. However, these products are probably best known for their ability to reverse or delay the natural aging process.
Studies have shown that various enzymes in the human body convert NMN to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Further research in mice specimens indicates that NMN gets absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream within ten minutes of oral administration. Once assimilated, the compound is converted to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+).
NADH and NAD+ are closely related. The difference between the two compounds is that the former is bound to a hydride while the latter is not. In other words, NADH has active electrons while NAD+ doesn’t. Which essentially means that NADH is the reduced form of NAD+. Regarding exerting anti-aging effects, NAD+ stands out as it’s more affected by NMN than NADH.
Anti-aging Benefits of NMN Supplements
1. NMN Supplements May Boost NAD+ Levels
The biggest benefit of NMN as an anti-aging supplement is its ability to boost NAD+ levels. When ingested, NMN is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and converted to NAD+.
Multiple studies have established a nexus between high NMN intake and NAD+ levels. But how exactly does the interaction between the two compounds produce anti-aging benefits?
NAD+ influences many cellular functions directly and indirectly. These include metabolic pathways, cellular senescence, chromatin remodeling, DNA repair, and immune cell function. All these functions are important for maintaining normal tissue and metabolic homeostasis and slowing down the natural aging process.
One way NAD+ reduces premature aging is by playing a critical role in cellular redox reactions. The compound also serves as a substrate for the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT1. This process inhibits the master genes CLOCK and BMAL1, which regulate the circadian clock in mammals.
2. NMN Supplements May Suppress Age-related Adipose Tissue Inflammation
Adipose tissue inflammation and dysfunction can result from numerous factors during aging. Common causes include the accumulation of senescent cells.
Cellular senescence is an aging mechanism leading to chronic inflammation and organ dysfunction. The mechanism mainly results from upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS). If allowed to accumulate long enough, senescent cells may eventually induce cellular death.
We’ve already hinted at cellular senescence as one of the various ways NAD+ influences cellular functions. Inhibiting these cells from accumulating can help slow down the natural aging process.
But NMN and NAD+ not only prevent senescent cells from forming. Regular intake of these supplements may also reverse the mechanism, preventing these harmful cells from inducing apoptosis.
3. NMN Supplements May Enhance Insulin Secretion
Most studies on NMN seem to focus on the direct relationship between the compound and NAD+. However, it’s now emerging that NMN may produce many anti-aging effects besides influencing the levels of NAD+ in the bloodstream.
For instance, supplementing with NMN supplements may enhance insulin production and action. Perhaps you’re wondering how insulin activity impacts aging.
Insulin action depends mainly on three processes that impact its circulation levels. These include the amount of insulin the body produces, excreted, and the hormone’s sensitivity in the target tissues.
Aging is detrimental to all these three mechanisms. No wonder insulin-related conditions like type 2 diabetes begin in old age. Any compound that enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity can help reduce the risks of age-related chronic illnesses. And that’s another area where NMN supplements have proven tremendously helpful.
4. NMN Supplements May Improve Mitochondrial Functions
Mitochondria are cell organelles that generate much energy required to perform various biochemical reactions in the cells. That already says a lot about their significance in maintaining normal cellular functions.
But like all cell organelles, the mitochondria undergo age-related degeneration. Many other factors may impair the performance of these organelles, including mutations in the nuclear DNA and environmental toxins.
According to research, a decline in mitochondrial function may cause aging and age-related diseases. Therefore, any intervention that keeps these organelles working can usually significantly slow down the natural aging process.
NMN supports the biosynthesis of NAD+, which plays a crucial role in reducing oxidative damage to various cellular components like the mitochondria.
5. NMN Supplements May Improve Neuronal Function in the Brain
Aging and neurodegeneration (deterioration in neuronal functions) are closely related. These phenomena often share a cause-effect relationship.
Neurodegeneration is marked by the accumulation of impaired and aggregated proteins, as well as damaged mitochondria in the neurons. The build-up of these harmful compounds can trigger or exacerbate oxidative stress in the neurons. Oxidative stress is a condition that results from the unrestrained increase in unstable molecules in the body cells. It typically results from the build-up of free radicals.
Fortunately, supplementing with NMN may decelerate the rate of neuronal degeneration, possibly slowing down the aging process. NMN supports neuronal functions by attenuating neuronal cell apoptosis caused by oxidative stress. The compound also improves energy metabolism by aiding mitochondrial functions.
Even if you’re not longing for youthful skin, simply integrating NMN supplements into your wellness routine can help prevent various neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease.
The Bottom Line
The role of NMN in slowing down the natural aging process cannot be overemphasized. Modifying your intake is one way to make the most of these supplements.
Various studies have shown that a single dose of up to 600 milligrams (mg) of NMN is safe for men. However, this depends on many factors, such as age, size, and body chemistry.
The conventional wisdom is to talk to your physician before using NMN supplements. That’s especially if you’re on certain prescription meds.
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